Chapter

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Zeke's nostrils flared as his eyes moved from Alden to Luisa. "Oh, so you're back together with this idiot who two-timed you with another woman?" he scoffed in disbelief. "Great. Just great."

Without another word, he stepped past them and walked out of the office. Tension hang in the air seconds after his departure.

"Well, at least he didn't try to punch the hell out of me," Alden joked to lighten the mood.

No one else laughed, but the tension eased slightly.

"Hey, are you ready to go, or should I leave without you?" Alden asked Kris.

"No, I'll go with you. I'm sure Lassa has a lot of work to do," Kris responded.

It still felt surreal to call her "Lassa" without her telling him it was reserved only for her loved ones. Did that mean he was part of her loved ones now? Smiling to himself, he moved to stand in front of Thalassa. "I'll go now. See you at your house this evening?"

"Sure," she whispered.

Leaning down, Kris placed a gently kiss on her lips, and when he pulled back, he couldn't help the words that came out of his mouth, "I love you."

His breath caught as he gazed into her eyes, waiting for a response.

"I know," she said simply.

Kris felt a sharp sting in his chest, but he reminded himself that just a week ago, she had told him he meant nothing to her. The fact that he had made progress was enough for now. He didn't mind waiting until she was ready to say those words back to him. 000000000

"I can't believe it. Linda Miller is really hosting a party at her mansion like you said," Luisa remarked later that night after they had returned from work. "How did you know she would?"

Thalassa shrugged. "Because she's predictable in a lot of ways. Social status means everything to her. She used to host this party every year, inviting elites and a few reporters to capture the moment. She used to be almost worshiped by many women in social circle, but she hasn't done it in the past two years because of her company's crises."

"So, she's desperate to regain her status, even if it means wasting money she can't afford to waste on another party?"

"Yes. And she's going to invite me," Thalassa said.

Luisa stared at her. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because she's not stupid. She knows that while her company has recovered a little, I still have the power to disrupt all of that with another press statement. On the other hand, she also knows that if we're seen in the same picture together and the public thinks we're on good terms, it'll significantly boost her sales. What she doesn't realize is that's when I'm going to strike."

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Luisa went to answer it.

"Hello!" Alden greeted cheerfully, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off her feet, twirling her around.

"Alden, put me down!" Luisa protested, even as she burst into giggles.

Thalassa smiled, happy to see her friend so happy, but she couldn't help the wistful feeling that settled in her chest. Years ago, she and Kris had been just like that.

"Can you get out of my way?" Kris hissed in annoyance as he stepped through the door.

Alden finally set Luisa down, scoffing. "Jealousy isn't a good look on you, my friend."noveldrama

Kris rolled his eyes as he

sidestepped them, making his way toward Thalassa. Her heart began to race, as it always did whenever he was near. When he got closer,

noticed the tension on his face.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, cupping his face between her hands.

Kris smiled slightly. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yeah, it is. What's bothering you?"

"It's my mother... she's throwing a party tomorrow night even though she doesn't have the money to spare. And..." he trailed off.

"And?" Thalassa prompted.

"And she asked me to invite you. Obviously, I said no because—"

"Why would you say no?" Thalassa interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended.

Kris raised a brow at her reaction. "Because I thought you wouldn't want to go."

Thalassa pursed her lips. "Kris, I told you I want to move past old grudges, I'm not looking to be.

friends with your mother, but we can at least be civil towards eachother."

"So, you want to accept her invitation?"

"Yes."

Kris took a moment to process her response, staring at her in wonder. "Okay. I'll let my mother know you've accepted. I'll pick you up tomorrow, and we'll go together." Thalassa tensed up. If Kris was with her, it would be hard for her to slip away and get the evidence she needed on his mother without being noticed.

She shook her head. "No, Kris. We can't go together. You and I can't be seen together."

Kris's face fell. "You don't want to be seen with me? I don't understand. Why?"

"Because your divorce from Karen

isn't final yet she quickly explained. "In everyone's eyes, you're still e married, even if you're separated. I'll be branded a homewrecker if people think we're together. You don't want that, do you?"

Kris bit his lip. "No, but..."

He trailed off, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned her face. Thalassa's heart skipped a beat. Was that suspicion she saw in his gaze?

"Is it just because of that or-"

Before he could ask any more questions, Thalassa pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his, silencing him as more guilt burned through her. Tomorrow. She couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.

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