Facade of Love

Chapter 305 Dinner’s on Me
I nodded and caught sight of an array of pastries on a nearby table seven or eight different kinds, all looking like they had jumped
straight out of a gourmet bakery window. I have always been a sucker for sweets, especially cute and tasty ones.
Resisting was futile. I grabbed one and took a bite. It was divine, a perfect blend of sweet and soft that left me feeling all kinds of
happy
Once the medical team wrapped up with Charlie and filed out, even the usually silent Inch took his leave. Suddenly, it was just
Charlie and me.
I quickly finished my pastry and asked, “How’s the leg healing up?”
He flipped the question on me, “Is it tasty?”
I nodded. “Yeah, it’s really good.”
He cracked a smile, “I’ll have them sent to you every day.”
I waved off the offer, “No, no, that’s too much. A treat now and then is fine, but I can’t live off these. I have to stay healthy, right?”
He nodded, looking like he got the point, “Pair enough. I’ll send some your way when you’re craving them.”
I was tongue–tied, unsure how to turn him down. My brain just could not come up with the right words. Suddenly, the hospital
room went eerily quiet.
He broke the silence, “I’ve got Inch setting up the Avaloria project. Once the New Year’s celebrations are over and we’ve had a
chance to rest, we’re going to be swamped with work.” I nodded, looking at him gratefully, “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve
done for me.” If he had not had my back at the police station and pushed to keep working with Scott Corporation, they would
probably be out of business by now.
There was a time when he risked his own safety to help me search for my mom in Lorrell, which ended up costing him his leg.
He gave a small smile, though I could tell he was a bit miffed, “After everything we have been through, I thought you would see
me as a real friend, not someone to keep at arm’s length. Guess I was wrong; you’re still holding back.”

I shook my head frantically. “No, it’s not like that.” I paused, searching for the right words. “I do see you as a friend, a real one.
I’m not trying to be distant. I just really want to say thanks. I know a simple ‘thank you‘ might not seem like much, but I would feel
terrible if I did not say it. We are friends, right? So, if you ever need anything, just say the word.”
He looked at me, a touch of resignation in his eyes, “I didn’t help you to get something in return or to have you owe me.”
I nodded earnestly, “I get it, I really do. I wasn’t trying to put a price on your generosity. I was just making a point. You’re my
friend, and that is the truth.”
He gave me a soft smile and a slight nod, his eyes gentle as he said, “Let’s not worry about that now. The month’s almost over,
and since we’re friends, are you free on the night of the 24th?”
I nodded, then hesitated with a small shake of my head.
He quirked an eyebrow. “So, are you available or not?”
I thought for a second before answering, “I might have to head over to Tully City.” Her
He nodded, his face unreadable, and asked casually, “Got something to take care of there?”
I was not trying to keep secrets from him, so I just said, “I promised Mrs. Young I would vacation with her, so I might be out of
town for a few days.”
He made a noncommittal sound, his expression cool, and left it at that.
go on
“Is the 24th your birthday?” I blurted out, drawing a blank on why the date seemed important.
He paused, then shook his head. “No, it’s not.”
I suggested taking him out for a meal once he was out of there, hoping to make up for the confusion.
He glanced at his leg and grinned. “What about sooner? I’m getting pretty bored at the hospital.”
I hesitated, eyeing his leg. “But are you sure you can leave the hospital like this?”

His leg’s condition seemed to be my concern, yet he appeared confident. He raised an eyebrow playfully. “If you are up for
pushing my wheelchair, I bet the doctor would let me get some, fresh air.”
I had no issues with that and quickly agreed, “If that’s the case, sure. I’ll treat you to a meal, and we can enjoy a little outing.”
“Deal!” he said, his grin breaking through.