“Why? Were you bothered by it?”
It was only natural to be bothered. The woman was elegant and beautiful enough to make anyone look back at her.
In contrast, she was just an ordinary and plain-looking girl.
But Lola said differently from her inner thoughts.
“I’m not the kind of narrow-minded woman who would be bothered by such trivial things.”
“You’re not narrow-minded? Then why ask?”
“I was just curious. But I really wasn’t bothered. Gia said that you have a cold and prickly personality and that you’re not even interested in women.”
To avoid revealing her true feelings of being subtly concerned, Lola gestured as she explained.
“What? What did I do? Cold and prickly?”
Lola lowered her gaze and took another sip of water.
“Do you and Gia talk about everything when you’re together?”
“She’s my friend. A friend I’ve been with for over ten years is precious to me.”
“Then did Gia say anything bad about me?”
When Dylan asked, Lola couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.
Since meeting Lola, Dylan felt like he was seeing her smile for the first time.
Ah! So this is what she looks like when she smiles.
Her charming dimples under her eyes were incredibly attractive.
Wanting to see her smile a little longer, Dylan, uncharacteristically, continued to joke and engage her in conversation.
“Oh no! Did I ask a difficult question? But can’t you at least give me a hint?”
Recalling what Gia had said recently, Lola laughed again.
“She said sometimes your temper is like a mess. But Dear, I think that’s wrong. You are cold and prickly, but not a mess.”
Gia, I’m really sorry!
I don’t know how those words slipped out.
Feeling guilty for inadvertently throwing Gia under the bus, Lola lowered her gaze.
“Ah! This is driving me crazy!”
Dylan was dumbfounded.
It’s always Gia’s fault.
If she could just say something nice, what would be the harm?
Why ruin his image with such ridiculous comments?
Dylan silently cursed Gia, knowing she wouldn’t hear it. Even if she didn’t hear it, he felt it would tickle her ears.
“Lola, Gia sometimes says crazy things. So don’t take what she says too seriously.”
“Yes, I will, Dear.”
“And I don’t create unnecessary connections with women. I told you, I’m someone who knows how to cut ties! So, you don’t need to worry about that woman at all.”
That one statement was enough and reassuring.
The corners of Lola’s mouth lifted slightly, and she unconsciously gave her signature eye smile.
“Is there anywhere you want to go this afternoon?”
“Where do you want to go, Dear?”
It was a simple way to return a troublesome question.
It was a tactic Lola had learned over time.
After a moment of frowning in thought, Dylan finally spoke.
“How about we visit the National Palace Museum?”
“That sounds good. I haven’t had a proper look at Palace Museum since I’ve been so busy lately.”
“Then we can enjoy it to the fullest today.”
“Yes. It’s a shame I don’t have a camera, though…”
“A camera?”
“Photography is my hobby.”
Lola expressed her regret, but Dylan looked as if it was no big deal.
“You can just buy a camera. What’s the problem?”
“Oh, Dear!”
Lola gasped and waved her hands.
“Are you going to spend more money? No way! I won’t buy it. I don’t need it.”
Her surprised expression, with wide-open eyes and waving hands, looked so cute that Dylan couldn’t help but chuckle.
It seemed like it was the first time Lola had seen him smile.
When he smiled, he was truly a handsome and charming man.
*******
In the end, Dylan bought Lola the latest digital camera. Lola felt happy yet burdened.
However, as soon as Lola entered National Palace Museum, her heart felt light. It was a joy she hadn’t experienced in a while.
Before Gia got married, they would occasionally eat together and go shopping, but after her marriage, Lola had spent most of her time alone, even when the hospital was off.
The two first made their way to the National Palace Museum’s Queen’s Residence. Holding Dylan’s hand and walking side by side, Lola chattered away.
“I enjoy traveling and taking photos. But I haven’t been able to go much because I’ve been busy studying and working.”
Dylan just listened silently.
Lola’s words resonated with her completely. Gia had to give up quite a lot, including traveling, to work hard enough to get into medical school.
“Dear, can I take a picture? I’ll take one for you.”
When they reached the flower garden photo zone decorated with fresh flowers, Lola asked softly. Dylan firmly shook his head.
“I absolutely hate taking pictures.”
It was hard to believe that a cold and prickly person like him would enjoy such things, but she asked just in case.
