But the question was vague.
There were many things she liked. And she didn’t know what his intention was in asking that.
So, Lola, as a habit, stupidly asked back.
“Pardon?”
“It’s getting late, so shouldn’t we eat first? If possible, let’s eat something you like.”
Ah! That was what he meant.
As Lola pondered what to eat, Dylan added.
“Well, there are various kinds of food, right? Western, African, Asian. What do you like?”
“I don’t really have any preferences; I eat well regardless.”
Seemingly displeased with her answer, Dylan frowned.
Did I say something wrong?
Lola tilted her head slightly as if thinking.
“Oh, what do you want to eat, Dear?”
Since it was bothersome to think about it, he had given Lola the choice, but the question came back to him.
Still, she couldn’t dwell on what to eat forever.
“Hmm… then how about Pizza and Ice cream today? We can change it up tomorrow.”
“Sure, that sounds good.”
As Lola readily agreed, the car started moving.
Having seen Dylan’s profile several times from yesterday to today in such a short time, Lola stole glances at him like a sneaky cat.
Even at this moment, when they were breathing the same air, Lola still couldn’t believe she was dating him.
When the car suddenly stopped at a traffic light, Dylan unexpectedly turned his head. Their gazes met directly. Lola’s heart raced wildly.
She didn’t know why it was racing.
Hastily averting her gaze, Lola lowered her head and fiddled with her bag.
“Is there something you want to do?”
The question, which was always cut off, was ambiguous.
Was it a habit of his?
Her heart was already racing just being with him, and on top of that, he was throwing out incomprehensible questions, making Lola feel even more foolish.
So, as usual, she found herself asking back, “Pardon?”
“I’ve never dated a girl before, so I don’t really know how to go on a date. So, if possible, let’s do what you want, what you like.”
Has he really never dated anyone until now?
He might be like that, but what has this handsome and successful man been doing all this time without a proper relationship?
Could it be that he was too prickly and cold, which is why he didn’t have a girlfriend?
Yet here she was, boldly dating such a man, and just thinking about it was astonishing.
“Lola.”
“Yes? Yes?”
Only after Dylan called her several times did Lola snap out of her deep thoughts.
“What do you want to do with me?”
Why does he keep asking her and giving her the choice?
Every time he asked, she thought a lot, and her already throbbing head felt like it was going to explode.
“Shall we watch a movie after we finish eating?”
“And what else do you want to do?”
“Oh, can I hold your hand while we walk?”
After stammering out her words, Lola felt a bit regretful and was engulfed in worry.
If she were to date someone someday, she had a romantic notion of wanting to do things like this with her partner, and she had finally mustered the courage to say it, but she was a little worried about how he would react.
Would he feel uncomfortable? Or think she was strange?
Lola timidly changed her words.
“No, it’s okay. If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to.”
“I didn’t say I was uncomfortable. Then let’s eat together, watch a movie, and hold hands while walking today.”
Finally, as the light turned green and the car started moving, Lola turned her gaze out the window to hide her flushed face.
A moment later, Dylan parked in front of the 5-star restaurant and approached Lola, grabbing her hand firmly.
Startled!
As Lola’s eyes widened in surprise, Dylan said,
“Didn’t you say you wanted to hold hands while walking?”
“Ah.”
There was no way to take back the words she had already said.
Her heart was pounding, but Lola couldn’t pull her hand away from his.
“Let’s go.”
Nodding, Lola followed Dylan as he walked.
But it was strange.
Contrary to his cold and icy gaze, the hand that held hers was so warm.
She didn’t dislike that feeling.
Thank goodness.
At least it seemed like there were emotions involved.
*******
Leaning against the headboard of the bed, Gia looked troubled as she stared at her tablet PC. Her eyes were on the screen, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere. Occasionally, she let out a sigh.
Watching her like this, Hamza felt like he was going to burst from frustration.
Unable to bear it any longer, he climbed onto the bed and sat close to her.
“Did something happen today? What’s going on?”
It had been four years since he married her. His love for her had remained constant and unchanged.
And he was a very perceptive man. He could easily see through her expressions and understand her inner thoughts. So, now that he had discovered her troubled heart, it was impossible to deceive him.
