A short walk to the pharmacy had helped her feel a little more refreshed. With Alfy and Jaxen present, it seemed like a great chance to reconnect over food.
However, Vincent’s eyes remained fixed on her. Clearly, having hurried out earlier, she still had her loungewear on beneath her coat. A hint of suspicion crossed his expression as he asked, “Where were you?”
Katelyn paused, caught off-guard. She certainly didn’t want to reveal that she had gone to purchase birth control. If Vincent discovered her intentions to avoid pregnancy, it might upset him. Attempting to appear casual, she replied, “Oh, just around the hallway. I’ll go change.”
Even Alfy could tell Katelyn seemed unusually off today. Yet, she couldn’t identify exactly what was bothering her.
Vincent observed Katelyn as she headed to the changing room, choosing not to question her further.
Shortly afterward, Katelyn emerged, ready to go. Together, they left.
It had been some time since they last saw each other, and Alfy was overflowing with excitement, engaging Jaxen in lively conversation. Her cheerfulness seemed to infect everyone, even lifting Katelyn’s spirits. This lightened some of Katelyn’s sadness from recent revelations about the Ruiz family.
Following a forty-minute drive, Vincent parked at a restaurant. They had booked ahead, so the waiters were already preparing their dishes.
As soon as she was seated, Katelyn turned to Alfy and asked curiously, “How did your uncle agree to let you come here?”
Taken aback, Alfy hesitated. She shook her head and answered, “I’m not sure. When Jaxen spoke with him, he just said yes.” Bernie was not usually the type to show such compassion, but it didn’t matter to her. She was just thrilled to be there.
Meanwhile, Jaxen tossed his hair with flair and boasted, “It just goes to show my irresistible charm. Even your uncle couldn’t say no to me.” Katelyn’s lips twitched involuntarily.
Vincent shot Jaxen a cold look and said sharply, “So vain, huh? But you just have an average appearance.”
Katelyn and Alfy were swept into fits of laughter by his words. Jaxen appeared hurt, his pride dented. “Vincent, that was harsh! Aren’t we supposed to be friends?”
Vincent maintained a neutral face, his eyebrows arching slightly. “I’m merely stating facts. Can’t you handle the truth?”
ɡν﹒
Jaxen dramatically grabbed his chest as if struck by a deep emotional blow. That was typical Vincent. He was always straightforward. Jaxen turned to Katelyn and sighed with exaggerated emotion, “How do you tolerate him? His words are sharp enough to cut.”
A wider smile spread across Katelyn’s face. She responded playfully, “I don’t know. Maybe because he never speaks to me like that?” Reflecting on it, she realized it was true. Vincent had never spoken harshly to her, never uttered a single negative word. He supported her unconditionally, regardless of her choices. This constant support made Katelyn feel uniquely at ease with him. She had never felt this supported in previous relationships, highlighting Vincent’s importance to her.
Jaxen exhaled deeply and said, “You’re hopeless.”
Alfy burst into laughter, holding her stomach. She thoroughly enjoyed Jaxen’s theatrical displays. They were her daily source of amusement. At that moment, the waiter arrived with their meal, announcing, “This dish is a special gift from our boss.”
The server placed a plate of beef tartare on the table. It was appealing and aromatic. But the moment Katelyn saw it, her face turned tense, and her brows knitted together.
Vincent noticed Katelyn’s uneasy reaction to the tartare and immediately knew something was wrong. He carefully stood up from his seat and announced, “I’m heading to the restroom.”
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