Meanwhile, at a cafe,
Krystle had unintentionally read Linus's email which had details of the meeting venue. Thus she drove directly to the cafe to meet him, without giving him a heads up.
She got a message from Anya about Linus that he might not be ready for any relationship due to his financial state. Well, Krystle had deduced the same thing.
She was around Linus almost every day in the past two weeks. She knew he didn't have a job but he was working harder than anybody for the NGO. She had watched him gathering like-minded people and working with them to help the people in need. She never thought he was jobless, it's just he gets paid for his work by smiles, hugs, and blessings.
She alighted the car and strode into the cafe with determination. If his rejection was because of his financial state, she wasn't ready to accept it.
p
Her high heels announced her arrival. The amiable smile on Linus's face froze when he glanced at Krystle. He put on indifference and looked at her reaching them.
Linus had purposefully been harsh and direct to turn her down, sounding nothing but a scum so that she doesn't keep any hopes. Thus he wondered what could be the reason for Krystle to find him.
'Pak.'
The two men gasped and the customers and waiters in the cafe turned to them hearing the resounding slap. Their eyes were glued on the two, judging and guessing what might be happening between them.
Linus was no less shocked. However, taking Krystle's hot-headed personality, he should have gotten this slap the previous day.
It was an undeniable truth that he didn't draw the line before it was late.
Whenever he found himself with her, he always craved to spend time with her, instead of ruining what they had. Every time he failed to say no to her. Every time he got foolishly excited when she was talking about his NGO, hearing her come up with ideas to help him.
It was too late when he realized he wasn't just interested in her hot temper or her body. He was getting attached to her, he was finding her by making time or just calling her up when he was commuting. They were growing together, definitely not as friends.
And it was much easier for him to discern that Krystle was in no better condition. She was wrapping up her work soon or postponing her work to be with him. She never minded going the extra mile to pick him up or even drop him off whenever he was stuck anywhere.
He thought by ordering her around she would be irritated by him and avoid him but she wasn't. Before he could smoothly cut off between them, she was bold enough to accept her feelings and profess to him.
Linus wasn't ready to enter a relationship, just to break up one day because he wasn't earning. Money might not be everything but money is the root cause of many problems.
Despite knowing the possible consequences, how could he just be in a relationship?
Should he be in a relationship feeling inferior? Or fear when they might break up?
He didn't want such a relationship. He would rather stay alone than be with somebody, just to leave them one day because of his job.
When he thought everything ended, here she was, striking across his face at the wrong time.
How was he going to explain it to the vendors?
He still tried to act cool, he looked at her with indifference. As if the slap was a form of greeting between them.
Krystle vented out her annoyance for making her forlorn for half a day by his stupidity. However, looking at him still putting up a front, without getting angry or saying anything, she itched to give another one across her face.
Her hand went towards Linus who didn't flinch. She grabbed his collar and slammed her lips over his. Linus wasn't cold, indifferent, annoyed, or intimidating. He also wasn't who creates a nest of lies to attract girls or act cool to get attention.
If he was, she definitely would have considered him like other heirs who approached her. Or she would ignore him if he was arrogant like Alvin.
Only after being with him did she realize what actually she expected from a man in her life. One who she could talk to without reservation or complex thoughts. One who might laugh at her when she makes a fool of herself yet supports her without looking down on her. One who respects her, her job, and her passion and is proud of it. One who makes her comfortable with her naked personality without making her think she has to be presentable, be ladylike to impress him.
Their relationship might not work out but she didn't want to give up just because he wasn't earning money.
Linus's eyes widened looking at the lady who always made him amused. Wasn't she angry just now? He could still feel his cheek stinging, then why was she kissing him?
No, she was still angry, Her kiss was too raw, she was kissing less and biting him more. He had to stifle his groans repeatedly.
The shocked viewers were surprised at the turn of events. They were expecting a mini-war with more slaps and arguments, assuming the guy must have cheated.
Displeased that he didn't kiss her back, dissatisfied that only he had a strong influence on her, she shrugged his shirt and snarled at him, "Don't think that I will run away hearing your rejection." She grumpily sat next to him and slammed her bag on the table, "I am not leaving you. Do whatever you want."
The audience and Linus: "…"
They felt bad for assuming the guy was bad. Now they pitied the handsome man for having a clingy lady.
Linus should be annoyed but he wasn't. She was giving him hope which he didn't want.
Krystle looked at the eyes on her and snapped at them, "What are you looking at!?"
The people looked away and minded their business. The cafe staff who were on their toes to end the possible battle cluelessly went back to their work.
The two men in formal wear laughed awkwardly, "Mr. Collins, it seems you are busy with personal problems. We will meet…"
Krystle who guessed their coming words, sat straight glaring at them, "Isn't he here now? Why do you want to waste more of his time?"
The three men: "…"
Linus licked his bruised lips before he spoke, "Excuse me for a minute.'
He stood up to take Krystle aside but she pulled him back on the chair, "You can't get rid of me."
Well, he already dealt with a grumpy kid Krystle. He scooped her into his arms and went towards the restroom, for a bit of privacy.
Krystle wrapped her arms around his neck thinking he might throw her out but seeing him taking her to the restroom, her dirty mind commented, "We aren't getting down the pants." If they can't be in a relationship, then she wanted nothing between them.
"…" Linus and whoever heard her.
Linus noticed people giving him weird looks. What was he going to do with this crazy woman? He quickly changed direction and went towards the exit.
He went to his car, stuffed her into the shotgun seat, and took the driver's seat. "What is your problem? Wasn't I clear enough" His difference didn't change.
Krystle really wanted to have a conversation but his act of indifference was riling her up. "Clear? Oh, you were too cool when you rejected me."
Then she copied his words from the previous day, "You are amazing too. But I don't commit, Krystle. I am sorry."
She looked at him, every nerve screaming with displeasure. "Should I applaud you for your acting skills?"
Linus furrowed. Well, he wasn't acting yesterday. He willingly turned her down. It's a different thing he wasn't confessing.
He ignored her taunt and calmly tried to rile her up, "Stay here. I will complete my meeting and come."
Krystle scoffed, "You think you can get rid of me so easily. Your preschool scheme doesn't work for me."
He expected her to get angry for waiting. Shaking his head, He handed her his car key and also his wallet, "I will be back." He almost closed the deal with clothes vendors, he didn't want to lose it or again visit them and negotiate.
Krystle looked at him suspiciously. If he could make excuses to avoid her, he could also run from her. So she threatened, "If you dare trick me, I will get my girl to give you a flying kick."
Linus: "…"
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