Chapter 35: Keeping a
Distance
Inside the cinema, Winston looked at the couple’s seat in front of him and scratched his head awkwardly. “Sorry, I didn’t know…”
Our seats were in the middle, surrounded by couples on all sides.
Feigning calm, I said, “The movie’s about to start. Let’s sit down.”
Winston sat rigidly on the edge of his seat, as though terrified of crossing any boundaries.
I noticed his careful demeanor, and yet my chest felt heavy, as though filled with seawater–bitter and briny.
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Chapter 35: Keeping a Dist
I, too, had once done something this “foolish.”
The difference was that Winston’s actions were unintentional, whereas mine, years ago, had been deliberate.
Back then, I had intentionally chosen a horror movie, timing it perfectly to lean into Fletcher’s arms during the scariest scenes.
All I wanted was to make that lofty and unattainable man secretly fall for me.
But even as the movie ended, Fletcher remained unyielding, exuding his signature cold and noble air.
Looking back, it was clear–it was just that I fell for the wrong person.
Lost in thought, I suddenly felt a warmth at
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Chapter 35: Keeping a
my fingertips. Startled, I looked down and realized my hand had inadvertently brushed against Winston’s as I reached for my drink.
He froze for a moment, his eyes flashing with surprise as they met mine.
I was about to explain when the vibration of my phone in my bag interrupted.
Grabbing the opportunity, I got up and left the screening room.
However, seeing the caller ID left me momentarily stunned.
It was Fletcher.
I guessed he needed something.
Pressing my temples, I answered the call with polite indifference. “Mr. Lynton, is there
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something you need at this hour?”
It wasn’t exactly late–barely nine o’clock.
Through the receiver came a soft cough, followed by his unmistakable sardonic tone.
“Ms. Grande, aren’t you always the diligent worker catching the last train home? What’s different tonight?”
I sighed, cutting straight to the point. “What can I do for you, Mr. Lynton?”
“Just a small favor. I’d like you to help me set up a plugin on WhatsApp.”
So, it was about work.
Adjusting my attitude, I asked, “What kind of plugin?”
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“Something like Couple’s Moments, where two people can share photos and videos.” His voice was steady, as if he were talking about something very ordinary.
But on my end of the line, I suddenly found myself at a loss for words.
Couple’s Moments–it was one of the hundred couple’s projects I’d once promised him.
At the time, I’d complained about the boring layout of a social media app, begrudging the extra fees for basic features, and vowed to create a unique and exclusive Couple’s Moments for Fletcher and me.
And now, he wanted to use that idea with Davina.
My emotions were inexplicably torn in two.
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Chapter 35: keeping
For a moment, I didn’t know whether to applaud Fletcher for being the perfect boyfriend–or curse him outright for being such a bastard.
After some thought, I chalked his actions up to coincidence.
Memories were fleeting, and Fletcher, buried under mountains of work, couldn’t possibly remember every little thing I’d once said.
I heard myself ask, “What style do you have in mind, Mr. Lynton?”
Without hesitation, Fletcher replied, “Dreamy, romantic.”
It was exactly the same as Davina’s words.
It was obvious–this was tailor–made for her.
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“Why didn’t you ask what it’s for, Ms. Grande?”
I let out a derisive laugh. “Isn’t it obvious?”
Fletcher’s tone remained neutral. “Ms. Grande, you’re as perceptive as ever.”
“You flatter me.””
After accepting the task, I was about to hang up when Fletcher added, “By the way, keep this project under wraps for now. Report all details directly to me.”
Well, so Fletcher wasn’t just borrowing my idea; he was planning a surprise for Davina, too.
Making money from the capitalist elite never came easy.
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**ipter 30: «neping
a u
Iresponded cocily, “Understood, Mr. Lyntonin
With that, I ended the call.
Any mood I had for the movie was now w entirely gone.
The following afternoon, Fletcher messageded me on WhatsApp to check on the progress.. sent him a screenshot.
After a long pause, his reply finally came:: “Stop by Lynton Group later. We’ll discuss it in person.”
He was quite serious about it.
With no other choice, I made up an excuse to leave the office after hours.
At the CEO’s office, I bumped into Duke.
Chapter 35: Keeping a Distance
+ 5 Points
“So this is why Mr. Lynton canceled tonight’s plans–he had a date with you, Mrs. Lynton!”
He’d used the wrong title again.
But wait–Fletcher had plans tonight?
It seemed he was going to great lengths to make this surprise for Davina.
Once inside the office, Fletcher was still immersed in his work. Not wanting to interrupt, I quietly sat by the coffee table, writing code while I waited.
“How’s the progress?”
The deep voice startled me. I looked up, ready to reply, only to find Fletcher standing beside me, leaning in close.
hapter 35 Keeping a Distance
5–Paints
The proximity was unnerving–I could see the freshly trimmed stubble on his jaw.
The sharp, clean scent of his soap enveloped me, sending a tremor through my chest.
“I’ve sent both versions to your email.”
Fletcher made no move to step back. Instead, he said, “Open them.”
Reluctantly, I pulled up the webpage.
After reviewing them, Fletcher didn’t seem pleased. “Tacky!”
I had used Davina’s favorite dreamy pink. I was confident she’d love it, so I cautiously suggested, “Maybe we could get Davina’s opinion?”
“No need.” Fletcher’s tone was firm. He
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Chapter 35: Keeping a Distance
pointed at several buttons in the design and said, “Change these–and these–to something else.”
When the boss gave orders, what choice did I have? I just had to follow through.
When I brought the updated version back to him for approval, Fletcher frowned slightly. “What about using gradient colors?”
His suggestion was remarkably similar to my first version.
If I hadn’t known Fletcher’s picky nature so well, I would have wondered if he was deliberately making things difficult for me.
Thankfully, my skills were solid, but after dealing with all that, it was already dark outside.
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“Mr. Lynton, if you have no further instructions, I’ll take my leave” I said.
“It’s too late, I’ll drive you,” he replied.
I figured he probably wanted to swing by to see Davina.
But given the sensitive nature of our relationship, I quickly found an excuse. “I still need to stop by the office.”
I saw Fletcher’s hand, which was holding the car keys, hesitate.
Once I was outside the Lynton Group building, I exhaled lightly and glanced at my open palm. There was a thin layer of sweat on it.
I figured it was Fletcher’s directness that made him unaware of the need to keep the
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Chapter 35: Keeping a Distance
5 Points
distance between us.
He could do that, but I wasn’t about to cause trouble for myself.
So, the next morning, I politely told Fletcher that I had caught a cold and could only report to him online.
Fletcher didn’t reply.
That night, the office was eerily quiet. I was wrapped in a hand warmer, happily typing away at code.
Then, the doorbell rang. I looked up and froze.
Fletcher was standing there.
Clearing my throat, I pointed to Davina’s office and said, “Davina’s already left for the
