Chapter 53: How Much He
Cared for Her
I spoke with a hint of self–mockery, intending to ease the awkward atmosphere that had settled earlier
But Fletcher remained stoic, his face an unreadable mask, clearly conveying his desire to avoid engaging with us.
Davina, on the other hand, stepped in to smooth things over. “It is quite a coincidence, isn’t it? Charlene, did you and Professor Fleming already reserve a private room? If not, we can join tables.”
This was the plan we’d discussed beforehand.
Just as I was about to respond, I heard
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Chapter 53: How
Fletcher’s voice. “On such an important day, are you sure you want two outsiders to ruin our mood?”
His tone was calm, but he deliberately emphasized the word “outsiders” as if to make his point clear.
He wasn’t wrong. Even though we’d shared a closeness that outsiders couldn’t fathom, I was still an outsider to him.
Davina didn’t seem to mind, her dimpled smile softening the moment. “How can Charlene and Professor Fleming be considered outsiders? Besides, it’s always livelier with more people.”
Her voice was sweet, with a delicate, almost coquettish lilt to the end of each word-
impossible to resist.
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Winston, who had been left in the dark, seemed to sense something was off and asked curiously. “Is today some special occasion?”
“Not to keep anything from you, Professor Fleming, today marks the hundredth day of my relationship with Letch,” Davina replied, her big eyes sparkling with happiness. “Our anniversary.”
Winston immediately turned to look at me.
A flash of pity crossed his gaze.
He opened his mouth as if to speak, but stopped himself.
I could only continue playing along with Davina. “I see. In that case, it really wouldn’t be appropriate for us outsiders to stay. Professor Fleming, I think we should just
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catch up another time.”
That response seemed safe enough, but it all depended on how Davina would take it.
“Don’t be like that, Charlene. Letch was just joking.” Davina said, suddenly grabbing my hand and shaking it gently, her eyes pleading with Fletcher. “Letch, say something.”
Fletcher’s detached gaze briefly swept across my face before his expression softened slightly. With a resigned sigh, he said, “Fine, tonight, you’re the boss. Whatever you say goes.”
His tone wasn’t exactly warm, but it clearly gave Davina the respect she sought.
I couldn’t help but think that, under normal circumstances, no one would ever bring an ex to celebrate an anniversary with their new
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partner.
But Fletcher, as principled as he seemed, still gave in to Davina.
I had expected someone like him, with such a strong sense of self, to refuse decisively.
But once again, reality proved itself to be far more surprising than I ever expected.
Inside the private room, soft pink and white balloons filled every corner, and beneath heart–shaped bouquets of roses, the words “Happy 100th Day Anniversary” were written in a card.
Even the air seemed to be infused with the sweet scent of hot cocoa.
It was clear the setting had been carefully arranged–so much so that even the small
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figurines on the cream–colored cake were miniature versions of Fletcher and Davina as a couple.
A stark contrast to the Fletcher who could never remember any anniversaries.
And Davina, the protagonist of this little scene, was utterly stunned. She pressed her hands to her mouth in awe, then turned to Fletcher, asking, “Did you prepare all of this, Fletcher?”
Fletcher paused for a moment, then nodded lightly.
Tears welled up in the girl’s eyes as she choked out, “Letch, you’re too good to me.”
Her gaze was full of emotion, her voice thick with feeling, and coupled with the intimate atmosphere, it made the moment feel
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incredibly chargechoed
I stood silently linithe cornerwartetonghoneshe man’s perfectly still back, a bitter saatle tugging at my lips..
How should I put it? At times like this hereby was just an extrarara.
I couldn’t help but feel a little impressat byoyoy Fletcheren
After all, last night, he had looked at me with work the same intense emotion..
When it came to playing both sides; trulylviy couldn’t compare to himm.
But just as I thought they might share ara a passionate kiss, Fletcher stepped back, kok reminding Davina, “Blow out the candles ses first.”
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A brief flash of disappointment crossed the girl’s eyes–likely a small reproach for Fletcher’s lack of romance–but she quickly recovered her composure.
“Letch, is it too greedy to make two wishes?” Standing in front of the bright red candles, Davina asked innocently.
“No, go ahead,” Fletcher replied, his tone firm.
With a bright smile, Davina clasped her hands together and said sincerely, “For my first wish, I hope that in every hundred days from now on, Fletcher will always be by my side.”
After speaking, she gazed at Fletcher, waiting for his response.
I was curious too–how would Fletcher
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respond to such a direct confession?
But instead of answering, Fletcher asked, “What’s your second wish?”
Davina hesitated for a moment, her voice careful as she said, “If possible, Letch, I want to make amends with Danica.”
At the mention of Danica, I straightened up. I lifted my eyes and found myself locked in a gaze with Fletcher’s deep, endless brown
eyes.
In the dim light of the private room, our gazes inexplicably met.
It felt almost like a silent understanding.
And from his eyes, I saw a glint of mockery and irony.
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“Letch” Davina tugged at his arm, pulling his attention back to her. “I know you’re concerned about me, but look, I’m happier than anyone in the world right now. Can’t we just move past it?”
Fletcher bent down slightly to look at Davina. After a brief pause, he finally responded, “Alright, as you say.”
His voice was soft, and it seemed like he had agreed to the reconciliation.
Just as Davina had promised me.
It was supposed to be a happy occasion, yet in this moment, I couldn’t bring myself to feel the slightest joy.
It was Davina once again showing me how important she was to Fletcher..
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After the ceremony, Winston suggested a toast for Fletcher and Davina.
“Thank you, Letch, and Ms. Bates, for your generosity,” he said sincerely. “Lena and I would like to offer you a drink.”
Fletcher looked at the glass Winston offered and smirked slightly, saying, “This is a matter of Ms. Grande’s poor leadership of her subordinates. What does it have to do with you, Professor Fleming?”
Winston was taken aback, momentarily lost for words.
I figured Fletcher was waiting for me to say something, so I lowered my glass, bowing slightly and responding politely, “Mr. Lynton, you make a good point. I’ll offer this drink to you alone.”
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Before he could reply, I downed it in one go.
One drink after another.
The wine, a Romanee–Conti–Fletcher’s favorite–was fine, but after a few too many glasses, my stomach started protesting.
I excused myself from the room and stumbled into the restroom, gagging for a while before I finally recovered.
When I emerged from the restroom, still somewhat disoriented, I was startled to overhear Fletcher’s voice, sharp with reprimand.
“It’s just a simple dinner. Why all the fancy nonsense?” His voice was cold, like a blade hidden behind his words. “Blacklist this event planning company. Never work with them again! And you-” he turned to
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someone else, “a
ten–thousand–word
apology. Not a single word less.”
Event planning company? An apology letter?
Was Fletcher dissatisfied with the
decorations and the arrangements for the night?
But, as an outsider, I actually thought they were deserving of at least an 80 out of 100.
And Davina, the guest of honor, seemed to be enjoying herself.
So, what exactly was Fletcher unhappy about?
Forget it. The mind of a CEO was something I’d never understand.
As I carefully stepped away, trying to make
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myself scarce, Fletcher’s deep voice reached my ears again.
“Ms. Grande, your acting skills really are becoming quite… refined.””
I stopped in my tracks. When I looked up at Fletcher, I saw him leaning against the wall, his face half–hidden in the shadows. The only thing visible was the dim red glow of the half–smoked cigarette between his fingers.
I suddenly found myself at a loss for words.
As I’d suspected, Fletcher had already pinned the blame for tonight’s “chance encounter” squarely on me.
No amount of explanation would make a difference.
“So, what is it? Realizing last night’s tactic
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wasn’t working, so you brought in some help and took a different approach?”
As he spoke, Fletcher began walking toward me. Instantly, I was engulfed in his shadow.
“Tell me, does Winston mind you doing this?”
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