Chapter 12
1066 Words
I turned around and looked at Zoe, forcing myself to remain calm.
"Why would you come with us?" I asked, chuckling. "What does our gown fitting have to do with you?"
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Erin, don't be like this. You could really use my help there. I hate to say it, but over the last few years, you've been so focused on your job that it seems like you've forgotten about fashion. Please don't take offence, but I've been watching you for a long time. You dress like my grandmother. The clothes you wear are from another era. I know you spend most of your time in the hospital, and while you are the best surgeon here, I'm not surprised you aren't interested in dressing up. I have a great sense of fashion, and I could help you both." She smiled at Kevin. "Don't you remember how many times I commented on your outfits back in school? All the she-wolves thought you were hot after you started following my advice." She said that as if recalling the good old days, which only frustrated me further. I looked at Kevin.
"Let's go. I really don't think we need a fashionista."
To my shock, Kevin stopped me. "Actually, I think having Zoe along wouldn't be a bad idea."
"Kevin, don't you think a boutique like that has enough assistance to help us find the best gown?"
"I know, but I think taking Zoe with us is a good idea. I haven't heard you mention a good friend in a long time, and let's be honest—another woman might see things better."
"I have a friend," I retorted, but Zoe shook her head. "Lily is busy. I met her before I came here."
I rolled my eyes and swallowed my frustration. Then I rushed out of the office, followed by the two of them. As I walked through the corridor, I imagined their smug expressions. I couldn't believe I had put myself in this situation, but I felt somewhat relieved knowing it wouldn’t last long.
The walk wasn't too long, and I was grateful we didn't have to traverse the entire hospital. I didn't want my colleagues gossiping about us; they all knew I wasn't fond of Zoe, and seeing her next to my boyfriend would surely fuel the rumours.
Once we reached the small, private car park, Kevin pointed to his car for Zoe. I shook my head when they weren't looking. It was amusing to see how eager they were to act as if they hadn't met for a long time.
Kevin opened the car door for us. I wasn't surprised to see Zoe make a pained face when he opened the back door for her.
"Oh, may I sit in the front? My leg still hurts, and I think it would be more comfortable for me there."
My heart sank when I saw Kevin hesitate, then look at me.
"Erin, would you mind sitting in the back?" he asked. My chest ached, and I felt like I wouldn't be able to endure this situation much longer. I clenched my fists and glanced at Zoe.
"I can pull my seat forward so you can sit behind me."
"Erin, don't be like this," Kevin sighed. Then he helped Zoe into the front seat.
Once again, I swallowed my words, gritted my teeth, and sat in the back.
The ride was more annoying than I anticipated. I was relieved when we finally got out of the car, though Zoe couldn’t stop entertaining me with stories from their childhood.
I was the first to step into the boutique, and the receptionist greeted us warmly. We didn’t even need to give our names; she stood up as soon as she saw us.
“Miss Laurie and Mr Jackson, we are excited to have you here! Fortunately, the boutique's owner is in town, and when he heard we were expecting such important customers, he insisted on greeting you himself. Please follow me to the private room,” she said. I sighed as I followed her, still feeling frustrated that Kevin was walking behind me, next to Zoe.
The private room had huge windows that flooded the space with light. The atmosphere had a vintage charm, as if we had travelled back in time. I recalled Zoe’s remark about how I dressed as if I belonged to another era. Well, this place certainly felt like a step back in time.
“Please, take a seat. The owner will be with you shortly. May I bring you some coffee or refreshments?” she asked.
Zoe immediately requested coffee, and Kevin followed suit, while I only asked for water. She nodded and left.
Kevin and Zoe settled onto a small couch, leaving no space for me, but I didn’t mind. Even though I still had feelings for Kevin, I didn’t want to be close to him.
Zoe continued to chat with him, just as she had in the car, which made me anxious again. I couldn’t understand how they could interact so effortlessly in my present.
Our coffees and drinks arrived shortly after. I had chosen water to calm my nerves, yet even that didn’t lessen the bitterness in my heart. For a moment, I watched Kevin's face as he glanced at Zoe. He might have been able to push her away physically, but he couldn’t deny the connection they shared.
My thoughts drifted to the videos I had watched several times, which had left me heartbroken.
I hadn't realised I had been staring at them until a familiar figure appeared at the door.
He was well-groomed, unlike the last time I had seen him, wearing an elegant grey suit. His presence sent a shiver down my spine, but not in a bad way; he was incredibly handsome. Despite having only spent a few hours with him, I vividly remembered his face.
His eyes found me first, and his lips curled into a smile as he recognised me. While it was customary for an owner to smile at essential guests, I could tell that his smile was meant for me.
“Welcome,” he said, and I was so focused on him that I almost missed the change in Kevin's stunned expression upon seeing the stranger—someone with whom I had shared a one-night stand just a few days ago.
- Writer
