Love and lies - Chapter 4 Romora Novel

Chapter 4

Under the dim light, I wasn't sure if it was my imagination, but Zoe's face darkened for a second, before she smiled.

"Cole, are you trying to spite me?"

I knelt down and zipped up the suitcase she had packed, my voice flat and calm. "You're overthinking it."

"After getting to know her a bit, I think she's actually pretty great."

Zoe frowned. "Cole, are you sure you're not just trying to get back at me?"

"You're the one who said I should look at other women. Now that Jayce is back, I'm giving you back to him. Shouldn't I move on too?"

Zoe didn't answer, just stared at me deeply.

I saw something in her eyes, a fleeting sense of loss.

Then, she said, word by word, "Since you're interested in her, I'll set something up. I'll introduce you two myself."

After saying that, she grabbed her suitcase and walked out.

Then, I heard the front door slam shut with a loud "bang."

She didn't get the begging she expected from me. Instead, I told her I was interested in her best friend.

She was pissed.

…

Zoe was ignoring me again.

Before, when she ignored me, I would be miserable, wracking my brain for ways to make up with her quickly.

But these past few days, I found that not actively thinking about Zoe was actually a relief.

I poured all my time into work.

With no distractions, my work efficiency soared. I was praised by my boss two days in a row.

The next time Zoe called was a week later.

She had already arranged a dinner. She was going to formally set me up with her best friend.

I gladly accepted.

When I arrived, she and Jayce were already there.

I walked over and immediately saw their hands intertwined.

Jayce glanced at me and raised his hand, the one holding Zoe's.

"So, uh, Zoe and I are together now."

I raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly as if I had expected it.

Zoe smiled too. "Cole, you'll be happy for us, right?"

I knew Zoe was saying it to provoke me, but she failed to stir any emotion in me.

"Of course. Congratulations, you two. A perfect match."

Zoe then introduced me to her best friend, Stella Morgan.

Stella looked at me and said softly, "Hello, Cole. I'm Stella."

My mind suddenly flashed back to that night at the bar, when she was drunk, clinging to my neck and asking if I wanted to sleep with her.

Now, seeing this gentle and lovely woman in front of me, I couldn't help but wonder if that night was even real.

Lost in thought, I didn't respond right away.

When she didn't get a reply, her long eyelashes fluttered, as if she was a bit flustered. Then she curved her lips into a smile.

"I'm the one who asked Zoe to invite you out. Please don't be mad."

I pulled my thoughts back from my memories and smiled back.

"So, this dinner means you want to ask me out?"

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