Chapter 26

Chapter 26:
“Oh, right.” Candice switched back to English. “I realize you both may be clueless about these flowers. They are funeral flowers—meant for the dead. Mr. Lopez, do you really want them?”
Milton was taken aback, and Raul was at a loss for words.
Bettina added, “Oh, I see. You’re going to visit your parents at Greenfield Cemetery. Do you need a ride?”
“No, I’m good, thanks. I have to go, bye,” Candice replied gracefully, turning around with the bouquet in her arm.
“Take care on your way,” Bettina said with concern as Candice walked away.
Candice waved her hand to Bettina without looking back. Bettina continued enjoying her meal.
She noticed that Raul and Milton still looked stunned and asked, “Why aren’t you eating? Oh, and what did you just say in French?”
“You don’t know?” Raul asked.
Bettina shook her head and replied, “I don’t speak French. Candy, on the other hand, is amazing at it. She even speaks Latin well too.”
Milton glared at Raul and said, “Why would you assume she doesn’t speak French? Even you can, and you’re not French.”
“I…” Raul felt embarrassed.
What did Milton mean by saying even he could speak French? He had studied in France for many years—of course, he could. But how did he know Candy spoke French too? He felt really uncomfortable.
Milton stood up from the couch and told the others, “Enjoy your meal.”
Then he left, wearing a cold expression.
He finally realized why Candice was dressed in black and carrying flowers. She was going to her parents’ grave.
So her parents had passed away?
Milton felt a sudden ache in his heart, realizing she must have endured a lot of pain despite appearing very tough.
Earlier, when she was in his arms and their lips touched, he felt a momentary desire to hold on and never let go. It brought back memories of his first kiss.
He was in the third year of senior high school and had just returned from the United States. He stayed at Wilmint High School for a few days to participate in the chemistry competition representing the school.
He was accidentally locked in the cold storage where a shy girl surprised him with a bold kiss.
Her lips were so tender.
Why did she constantly give him a sense of déjà vu?
Raul watched Milton walk away, feeling helpless as he rubbed his forehead.
Milton had possibly never been this embarrassed before.
Raul knew he was at fault today.
Why had he spoken in French? It was such a cringe-worthy moment!
Bettina noticed something was off about him and approached curiously. “Hey, what’s up? What did I—”
“Nothing.” Raul glared at her angrily. “Why did you trip Candy? Aren’t you supposed to be partners?” he snapped.
“I did? What are you talking about?” Bettina feigned innocence.
Raul was stunned by her response.
“Is there a girlfriend?” Bettina asked curiously.
“No, I don’t have one,” Raul responded.
“Who’s talking about you? I meant, does Mr. Lopez have a girlfriend?” Bettina asked, irritated.
Raul was left speechless.
How could he have known she was asking about Milton?
“No,” he responded calmly.
“That’s nice.” Bettina nodded with relief. “Why don’t we add each other as friends on WhatsApp? That way, you can reach me if you want something.”
She handed him her phone and said, “Do it.”
Raul wasn’t pleased but added her as a friend nonetheless.
Bettina then returned to eating her food.
When she finished, she picked up her bag and the contract and stood up.
“Thanks for the meal. I hope we have a satisfying collaboration. Meanwhile, I ordered four takeouts for my colleagues. Remember to pay the bill,” she said casually.
Raul was left staring, dumbfounded.
.
.
.