Paige had met many women in the entertainment world with Vincent, but Bianca was different. She was smart, direct, determined, and humble-a unique mix that impressed Paige a lot.
Paige was confident in her ability to judge people.
Blake was the right guy for Bianca, and Paige was determined to make sure no one else stole her away.
Watching Paige’s strong determination, Vincent sighed sadly. He admired Bianca, too, but he knew you can’t force love.
Still, his wife was determined. Once Paige decided on something, nothing could change her mind.
***
As the afternoon marked the end of Bianca’s workday, her phone kept buzzing.
Between her tasks, she glanced at the screen and smiled when she saw who was calling.
“Hello,” Bianca said, her voice sweet and familiar to Dave.
“Are you almost done with work? I’ll come get you soon.”
Bianca blushed when she heard his voice.
“Aren’t you busy today? You actually have time to come pick me up?”
They had lived together for a long time, and Bianca had grown used to Dave’s constant busyness-early departures and late returns were the norm.
“I’m busy,” Dave replied lazily, a smile playing on his lips. “But nothing is more important than picking up my girlfriend from work.”
Bianca burst into laughter. “It’s not that big of a deal.”
“No, it is,” Dave insisted, his tone becoming more serious. “If I don’t pick you up, what if someone else gets there first?”
Bianca was momentarily stunned, realizing that Dave might have seen the trending news about her and Blake today, possibly even the post from Vincent.
Bianca responded gently, “Even if that happens, I wouldn’t go with anyone else. I’ll only wait for you.”
Dave leaned back in his leather office chair, rubbing his temples. A day full of non-stop work had left his mind scattered.
But hearing Bianca’s voice over the phone instantly energized him.
He jumped up quickly, one hand holding the phone and the other grabbing his coat from the chair, rushing out.
“Wait for me. I’m coming right now.”
Bianca glanced at her watch as she finished her tasks-it was past closing time. Anticipating Dave’s arrival, she quickly gathered her things and hurried out of the office building.
Outside, bathed in the sunset’s warm glow, Dave stood by the railing, engrossed in his phone’s screen. The soft light softened his handsome features.
Quietly approaching, Bianca covered his eyes from behind and playfully said, “Guess who?”
Putting away his phone, Dave straightened up, his eyes sparkling with affectionate amusement. “Hmm… I think you’re a clever, beautiful agent from Phoenix Entertainment who sounds a lot like my girlfriend.”
They both burst into laughter as Bianca let go and turned to face him with a bright smile. “You’re quite the charmer. You must have waited a while. Sorry, work made me stay a bit late.”
Bianca’s gentle voice warmed Dave’s heart. He gently held her hand and smiled lovingly. “It’s natural to wait for the one you love. No need to apologize. Let’s go home.”
Taking her hand, he guided her towards the roadside. As he moved to flag down a taxi, Bianca stopped him.
With clear eyes blinking, she suggested, “Let’s take the bus. It’s just two stops away. It’ll save money compared to a taxi.”
Dave frowned slightly. “Aren’t you tired after working all day?”
“I’m not tired,” Bianca replied with a smile, nodding towards the bus stop. “And isn’t it romantic to ride the bus together, snuggle up, and enjoy the lively night scenery?”
With a tender smile, Dave looked at Bianca’s lovely face. “Okay, let’s take the bus.”
Hand in hand, they walked to the bus stop, and shortly after, the bus arrived.
Dave placed a hand on Bianca’s waist, guiding her onto the bus.
Meanwhile, a blue sedan pulled up nearby.
Blake’s eyes narrowed with cold intensity as he watched the bus pull away.
‘Bianca was with that man?’
‘Yesterday, she said they weren’t involved. Why do they look so close today?’
‘What happened between them yesterday?’
Blake gripped the steering wheel in frustration.
****
The bus wasn’t crowded because it wasn’t rush hour.
Bianca and Dave sat together.
As evening came, streetlights lit up one by one, making the city glow in neon.
Bianca looked at the bright night outside, resting her head on Dave’s shoulder. He held her hand, his chin on her hair.
Dave looked out at the passing view, feeling peaceful.
He recalled how, years ago, his parents would cuddle, holding hands, while he played around them, always greeted with their loving smiles.
But later, why did they…
A sudden headache throbbed in Dave’s head, and he rubbed his temples.
“Are you okay? Have you been working too much?” Bianca asked, sitting upright, her face showing worry.
Dave had been exhausted from working too hard. Besides, last night, when he had slept peacefully with Bianca beside him, he had been overwhelmed, barely getting three to four hours of sleep each night.
He pulled Bianca closer, a playful smirk on his face, and whispered, “Concerned about me? Maybe I should hold you longer tonight.”
Bianca blushed and gently pushed him away, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “Do you even realize… how do you look right now?”
Dave raised an eyebrow, curious.
Drawing nearer, Bianca teased, “Like an affectionate puppy!”
Before she could react, Dave’s hand rested on the back of her head. He leaned in, his gaze intense. “Should I silence you now?”
Bianca frowned immediately and shook her head, understanding what he meant.
“We’re on the bus, not at home. Please, behave!” She pouted, voicing her objection.
“Okay, I’ll wait until we’re home then…” Dave chuckled softly, gently squeezing Bianca’s cheek.
Relaxing in his arms, Bianca looked up at the handsome man in front of her. She couldn’t help but notice that Dave was becoming more playful lately.
But she also noticed that his smile had grown wider recently, which she saw as a good sign.
As soon as they got off the bus and reached home, Dave held onto Bianca’s hand.
Once they closed the door, Dave lifted Bianca, placing her on the shoe cabinet in the hallway, and leaned in to kiss her.
Feeling his warmth, Bianca looked at him with a sparkle in her eyes. “Do you really like this? Why do we always stop here at the entryway?”
“You don’t like it?” Dave looked into her eyes. “Then where would you prefer? I’m open to anywhere.”
Surprised, Bianca’s cheeks flushed. His words hinted at something unexpected…
“Let’s just… go to the living room,” Bianca managed to say, her words stumbling out awkwardly.
Dave’s lips curved into a slight smile as he lifted her off the cabinet, carrying her straight to the living room.