Chapter: 85

Brody had already gotten into the car, and Bethany followed slowly.

At the restaurant, the waiter escorted them to a reserved private dining room.

Suddenly, Bethany heard someone calling her name.

She instinctively turned around and saw a man approaching quickly. He looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place him.

“Bethany, it is you!"

Seeing her puzzled look, the man said lightly, “Forgot me? I'm Jacob Acosta from middle school! I confessed to you, but you turned me down!"

The mention of “middle school" made Bethany reflexively look towards Jonathan.

Following her gaze, Jacob also turned to look. “Jonathan? Am I seeing things?"

This was someone he'd typically only see on TV.

“You're not mistaken."

While Bethany was surprised, Jonathan was composed, walking up to join her and signaling for Brody to enter with the others.

"It's been years, and you've only gotten more handsome. You were already the tallest and coolest in our class," Jacob chattered on, oblivious to any discomfort. "Hey, why did you guys leave the group chat back then?"

A silence ensued. Bethany wanted to intervene, but Jacob had a knack for bringing up awkward topics.

“An accident," Jonathan replied, positioning himself protectively in front of Bethany.

“How about we add each other? I can add you back into the group! We're planning a reunion, and you both should definitely come!"

Jonathan remained approachable, pulling out his phone.

Jacob quickly added Jonathan and then offered to add Bethany.

However, Jonathan said, "Just add me. I'll take care of adding her."

"Well, okay..." Jacob finally sensed something was amiss. He glanced between Bethany and Jonathan. "You two..."

"I work at his company!" Bethany quickly interjected before Jonathan could speak.

“I see!" Jacob looked relieved and gazed openly at Bethany.

He had always found Bethany attractive.

In junior high, even in worn-out clothes and a frayed hairband, her fine features stood out. Now, she looked elegant, her long hair flowing over her shoulders like dark waves. Her bright eyes and small nose were just as striking alone as they were together.

Just as Jacob was about to speak again, Jonathan subtly pulled Bethany aside. "Let's catch up another time. We're busy today."