My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)
Chapter 998

"Why would you say that?"

"It's time for her second spring. It's such a good holiday, she should go out with someone that she's been eyeing for a while. She could always hang out with her friends some other time.

Watching her cut the fish into thin slices, I couldn't help but sigh in envy at her knife skills. I thought for a moment and said, "So what you're trying to say is that you don't want to spend Valentine's Day with me?"

She chuckled. "Don't put it that way. I could hang out with you anytime, it's just that I should do something special on such a special day."

She had a point.

It seemed like I would be spending that day by myself. I thought that I should just head to Jarold City.

I should probably think about settling down in Asherton after this project is completed. When both Hendrix and I have received our divorce certificates.

When dinner was almost ready, Naomi looked at me and said, "You should wash your hands and invite your neighbors over. Since you guys are acquaintances and neighbors, let's make this a welcoming meal."

I washed my hands and looked at her then said, "Sebastian is in the room on the left on the second floor. You should let him know dinner will be ready soon."

She chuckled and squinted her eyes at me. "Are you trying to create an opportunity for me?"

I shrugged. "Well, you said it, not me."

Sebastian's villa was beautifully furnished. Symmetrically arranged with a water feature in the backyard.

Only a wall divided our the two houses, so if you were to shout from the balcony, people on the other side could hear you.

I rang the doorbell and Evan answered the door, obviously stunned to see me. He said, "Madam, how may I help you?"

I smiled warmly, "Did you know we were neighbors?" I wondered why his first instinct would be to ask if I needed his help, and not why I was there.

Feeling a little awkward, he avoided my question and said, "Come in and have a seat!"

"No, it's fine!" I smiled and said, "It's dinner time, and you just moved in today. I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with us?"

He smiled and motioned me to come in and have a seat.

I found it strange but decided to oblige him. As soon as I entered the room, I understood. The man who haunted my thoughts was sitting on the grey couch, reading a book.

It hit me then. It was not Evan that just moved in, it was Hendrix Roberts.

"Madam, I'll pour you a glass of water!" Evan said as he walked towards the tea room.

Standing in the living room, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward. Remembering Linda's words, I said, "Thank you for getting the ointment for me."

Still looking at the book in his hands, he flipped a page and said nonchalantly, "Mhm."

Silence fell.

Trying to fill the silence, I asked, "Are you planning to settle down here?"

"Mhm." Still the same answer.

I pursed my lips and continued, "You must have not eaten yet, we've made more than enough dinner. Why don't you join us?"

He suddenly got up and calmly answered, "Okay."

Then he put down the book and went out without waiting for me.

Evan came back in with a glass of water and stopped short when he saw Hendrix leaving the house. He awkwardly extended the glass to me and said, "Madam, have a drink."

I shook my head politely. "No, it's okay. Come join us for dinner too!"

He agreed with a smile, "I hope this won't be inconvenient for you."

"Not at all, it's my pleasure!"