Chasing the Unexpected

Valarie lowered her gaze, remaining silent as she subconsciously picked at her nails.

During her silence, Brandon and Jessica walked over to them.

Zayn looked up and greeted Brandon with a smile. “Brandon, I didn’t expect you and Ms. Quantrill to be here on a date. If I had known, we could’ve all gone together.”

Valarie was speechless.

She was starting to suspect that Zayn might be a little off his rocker. Who would go on a double date like this? It would be awkward! Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Brandon cast a detached glance at Valarie, his voice cool. “Jessica is a bit shy. She might feel uncomfortable with too many people around. We have other matters to attend to, so we’ll be leaving now.”

Valarie suppressed the sting rising in her chest. They had just met, and he was already calling her Jessica. Clearly, he was quite satisfied with her.

Zayn nodded. “Alright. Let’s arrange to meet again next time.”

Brandon didn’t say anything else and walked away with Jessica.

When Valarie raised her head again, all she could see was their backs disappearing out of the restaurant.

Zayn, seemingly oblivious to her lost expression, cheerfully remarked, “Brandon and Ms. Quantrill really make a good pair. The way he looked after her earlier who knows, we might be drinking to their wedding

soon.”

Valarie forced a smile. “Oh, really?”

“Absolutely! You should’ve seen how Brandon was taking care of Ms. Quantrill earlier-” Zayn began to

say.

Valarie interrupted him, “Mr. Updike, let’s talk about something else. Discussing others‘ relationships behind their backs doesn’t feel right.”

Zayn chuckled apologetically. “Sorry about that! Brandon is my good friend, so I can’t help but bring him

up.”

Valarie chose not to call him out on it. “I understand.”

Zayn was clearly aware that Brandon had been pursuing her for five years. By bringing up Brandon and Jessica in front of her, he subtly reminded her that Brandon was moving on.

After that, Zayn didn’t mention Brandon again and continued talking about his experiences abroad.

Since he had work in the afternoon, they parted ways after finishing lunch.

As soon as Valarie turned away, her smile disappeared, and she felt utterly drained. Forcing a smile for someone she didn’t like turned out to be a tiring task.

The thought of living like this for the rest of her life filled her with hopelessness.

Just as she unlocked her car in the parking lot, a cold voice came from behind her. “Is Zayn your type?”

+25 BONUS

Valarie turned around to see Brandon standing a few steps away, his face icy. His dark eyes locked onto her as if he wouldn’t let her go until she gave him an answer.

Her grip on the keys tightened, and she looked away.

Maintaining a poker face, she replied, “I don’t see how that’s any of your business. I remember you saying we wouldn’t-”

Before she could finish her sentence; Brandon stepped forward and grabbed her waist.

Valarie was taken aback, anger flashing across her face. “Let go!”

As soon as she spoke, Brandon pushed her against the car.

With the cold metal of the car door behind her and Brandon’s handsome face looming in front of her, panic surged in her heart.

She exclaimed, “Brandon, what are you doing? Are you”

She couldn’t even finish the word “crazy” before he kissed her.

Valarie’s eyes widened in anger.

She tried to struggle, but Brandon held her tightly, leaving her no chance to escape.

The scent of cool mint mixed with a hint of tobacco wafted from him, intoxicating her and drawing her in.

Brandon’s kiss was fierce and urgent as if he were venting all the pent–up frustration and helplessness he had felt over the past few days.

From the moment he saw Valarie, he had wanted to kiss her.