Chapter 42

Mariella’s POV

She rejected me.

But she still kissed me—on my forehead and cheeks before she turned her back at me. Sitting a few meters from where I was standing was the man who offered Minerva a ride on that very day.

Lushan Angeles is drinking. Twelve bottles of beer were on his table, along with a plate of sizzling pork and grilled strips of beef.

My mind keeps on whispering to me that I’ll join him. But I can’t see myself drinking with him, striking a conversation with him. Being with him.

He lifted his head and there’s no reason for me to turn my back away. Especially when he gestured by tapping the seat of the chair, beckoning me for a seat beside him.

And God knows I really did sit beside him. Our bodies are a few inches from touching each other with every move.

“Have you eaten yet?” I shook my head.

“Here,” Lushan handed me the plate of grilled beef and called the waiter for a small bowl of ma