Chapter 62: Coincidental Encounter in the Restaurant
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Declan Adams was tall and seemed to be around his mid-twenties. His features were handsome, and he dressed fas.h.i.+onably. Although he was a man, he put a lot of effort into skincare, and he looked just like the young heir of a well-to-do family.
The long-haired woman next to him was about the same age as him. Her face was covered in exquisite makeup, and she was decked out in luxury designer labels such as Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, and others. She was beautiful at first glance, but unfortunately, her face was too plastic. She had obviously had cosmetic surgery on her eyelids and jaw.
Declan’s gaze lingered on Charlotte’s arm for a second, after which he smiled and held onto the shoulder of the woman beside him. He introduced, “This is my wife, Estelle Brooke.”
Estelle snuggled up to Declan and sized Charlotte up. “Well? Introduce Charlotte…”
Sensing Estelle’s vague jealousy, Declan hurriedly put his hand on her waist to comfort her. “She’s Charlotte Carter, my schoolmate from college.”
Hearing Declan introduce her in this manner, Charlotte couldn’t help but bite hard on her lower lip.
“Ah, so it’s Charlotte Carter! I heard Declan mentioning before that there was a schoolmate from college who had been courting him for years, but he never agreed. I didn’t expect it to be you.” Estelle said these words smilingly and casually pretended to reveal a large diamond ring on her ring finger.
Charlotte’s smile stiffened.
She did like Declan Adams back in college, but she felt mocked when his wife said it to her face and in such a sarcastic tone.
It was worse especially because even Declan seemed conceited.
Charlotte was about to say goodbye when she heard Declan say, “It’s a coincidence today. Estelle and I happen to have booked a private room here for a meal. You two should also come along. After all, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other.”
After glancing at Declan, Estelle said, “Yeah, the Lion is the most famous and established restaurant in the city. It’s noon now, and it’ll be hard to get a private room. Let’s eat together. Declan and I will be bored if it’s just the two of us.”
Charlotte was about to decline because she had already booked a private room long ago, but Lucas suddenly nodded. “Sure then.”
Charlotte immediately panicked. But since Lucas already spoke and agreed, she could not refute him in front of them. So she could only pinch Lucas’s arm secretly.
However, Lucas kept a straight face and wasn’t bothered by it at all.
Soon, a waiter ushered them to a room on the second floor.
After they were seated, Declan grabbed the menu and handed it to Estelle. “Estelle, see if there’s anything you’d like. You can order first.”
Estelle grabbed the menu smilingly, but she chided Declan, “Our guests are still here. How can I order first?” She glanced at Charlotte and Lucas but remained still, not intending to hand the menu over to them.
“We’re former cla.s.smates. What’s the point of being so formal with each other? They won’t mind, right?” Declan held Estelle’s waist as he kissed her forehead affectionately. He was directing his last question at Charlotte and Lucas.
“Back in the day, Charlotte used to bring me my meals for several months when she was courting me. She never missed my breakfast or lunch. Unfortunately, I didn’t reciprocate your feelings and shared the food with our cla.s.smates. Charlotte, you don’t hold it against me, do you?” Declan chuckled.
Charlotte squeezed her own fingers tightly under the table, almost digging her nails into her flesh.
She had once spent a lot of time and effort bringing food for him with her utmost sincerity. Every day, she would get up early just to cook for him, no matter rain or s.h.i.+ne. Yet she ended up becoming a laughingstock.
Charlotte remained silent. Controlling her emotions was already extremely tough.
Seeing the sullen expression on Charlotte’s face, Estelle giggled provocatively and coquettishly. “However, I really have to thank Miss Carter for being so nice to my husband. I also have to be thankful that Declan didn’t give in to your pursuit. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten together and be living such a blissful life.”
Declan held Estelle in his arms gently. “It’s my honor to be able to marry you.”
The two of them were showing their affection for each other like n.o.body’s business while Charlotte clenched her jaw and said, “I wish you conjugal bliss.”
Estelle suddenly seemed to realize that there were outsiders around, so she sat up straight shyly. “Fortunately, you’ve found your better half too, Miss Carter. Are you married yet? How may I address this man beside you?”
Charlotte tried to calm herself down before saying calmly, “Not yet. His name is Lucas Gray.”
“Oh, h.e.l.lo, Mr. Gray. We’re both about the same age, so you don’t mind me addressing you as Lucas, right?” Declan chuckled.
Lucas glared at Declan with a mirthless grin.
It had been long since anyone talked to him in such a condescending manner. Besides, he was a few years older than Declan, but Declan talked down to him so haughtily.
Not at all bothered if Lucas minded it or not, Declan continued to ask in an arrogant tone, “Lucas, where do you work now?”
Lucas smiled. “I was a soldier for a few years, but I’m now a freelancer.”
Hearing this, Declan’s and Estelle’s eyes were full of disdain.
On the other hand, Charlotte glared at Lucas. Why do you have to be so honest?!
“Freelancer? You mean unemployed?” Estelle gibed, then covered her mouth while giggling.
“Lucas, that’s not right. As a man, how can you loaf around? You don’t want to be sponging off your wife, do you?”
“Ah, I really do.” Lucas nodded seriously, as if he found that a great idea.
Declan was instantly at a loss for words.
He found Lucas handsome and sophisticated at first, but he didn’t expect him to be an incompetent wastrel.
Charlotte must regret not winning my heart and marrying a handsome and competent man like me. Declan was getting ahead of himself while thinking about it, and he even felt a tremendous sense of superiority.