He replied, “The signing ceremony. What is it?”
Worried that I was disturbing, I murmured, “Nothing, just calling for no particular reason. I’ll call you back later.”
Before I ended the call, he added, “It’s no problem at all. Go ahead, I’m listening.”
“Can you get me a new set of clothes? I’m going out to meet a friend.”
“Sure,” he answered before hesitating a moment. “Who are you going out with?”
“Someone I met on the plane. You don’t know her but don’t worry. I will be careful.”
After a brief silence, he replied, “Alright, remember to drop me a message when you go out. Also, send me the address so that I can pick you up.”
I grunted in acknowledgment and ended the call.
Not long after, someone knocked on the room door. It was Joseph.
His expression was as icy as usual. When he saw me open the door, he explained, “Mrs. Fuller, Mr. Fuller had me bring these clothes for you.”
I nodded and received them. “Thank you!”
He left after acknowledging my thanks.
Back in the room, I got myself changed.
Soon, Camelia gave me a call, informing me that she was in the hotel lobby.
Once I was ready, I headed downstairs where I was stunned to see a black Bentley parked at the hotel entrance.
As the window went down, I saw Marcus coldly looking in my direction.
Feeling familiar and distant at the same time, I wondered if he was the same Marcus that I knew.
“Scarlett!” Camelia who was sitting at the front passenger seat called out. “Quick, get in!”
After regaining my senses, I got into the car.
“What were you spacing out for? You didn’t respond to my repeated calls.” Camelia turned to the man beside her and introduced, “This is my fiancé, Marcus White. On my way to see you, he coincidentally finished work. I hope you don’t mind him joining us?”
Still gaping from the shock just now, I shook my head. “No… Not at all.”
The moment I saw Marcus, I suppressed the burning questions I had as Camelia was present.
At the restaurant.
Camelia seemed to be in a good mood. She held Marcus’ hand and suggested, “Marcus, why don’t you order? I always enjoy whatever you choose.”
Marcus plainly grunted and raised his eyebrow at me. “Ms. Stovall, what would you like to have?”
“I’m fine with anything,” I replied. Faced with someone I thought was dead and watching him act as if nothing happened, I couldn’t even begin to describe what I was feeling.
Throughout the dinner, Camelia had a lot to say. However, Marcus’ responses always lacked enthusiasm. As I didn’t have much of an appetite, I hardly touched the food.
“Don’t you like the food, Ms. Stovall?” Marcus asked in a distant tone.
Surprised, I shook my head at him. “Oh no, I just had dinner at the hotel before I came, that’s all.”
Raising his eyebrows, Marcus pointed out the elephant in the room. “Ms. Stovall, you seem to be afraid of me.”
Stunned, I exchanged glances with him before I shook my head. “No, Mr. White…”
“That’s right. I noticed it too, Scarlett. When you saw Marcus, your face lost all color. What’s wrong?” Camelia asked inquisitively.
Won’t you also be afraid to see someone rise from the dead in front of you?
Suppressing my emotions, I shook my head. “It’s not that. I’m just feeling under the weather. Why don’t both of you go ahead? I’ll take my leave first.”
Just as I spoke, I stood up and prepared to go.
However, Marcus blocked my way. He was a whole head taller than me. As his gaze deepened, he gave Camelia a sullen look. “Camelia, go and get the bill. I’ll escort Ms. Stovall out.”
Slightly stunned, Camelia nodded and complied.
Pursing my lips, I sidestepped him and headed for the exit. He followed me from behind without saying a word.
Outside the restaurant, I raised my hand to hail a cab while he stood beside me in silence.
Suddenly, my phone rang. When I answered, I realized it was Ashton. “Where are you? Are you coming back? I’ll come to pick you up.”
“I-I will be back in a short while. You don’t have to come.” I wasn’t sure how Ashton would react if he saw Marcus, hence I chose to lie to him.
The voice over the line fell silent. “Alright, I’ll wait for you at the hotel.”
After ending the call, I stared at the oncoming cars with only a single thought in mind—return to the hotel as soon as possible.
“It’s not easy to get a cab here. Why don’t I give you a lift?” Marcus finally spoke after a long silence.
“No, thank you.”
“Huh,” Marcus sneered. “Scarlett, this isn’t like you—to ask no questions.”
I pursed my lips. “Mr. White, lying is the worst of all sins between men.”
“Lying?” He scoffed, “Since when did I lie to you?”
I didn’t reply. When the cab arrived, I got in and gave the driver my hotel’s address.
