Chapter 65: Coming for a Free Meal Again

Melinda shot him a determined look. "Raymond, you're no angel yourself. Just leave."

Raymond was taken aback, her words stinging. He didn't have any solid proof that Marc had bad intentions towards Melinda, but he couldn't shake off his unease.

Taking a deep breath, he said slowly, "I'll crash on the couch tonight."

Without waiting for Melinda's response, he headed straight to the couch and lay down.

Melinda's eyes lingered on his tall frame, a mix of emotions swirling inside her...

The next day at 11:30 AM, William showed up unexpectedly in Melinda's office. His eyes landed on the bouquet of flowers on the couch, instantly knowing who had sent them.

He felt a pang of regret for neglecting such a simple gesture, forgetting to send her flowers himself.

Looking at her with gentle eyes, he said firmly, "Let's grab lunch."

Melinda wanted to refuse, but seeing the sincerity in his eyes, she found herself nodding.

They went to a nearby restaurant and sat by the window.

Sunlight bathed them, casting a golden glow around them.

William talked about work, and Melinda listened quietly, occasionally chiming in.

Suddenly, he changed the subject. "What do you think of Raymond?"

Melinda's hand paused mid-air, almost dropping her food. She looked up at him, her eyes flickering. "He's... he's my boss. What can I say?"

William's gaze was intense, his deep eyes serious. "And compared to him, who do you think is better?"

Melinda put down her utensils and met his gaze. "William, what are you getting at?" William took a deep breath, knowing he couldn't avoid it any longer.

Looking at her, his voice was low and firm. "Melinda, I love you. I want to marry you." Melinda's heart skipped a beat. She looked at him, her emotions in turmoil.

She knew William was good to her and that he was a man worth trusting.

But she had her reservations. She sighed softly, her voice trembling. "William, being

friends is good enough. You know I don't plan on remarrying, so..."

William's face darkened. "I don't want to just be your friend."

Melinda looked at him, filled with helplessness and guilt. She knew her words hurt him, but she couldn't give him false hope.

Steeling herself, she continued, "If we can't even be friends, then..."

"Don't say it!" William interrupted, staring at her intently. "I only want you."

Melinda's heart tightened, knowing he meant it. She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, William."

William's eyes dimmed instantly, understanding her meaning.

He lowered his head, his voice hoarse. "I can wait."

They ate in silence, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

After lunch, Melinda watched William's dejected figure, her heart full of guilt.

She knew William was a good man, but she couldn't promise him a future.

She had postponed her lunch with Marc, feeling a bit guilty about it.

After all, Marc had really come through for her, delivering that crucial report by 10 AM, practically saving her skin.

She vividly remembered the panic she felt, facing that tight deadline.

At 7 AM, Marc had brought her computer, and she was surprised to find it running much smoother than before.

"What's the deal?" she asked, curious, as the previously sluggish pages now refreshed quickly.

"I cleaned up your computer," Marc said casually. "Got rid of unnecessary programs and junk files. It should work better now."

She was stunned, not expecting Marc to be so considerate.

A warm feeling surged in her heart. She looked at Marc gratefully. "Thank you, you're a lifesaver! I don't know how to thank you."

Marc smiled. "No need to make a big deal out of it." He left her standing there, feeling a bit guilty. She knew she owed Marc one.

Tenley hadn't bothered her all day, which was very unusual.

Normally, Tenley would find any excuse to criticize her work, keeping her on edge.

But today, the office was unusually quiet, and she worked diligently.

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the unfamiliar feeling.

Without Tenley's interruptions, her work efficiency had indeed improved.

She could focus on her tasks without being distracted by sudden criticisms.

In the afternoon, Melinda picked up her son from kindergarten on time. Not seeing Raymond around, she felt much more relaxed.

Deciding to keep dinner simple, she went to the grocery store and bought some spaghetti.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

She didn't need to guess. At this hour, who else could it be but Raymond? A big-shot CEO, yet he always showed up at dinner time. She sighed inwardly, dragging her feet to the door.

However, Sam seemed to have a radar for the doorbell, running excitedly to open it. Before she could stop him, Sam had already opened the door.

"Mr. Thomas, you're here!" Sam's voice was full of joy.

Raymond stood at the door, smiling at her and Sam. "Yep, what's for dinner tonight?"

She glared at him, annoyed. "Spaghetti. If you don't like it, you can leave now."

Raymond didn't mind her attitude at all and walked right in.

"Spaghetti sounds great. I've been craving it."

She was both exasperated and amused by his shamelessness.

But she knew, no matter how much she tried to kick him out, he wouldn't leave.

So, she shook her head and went to the kitchen to cook the spaghetti.

Raymond followed her, helping out and chatting with her.

Though she complained about him freeloading, the smile on her face betrayed her true feelings.

The three of them sat down to eat spaghetti, the atmosphere warm and harmonious. Sam ate happily, even offering Raymond some dumplings. "Mr. Thomas, these are good. Try one."

Raymond smiled, taking a dumpling. "Delicious!"

Melinda watched their interaction, feeling a surge of emotion. Maybe Raymond was right. A child, especially a boy, needed a father's presence.