Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Curtis

wrapped his arms around Leanne’s neck from behind, crossing them before her throat, holding on tightly.

It took a moment for Leanne to realize what was happening, and then she could feel her cheeks burning.

“Mind your own business,” she retorted.

Seeing the blush spread from her neck to her ear tips, Curtis felt his heart flutter more erratically.

His gaze darkened, and in a low, coaxing voice, he said, “The dress looks lovely. Save it for a special occasion at home, will you?”

T

Leanne shot him a look that screamed, ‘Are you out of your mind?” “What, am I supposed to parade around the living room in a gown like I’m at the Oscars?”

“So, you plan to wear it to work?” Curtis challenged. “What will it be, an a runway?”

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Leanne replied, “I didn’t say I would buy it.”

“Why not? I make enough money. Can’t I afford to buy you a dress?”

Their argument bounced from him finding the dress too revealing and mocking her for lack of modesty to him being upset when she said she wouldn’t buy it. Leanne had never encountered someone so unpredictably moody.

In her mind, Curtis was crazy.

“If I like it, I’ll buy it myself. Save your money for your second wedding.”

With that, she snatched her shawl from his hands and turned back to the changing roo to change out of the dress.

The sales assistant, following Leanne, stood at a distance, not daring to intervene.

The pair made such a picturesque scene even in disagreement that it looked like a display of affection rather than a quarrel.

Leanne changed back into her clothes, and when she came out, her friend Larissa had returned, asking, “How did the dress fit? What do you think?”

“It wasn’t quite right,” Leanne said.

Larissa had to rush back to the set, so they left the store after they paid.

It was supposed to be a shopping trip for both of them, yet in the end, Larissa didn’t buy a thing for herself, leaving with bags full of gifts from Leanne.

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11-25 I

Chapter 204

“How can I let you buy all this for me? You’re my role model. What kind of fan would do this?” Leanne felt she was overstepping.

Larissa reassured her. “Don’t feel bad. Curtis covered it.”

All at once, Leanne’s thankfulness vanished, even ruining the happiness she felt about her

new clothes.

“What if I just left these in the car? Would you be mad?” she half-joked, half-serious.

Larissa couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden change in Leanne’s demeanor. “Your interactions with Curtis are truly fascinating.”

“Do you mean our constant arguing?” Leanne inquired with defensiveness in her voice.

“That’s hardly arguing, more like bickering between lovers. Even though you two seem to clash, it’s clear as day there’s a deep affection between you,” Larissa observed.

Leanne looked down, twiddling her fingers. “There’s nothing between us anymore. It’s all gone.”

Her tone was casual, perhaps unbeknownst to herself, but Larissa could see through the calm facade of the regret hidden beneath.

She gently touched Leanne’s hair with her eyes filled with genuine compassion.

“I have something to tell you.”

Leanne looked up and asked curiously, “What’s that?”

first, Curtis instructed me to spend more time and hang out with you more often. He mentioned

your mother passed away when you were young, and you felt I resembled her, so you saw me in a maternal light. What do you young folks call it, a substitute?”

“He hoped I could fulfill that fantasy for you to ease your longing for your mother. In simple terms, to play along and take on the role of your mother. You know, acting is second nature to me.”

Leanne’s expression froze, her mind a tangled mess, as if a knot had been untied and

immediately tied again.

“For this, he promised to invest in my next project, where I transition to directing,” Larissa. added with a chuckle. “And I didn’t come cheap.”

Leanne tried to process the information, feeling enlightened and more confused than ever.

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