"I get it." Brandy nodded in realisation.
"I'm pretty surprised, though, that Carla was willing to meet Lucas, " Zayn remarked.
Zayn appeared nonchalant but was fretting inside. The Carla he knew two years ago had been an absolute fanatic about loyalty in a relationship, particularly that of the man's.
It was two years since, and Carla had evolved from an innocent, naive girl into a cold and haughty woman. Could that domineering woman still have the same outlook as the sweet girl of yesteryear? Zayn didn't dare to say for sure.
"Actually, the fact that Ms. Lierger even agreed to meet with Sir Lucas is proof enough that she doesn't love him, " Brandy analyzed. "The more affection you feel for someone, the less accepting you'd be of such behavior. Do you think she really got over it within a day? She doesn't love him!"
"That makes sense, " Zayn said with a sigh.
"But that's not to say that she still won't get together with him, " Brandy continued. "Sir Lucas is a member of F Nation's royalty. Lierger Corporation has been cultivating close ties with F Nation. A marriage alliance for business relations isn't unheard of."
Zayn's face instantly grew dark.
"The Ms. Lierger we see now is no longer the Ms. Wigston we knew, but another person entirely, " Brandy said, completely diffident to Zayn's growing displeasure. "Perhaps over time, love has taken a backseat to politics for her. It's very possible…"
"Shut up!" Zayn bellowed, cutting short Brandy's contemplations. He immediately picked up his phone and dialed Lucas.
"Zayn?" Lucas answered, puzzled.
"Where are you?" Zayn demanded in return.
"I'm at a restaurant here at South Sea, what's it called… Seacrest or something like that."
Just as Lucas blurted out the name of the restaurant, Zayn hung up. Turning to his chauffeur, he commanded, "To Seacrest Restaurant."
"Sure, " the chauffeur replied, immediately turning the car around.
"Uh…" Brandy faltered. "Mr. Giblo, are you…"
"You're right, " Zayn said, narrowing his eyes. He fiddled with the wedding band on his left hand. "If she's really changed that drastically and is going to get together with Lucas for a marriage of convenience, then where am I going to find a mother for the children?"
Brandy could not muster any response. He cursed himself for having said anything at all.
They'd promised Jombo that they were going to the hospital and even confirmed it with the Bendays. However, they were now racing towards a seaside restaurant.
Old Mr. Giblo's going to be pissed! Brandy thought, wincing to himself.
Another thought followed quickly on the heels of that one.
Brandy suddenly remembered the warning that Jombo had issued only that morning. He'd threatened to boot the next person who kept any secrets from him out of the Giblo family altogether.
Shuddering at the thought, Brandy quickly pointed out, "The Bendays are still waiting for us at the hospital. Besides, Jombo has already ordered us to visit Ms. Benday at the hospital. If you suddenly change your mind, won't it…"
"We can go to the hospital later, " Zayn said dismissively, glancing at his watch. "Tell them that we'll head over later."
"This…" Brandy was about to speak, then caught himself when Zayn turned an icy glare to him. Lowering his head in acquiescence, Brandy replied meekly, "All right, got it."
Brandy thus gave Layon a call, citing urgent matters that were currently delaying them. Brandy reassured him that they would definitely be there later on.
Over the phone, Layon concernedly told them not to worry. Zayn was to focus on his own matters first.
Brandy hung up the phone with a look of resignation on his face.
Zayn, meanwhile, was fixed on urging the chauffeur to drive as fast as he could.
"Sure, " the chauffeur nodded. They flew towards Seacrest Restaurant.
In the meantime, Lucas texted Zayn a string of several flustered texts.
Why did you call me just now?
You're not coming to look for me, are you?
You'd better not come to look for me! I'm on a date with Carla. Do not bother us!
She's here. I'm not going to reply anymore. Don't bother us!
Lucas ended it off with a photo.
The restaurant was a cozy, intimate affair. Pink roses and heart-shaped balloons were scattered all around. Lucas, in center stage, was decked out in a Whyte tuxedo that made him look even more dashing and distinguished than usual.
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