Chapter 1193



Devin nodded. “Yeah, Carmelita recommended this place, so she brought me here to try the food.”

After a brief pause, as if compelled by instinct, he added, “Her friend Eliana is here, too.”

Hearing the name, Belinda was momentarily confused. It took her a moment to remember who Eliana was. Carmelita had mentioned her before, describing her as someone she considered an ideal match for Devin. Belinda quickly smiled. “Oh, that’s nice.”

A dull ache settled in Devin’s chest. He scoffed bitterly at himself. What had he been expecting? Of course, Belinda wouldn’t care if he was having dinner with another woman.

Taking a deep breath, Devin was about to speak when something caught his eye—faint red marks on Belinda’s neck. Since Belinda had removed her coat after entering the restaurant, the round neckline of her T-shirt left them completely exposed. The moment he saw them, he felt as if a sharp blade had pierced his heart.

“You and Lucas… You’re happy together, aren’t you?” Devin’s smile was forced, the words heavy on his tongue.

Belinda’s lips curved softly, warmth flickering in her gaze. “Yes, we are.” Perhaps she hadn’t realized it herself, but the way her eyes lit up at the mention of Lucas was unmistakable. And the more Devin noticed it, the more his heart ached.

“That’s… good to hear.” He lowered his gaze, his voice subdued. “I won’t keep you. I was actually on my way to the restroom.”

“Alright.” Belinda gave a brief nod and continued on her way, walking past him without another word.

To her, this encounter was nothing more than an exchange of pleasantries. But little did she know that before the night ended, she and Bethany would find themselves caught up in an unexpected incident…

As Belinda and Bethany were about to head toward the lobby to settle the bill, Belinda suddenly came to a halt at the corner of the hallway. Her steps faltered as she noticed Carmelita standing in front of the door to a private room.

From inside, there was a series of muffled thuds. It sounded as though someone was desperately trying to escape, but the door wouldn’t budge. Carmelita stood idly by the entrance, arms crossed, a smug smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

However, as soon as she spotted Belinda not far away, her smile faltered for a fleeting moment. A brief wave of panic flickered in her mind, but she quickly composed herself. Belinda seemed unaware. There was no need to be panicked.

Carmelita immediately narrowed her eyes at Belinda. “What are you staring at?”

Belinda walked over to her, unfazed, and asked, “What’s all that noise coming from inside?”

Carmelita shot her a cold look and snapped, “None of your business. Stay out of it!”

Belinda’s gaze hardened. She remembered what Devin had mentioned earlier—he was dining with Carmelita and Iliana tonight. But now, here was Carmelita, lingering in front of a private room, ignoring the noise from within…

.

.

.