Chapter 0076
+25 BONUS
Calvin places a hand on his chest, his expression softening as he clearly feels touched by my words. âI feel like my heartâs going to explode right now,â he whispers. âJust remember Iâm always here when you need me.â
I smile back at him, feeling a genuine connection. âAnd Iâm here for you too, Calvin. I might not have much, but youâll always have my support and loyalty.â
He gives me a warm, reassuring smile. âThatâs more than enough, Serena. It really is.â
Calvin carefully picks up the cufflink from the box, holding it between his fingers to admire the craftsmanship. With a practiced motion, he rolls up his sleeve, exposing the cuff of his crisp white shirt. He expertly slides the cufflink into place, securing the fabric neatly. Once itâs fastened, he adjusts his sleeve, giving the cufflink a final gentle pat.
Calvin glances down at the newly fastened cufflink, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. âFits perfectly. This is definitely my new favorite cufflink now.â
I canât help but smile wider. âIâm glad you like it, Calvin. It suits you.â
Thereâs a moment of comfortable silence between us. Then Calvin clears his throat and says, âSerena, would you like to go to dinner with me sometime? You know, just as friends.â
I hesitate, feeling conflicted. On one hand, I value our friendship and his support, but on the other, Iâm wary of sending mixed signals, especially after turning down a deeper relationship.
âWhat are we doing, Calvin? Iâm on TikTok enough to know what they call a âsituationshipâ?â I ask.
â
are we in
Calvin shakes his head, a shy smile spreading across his face. âIâm sorry, situationâwhat?â He chuckles lightly. âMy age is showing, isnât it?â
2/4
We both laugh the teneich easing slightly itâs like a relationship, but without a clear labelâ t explain briefly and chuckling Then I became a hit more serious just donât want you to think Iâm taking advantage of your kindness by not defining what we have, you know?â I add. *
get it, Serena And donât worry, I donât feel taken advantage of I just enjoy spending time with you, whatever we call it,â Calvin reassures.
Even though Calvin seems okay with how things are, I canât help but feel a bit guilty. Itâs great to hear him say he doesnât feel taken advantage of, but part of me still worries. I really care about him and our friendship, and I just hope Iâm not leading him on or hurting him without realizing it.
Stevie bursts through the door, her arms full of Chinese takeout, wine, and sparkling cider. âHey, girl! I brought dinner to celebrate. Weâve officially signed the contract for the fashion show. Woohoo!â she
announces
Stevieâs enthusiasm falters for a moment when she notices Calvin in the room. Her cheeks color slightly, and she shifts awkwardly on her feet. âOh⦠I didnât know you had company,â she stammers, then quickly recovers with a smile. âHi, Calvin!â
Calvin smiles warmly at Stevie, quickly putting her at ease. âHi, Stevie! No worries at all â itâs great to see you too.â
Stevie looks from the food to Calvin, a hint of regret crossing her face. Sorry, I only brought dinner for two.â
Calvin waves it off with a smile, standing up from his seat. âThatâs okay. I was just leaving anyway.â He gives a friendly nod as he heads for the door.
As Calvin leaves, Stevie and I watch him go. She turns to me, eyebrows
raised
âOkay, spill the tea⦠what just happened here?â she asks.
Chapter 0076
+25 BONUS
I roll my eyes playfully and smile. âImpeccable timing as always,â I say as we sit down with our dinner. âDonât worry, Iâll fill you in.â
Iâm genuinely relieved to see Stevie Iâve never been so happy to have her company. This whole situation with Calvin is complicated, and honestly, I donât know where to begin with it.