Chapter 391
Affectionate Gesture
Arabella looked surprised. “How could
you
tell?”
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Lucas shrugged. “When the booth guy handed over the prizes, you barely glanced at that giant teddy bear. But you picked this little one up, looked it over, and held onto it.”
That was how he knew she had taken a liking to this small keepsake.
And honestly, it was kind of special–delicate, well–made, with a sort of vintage charm to it.
A faint smile touched Arabella’s lips. “Well, in that case, I’ll accept it.”
Since it was right here, and truthfully, she did like it quite a bit.
Watching her tuck it away, Lucas‘ face immediately brightened. “Come on, let’s see what else is up ahead.”
Just as Lucas moved to walk closer to Arabella’s side, Edward smoothly stepped between them.
“You’ve been here before, right? Is there anything else up ahead you’d recommend? It’s all new to me,” Edward said, his tone genuinely curious.
Lucas didn’t read into it and eagerly launched into an explanation. “Oh, up ahead? There’s plenty! Look, over there’s a balloon dart game, and further down they sometimes have live music or a dance crew performing…”
With Lucas taking the lead and giving them the highlights, they actually made their way through the rest of the fair much more. efficiently.
Browsing the stalls, trying different snacks–it was a great time!
By the time they left the bustling street fair, everyone was comfortably full and in high spirits.
“It’s getting pretty late. We should probably head back,” Arabella said, glancing at her phone.
“Alright,” Edward agreed.
Lucas felt a twinge of reluctance, but he knew it was time to part ways.
“Arabella, don’t be late for practice tomorrow afternoon, okay?” Right now, the thought of seeing her tomorrow was the only thing softening the goodbye.
Arabella offered a slight smile. “Got it.”
“Let’s go then,” Edward said, gently guiding Arabella toward where the car was parked.
Arabella gave a quick, friendly tap on the horn in Lucas‘ direction before pulling away from the curb.
Watching the car’s taillights disappear into the night traffic, Lucas let out a quiet sigh. The moment they drove off, a sense of loneliness and a slight dip in his mood settled over him,
Edward couldn’t help asking, “Arabella, don’t you think Lucas acts… particularly attentive toward you?”
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12:01 pm pppp.
Chapter 391 Affectionate Gesture
“Huh?” Arabella looked puzzled. “We’re friends.”
What was so unusual about that? It seemed perfectly normal to her.
But Edward shook his head slightly. “I just have this feeling he’s deliberately trying to get closer to you.”
Arabella couldn’t help a soft laugh. “Edward, you’re overthinking it.”
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“We’re just friends. Sure, he helped me out that one time, so maybe we’re a little closer because of that.” Plus, she’d noticed they had a good rapport and naturally enjoyed each other’s company.
Edward’s brow furrowed. “Maybe I am reading too much into it?”
“Of course you are. What else could it be?” Arabella countered lightly.
Edward hesitated for a moment before finally saying, choosing his words carefully, “Don’t you think he might like you? As more than a friend?”
“Edward, what are you talking about?” Arabella laughed, the idea seeming absurd to her. How was that possible?
“I’m just saying, he really seems eager to make you happy,” Edward admitted, voicing his observation.
He had noticed how closely Lucas paid attention to Arabella’s reactions and moods, always seeming aware of her.
If that wasn’t a sign of interest, he didn’t know what was.
But Arabella just said, “We haven’t even known each other that long. Besides being friends, the only other connection is that he’s my coach.”
She truly didn’t believe Lucas had feelings for her. They were just friends who got along well.
Looking into Arabella’s sincere eyes, Edward could only relent. “Alright then. Maybe I was overthinking it.”
Perhaps Arabella just hadn’t noticed it yet. Or maybe he really was seeing something that wasn’t there.
At most, he’d just keep a casual eye out and observe a little more.
press the issue further.
Having decided this, Edward didn’t p
Arabella didn’t dwell on it either, She drove Edward back to his house and pulled into the driveway.
“Edward, I’m heading home now. You should get some rest soon,” Arabella reminded him.
“Drive safely. Text me when you get in,” Edward said softly,
Arabella nodded. “Okay, I will. You go on inside,”
“You leave first,” Edward insisted, refusing to go into the house before she drove off.
“Fine.” With that, Arabella backed out of the driveway and drove off slowly.
Edward watched until her car turned the corner before finally heading inside.
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12:01 pm Pppp.
Chapter 391 Affectionate Gesture
When Arabella got home, Florence was still awake, waiting for her in the living room.
Seeing her come in, Florence immediately smiled. “Arabella, you’re back.”
“Mom, why are you still up?” Arabella was surprised, given the late hour.
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“I was waiting for you. I rest easier once I know you’re home safe,” Florence said, coming over to her. “How was your brother?”
Arabella replied, “He’s doing really well, Mom. We had a nice time.”
“That’s good to hear.” Florence felt a wave of relief. “It’s late, and you must be tired. You should get some sleep.”
Arabella linked her arm through Florence’s, and they walked toward the staircase together. “Mom, if I come home late in the future, you really don’t have to wait up for me.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I wasn’t sleepy. I just wanted to see my girl,” Florence said affectionately, giving Arabella’s hand a gentle pat, her eyes warm.
Arabella rested her head lightly on Florence’s shoulder. “But I worry about you staying up, Mom.”
Florence chuckled softly. “My girl is the sweetest.”
“So, does that mean you’ll stop making me worry?” Arabella seized the moment to coax her playfully.
“Alright, alright, I promise,” Florence agreed with a loving smile.
Arabella smiled back, holding Florence’s arm supportively. “Let me walk you up to your room.”
“You little charmer,” Florence said, her voice full of fondness.