“Indeed.” He firmly agreed, unsure of what to do next.
They sat for a while, both seemingly at a loss for words. Callie felt a bit uneasy; she had never felt this way around him before.
She stood up to leave, but Jaquan reached out and grabbed her hand. He looked up and said, “Stay with me a little longer.”
Callie looked down at him. The moonlight fell into his eyes, revealing endless loneliness and sorrow. Her heart softened, and she smiled, “Jaquan, are you a puppy?”
The angle made him look just like one.
Surprisingly, Jaquan didn’t get angry. He simply replied, “I am.”
He rarely showed such a vulnerable expression. Callie suddenly understood why he attracted so many women; who could resist this?
She actually patted his head. “What’s wrong? Not happy today?”
“With your husband around, when have I ever been happy?”
Callie laughed out loud, but then the door to the private room opened. Mr. Gallagher walked out first, looking displeased, followed by Nelson. Anthony was holding Nelson’s coat, ready to hand it to him.
Nelson looked up and saw Callie immediately retracting her hand and maintaining a cautious distance from Jaquan.
Jaquan composed himself and stood up. “Nelson, done so soon?”
Charlotte was the last to walk out. She paused when she saw Callie.
Callie hadn’t expected the assistant to feel so familiar, as if they had met before.
Nelson nodded, his eyes fixed on Callie. “Come here.”
Callie walked over to him. At the same time, Charlotte walked towards Jaquan. As they passed each other, they exchanged a glance filled with sparks of confusion and familiarity.
“Talked for so long?” Callie naturally linked her arm with Nelson’s as she reached his side.
“Yes. Why did you come out?”
Nelson took the coat from Anthony and draped it over her shoulders.
“It was too boring in the room…”
They walked out side by side, looking perfectly in sync.
Charlotte stopped and watched them walk away, biting her lip in silence. Jaquan appeared beside her at some point. “If you want it, fight for it.”
…
In Nelson’s car, Callie nestled against him with a playful smile. “You’re not angry, are you?”
Nelson played with her hair and asked knowingly, “Why would I be angry?”
“Oh… then I should be angry.” She dragged out her words. “Mr. Oconnor meets quite a few exceptional women at these events.”
Her tone was sarcastic. Nelson smiled faintly and let go of her hair. “Stop pretending.”
Callie stopped teasing him. She was exhausted from the day’s events and dozed off while holding his arm.
Nelson looked down at her peaceful face and suddenly spoke. “I turned down an easy shortcut today. There might be a media storm in a few days; I will be busy.”
Callie opened her eyes and said seriously, “If you think it’s the right choice, then do it.”
Nelson smiled and patted her head. “Sleep.”
…
The projects at the studio were progressing smoothly. Although Regan didn’t come often, it was clear that she looked much better.
“I met the psychologist you recommended. They’re really good. Thank you.” Regan didn’t shy away from seeking help.
Callie was pleased to hear that. “That’s great. As long as it helps.”
“I have something to tell you.”