Chapter 873:
“You’re not the only one. My grandma always jokes that he’s like an old man trapped in a young body—way too stiff for someone his age,” Chloe whispered, her lips curving into a mischievous grin.
Eloise laughed behind her hand. “Your grandma’s got him pegged.”
“Speaking of her, it’s been ages since I visited. You should come with us to Lorbridge next month—I’ll give you the grand tour,” Chloe offered with a burst of excitement.
“I wonder if Christina will join us…” Eloise mused aloud, but Chloe quickly signaled her to hush.
“She’s back,” Chloe whispered under her breath.
They both fell quiet, lips pressed tight, eyes fixed on the living room.
Watching Dylan’s subtle expressions was a treat in itself. He clearly noticed Christina’s return but acted like he didn’t, throwing casual glances her way every few seconds.
If they didn’t have to stay hidden, they would’ve burst out laughing. It was hard to imagine Dylan with this side of him.
He was typically stern and distant, but now, there was an unmistakable restlessness about him. He looked less like the intimidating man they were used to.
Ever since Christina walked through the door, Dylan had been working up the nerve, running over lines in his head, wondering how to start the conversation. “You didn’t go to work today?” Christina asked, clearly surprised to see him lounging at home.
“No.” He wasn’t about to admit he’d just gotten back from Kitaso.
“Alright, I’m heading to my room,” Christina said, turning on her heel.
Dylan shot up, nerves fraying, and blurted out, “Are you free next month?”
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙜𝖆𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀[ꞏ]𝖈𝖔𝖒
He instantly regretted it. He’d spent all day rehearsing subtle ways to ease into the conversation, and now he’d gone and blurted out a blunt question. Too late to take it back.
“Why?” Christina turned around, eyeing him curiously.
Dylan drew in a breath, trying to steady his voice and mask his nerves. “It’s my grandma’s birthday next month. I’d like you to come as my date.”
Christina hesitated before replying, “Let’s talk about it next month. I might have other plans.”
Next month was still a while away, and she didn’t want to commit to something she couldn’t guarantee.
Dylan’s gaze dropped slightly, hiding the flicker of disappointment behind his lashes. “Alright.” He’d braced himself for rejection, but it still hit harder than he’d expected.
In the corner, the two girls exchanged stunned looks, momentarily speechless. Dylan had just been turned down. It made sense, of course, but watching his hope dissolve like that left them feeling a little sorry for him. Getting shut down right after mustering the courage had to sting.
Christina had intended to walk away, but when she noticed the faint shadow darkening Dylan’s expression, her brows furrowed slightly. Was he truly disheartened because she hadn’t agreed to be his date? Could her refusal have affected him so deeply?
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