A crowd surged forward, and Callie quickly grabbed a pack of tissues to wipe up the mess. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see…”
Just then, from around the corner, Cora exclaimed, “What’s going on here?”
Nelson and Jaquan, who had been quietly following, both turned pale. Nelson was the first to pull his hand out of his pocket and stride forward.
Having missed the earlier scene, he arrived just in time to see Alayah push Callie away, her face streaked with tears. “I was just joking, but you threw hot coffee all over me! Are you crazy?”
Because Alayah looked genuinely miserable, everyone believed her.
Litzy pushed through the crowd and pulled Callie aside, whispering in surprise, “Is it true?”
Callie felt a lump in her throat and shook off Litzy’s hand. “She ran into me.”
The sharp-eyed manager spotted Nelson outside and rushed over without thinking. “You rude girl! Alayah didn’t say anything to you, and you did this to ruin her future? Are you happy now?”
Callie felt bewildered. “Instead of blaming me, shouldn’t you be taking her to the hospital?”
The manager’s eyes widened, and she raised her hand to slap Callie. “You think you’re in the right?”
A deep voice interrupted, “Don’t.”
The room fell silent. Litzy shielded Callie and whispered, “Mr. Scott?”
But Callie’s eyes followed another figure…
The tall man didn’t spare her a glance as he swiftly walked to Alayah’s side. He took off his coat and draped it over her. “Let’s go to the hospital.”
Alayah looked shocked and pitiful. “Mr. Oconnor? Why are you here…”
The crowd buzzed with speculation. It seemed the rumors about Nelson and Alayah were true!
His tone was calm. “I’ve asked Cora to arrange everything. Let’s get you to the hospital.”
He turned and met Callie’s gaze briefly before telling the manager, “Go with her.”
Despite her pain, Alayah glanced at Callie and quickly grasped Nelson’s cold, slender fingers. “Mr. Oconnor, please come with me.”
After a three-second pause, he withdrew his fingers and placed his hand on her shoulder instead. “I’ll take you.”
The crowd gasped again.
Everyone exchanged looks.
Callie finally looked away, a glimmer fading from her eyes… as if she had given up.
Could Nelson really be involved with Alayah?
In this drama, Nelson and Alayah were the main characters. Callie was just a clumsy extra.
Alayah received admiration from everyone.
Callie got harsh criticism.
They left.
“Anyone who talks about today will face the consequences,” Jaquan warned the crowd, his sharp eyes landing on Litzy last. “Come with me.”
His sternness made even the bold Litzy flinch. She patted Callie’s hand. “Don’t worry, wait for me.”
She quickly followed.
Some couldn’t resist gossiping as they cleaned up.
Callie stood alone, feeling a bit cold.
She touched her hands and found tools to clean up the mess.
Her long hair fell forward, covering half her face.