Chapter 2
The moment Lina stepped through the door, she froze.
By the window, Bruno was gently wiping the corner of Kylie’s mouth with a napkin. The look in his eyes–so soft, so warm–was the same as when he used to smile and kiss Lina back in their cramped old apartment. The memory hit her like a punch, and she just stood there, her heart clenched tight in her chest.
She turned to leave, but her elbow brushed against a potted plant by the door, knocking it over.
Bruno’s head snapped up at the sound. When his gaze met hers, any trace of warmth vanished. He walked over, his lips pressed in a thin line, his voice cold and sharp. “Are you following me?“}
Lina didn’t even get a word out before he kept going. “I already told you about those photos online. It was just business. How long are you going to keep making a scene?“}
She opened her mouth to explain, but her throat felt dry. Mrs. Morris‘ words from yesterday still rang in her ears: “Bruno and Kylie’s engagement was decided ages ago. He really does like her, you know…“}]
“Bruno, don’t be so harsh.” Kylie walked over with a smile, trying to break the tension. “We are happy to have you. Why don’t you join us?“}
Before Lina could refuse, Kylie pulled her over to their table. Lina sat down, stiff as a board, facing Bruno’s icy expression.”
“What do you want to eat, Ms. Knotts?” Kylie slid a menu across the table. “They do amazing French food here.“>
Lina stared at the menu. All French. She couldn’t understand a word, and embarrassment prickled under her skin.
“I’m not hungry.” She pushed the menu back.
“At least have some soup,” Kylie said, spooning a bowl of seafood broth and placing it in front of her. “It’s really fresh.”
Lina stared at the shrimp floating in the bowl. Her stomach twisted. She was badly allergic to shellfish.
She was about to say no when Bruno’s phone rang. He got up to take the call, his back straight and confident. She’d seen the suit he wore in magazines. It’s probably worth more than her whole old apartment.
“Go ahead, try it.” Kylie leaned in, her voice suddenly low and sweet. “People like you don’t usually get to taste food this expensive.”}
Lina looked up, meeting Kylie’s smiling eyes.>
“Did you really think a fling with Bruno would get you into the rich crowd?” Kylie tapped her fingernail against her glass. “If he hadn’t lost his memory, a girl like you would never enter his world.“}
Lina squeezed her napkin so hard it bunched up in her fist. She might be poor, but she still had her pride. “Ms. Hudson, you and I barely even know each other. You-“2
“Oh!“2
Before Lina could finish, Kylie suddenly yelped and knocked the bowl of hot soup over. The scalding broth splashed onto Kylie’s hand, and some of it drenched Lina’s as well.
Bruno rushed back, gently taking Kylie’s hand in his. “What happened?“}
“I’m okay…” Kylie’s eyes glistened with tears. “It’s my fault… I guess Ms. Knotts saw us dining together, and as your girlfriend, of course she’s upset…”
Bruno turned to Lina, his face cold as ice. “Lina, I’ve explained this a hundred times. Why are you still acting like this?”
“I didn’t, she…”
“Enough!” he snapped, cutting her off. “I saw it with my own eyes. When did you become so unreasonable?“N
Then he put his arm around Kylie and walked away without looking back.
Kylie leaned her head on his shoulder, and as they left, she glanced back at Lina with a smug little smile.
Lina stood there, trembling, staring at her own hand, which was red and blistering from the burn. The pain was sharp, like a thousand tiny needles. But all Bruno cared about was Kylie’s slightly pink skin.}
He left in such a hurry, so determined
She remembered, once upon a time, Bruno only had eyes for her.
Three years ago, when she’d burned herself cooking, he’d been so worried his eyes went red. He’d run out in the middle of the night to get medicine, coming back to kneel beside her and gently put ointment on her burn, whispering, “Lina, does it hurt?”
Back then, his world had revolved around her.
Now, it was like Bruno couldn’t even see her anymore.%
