Chapter 433 Your Girlfriend Asked
“Your company is newly established. How could you have that many things to do? Are you trying to give an excuse to avoid me?”
This time, Michael spoke up. He sounded upset with what I had said.
I could not help but panic when I realized he had noticed what I was trying to do. Despite so, I quickly composed myself.
It was true that I did not want to see him, and we both knew it. Therefore, there was no point in trying to conceal it. However, I could not say that in front of Natalie and Yuval.
“I have more things to work on precisely because my company is new,” I casually stated.
Acting as though I was unaffected, I helped myself to the dishes. I did not want to seem too uptight in front of Natalie and Yuval.
“Well, I can help you with it after we finish dinner. I’m sure I have a greater ability than you in dealing with your work.” Michael spoke again, and I felt the urge to throw something in his direction.
He was well aware that it was an excuse to cut short the time we were together, but he had to say that on purpose.
I thought he said he would never appear before me again after last night. Did he erase whatever he said in his mind?
I quickly rejected his offer with a slight frown, “There is no need for that. I don’t need an outsider poking into my company affairs. What should I do if someone leaks my company’s internal information? If such a thing happens, I think we would both get implicated.”
He did not say anything else afterward. However, his tightly knitted brows signaled he was unhappy with the situation. Nonetheless, I could not be bothered by what he was thinking. I only knew that I did not want to see him anymore.
Meanwhile, sensing the hostility between Michael and me, Natalie and Yuval sat opposite us in discomfort.
Then, Yuval broke the silence. “It’s dinner time, so let’s not talk about work. Let’s have a good meal for now. It must be tiring to have work on your mind all the time.”
Smiling, he spoke warmly, hoping to ease the situation.
We all knew he wanted to break up our bicker. Too tired to retort, I decided to say nothing.
Similarly, Michael kept quiet and started to eat. Perhaps, he shared the same thoughts as me.
From my memory, Michael would never come to such a restaurant for a meal. He would usually visit a fancy hotel restaurant. Therefore, I was surprised that he would turn up here. Did his taste change in a year? He eats like us commoners now.
It was a depressing meal. Although Natalie and Yuval tried to salvage the atmosphere, I could not bring myself to show any enthusiasm with Michael still beside me. I could only try my best to humor them with a few words.
Finally, I could not take it any longer halfway through the meal. Placing my fork down, I looked up at Natalie.
“I’m full. I have something to deal with, so I’ll head off first. If time allows, I’ll meet you another time.”
“Anna, you didn’t eat much. Are you full? Why don’t you have more food before you leave?” Natalie questioned.
After hearing what I said, she stood up hurriedly and tried to stop me.
Of course, I knew she wanted to make me stay and interact with Michael. Unfortunately, because I knew the reason behind her words, I wanted to leave more than ever.
“There’s no need because I’m full. I’m afraid I can’t stay any longer and should hurry back.”
With that, I turned to leave, but Michael suddenly rose up from his seat.
“Since you’re rushing, I’ll give you a lift. I don’t think you drove here, right?”
He sounded calm, and I could not sense any emotions in his voice. Yet, I felt a wave of complex emotions wash over me.
“It’s all right. I don’t want to bother you, so I’ll hail a taxi instead.”
Looking back at him, I did not hesitate to reject him.
“It’s peak time now. Since your work is urgent, are you sure you have the patience to wait for a taxi?” Michael reasoned with a frown.
He did not seem angry because I turned him down.
After what he said, it would be clear that I was making excuses if I declined him again. It would expose that I was lying earlier.
I glared at Michael with a glimpse of annoyance. He must be toying with me. Have I pissed him off in any way such that he can’t leave me be?
Unfortunately, I had no other choice at that moment. I could only either stay at dinner or take Michael’s car.
Previously, I already stated that I had to leave. If I sat back down, Natalie and Yuval would be able to tell the problem between Michael and me.
Although Natalie was my best friend, and we could talk about anything under the sun, my relationship was something I had to deal with alone.
No matter how close we were or how much we understood each other, I knew best about my feelings.
“Well, I’m sorry to bother you then. Please send me to my office. Thank you,” I muttered to Michael.
I glanced at him once before turning away to walk out the door without looking back again. Although I could not see Michael’s face, I knew he followed me with a triumphant smile on his face.
I knew he did all of this on purpose. But regardless of how angry I was, I could not mention it yet.
When I climbed into his car, I looked out the window and kept quiet. I did not talk to him, and the atmosphere turned cold. In that situation, Michael’s face darkened.
He could not take the silence any longer and asked me in exasperation, “Do you plan to not talk to me and keep quiet for the rest of the journey?”
“I don’t think there is anything left for us to discuss. Didn’t you forget what you told me last night? You said you would disappear from my sight for these few days. However, you came to the restaurant today. How can I ever trust you?”
This morning, I was still full of confidence that I would not run into him anymore, and it lifted my spirits. Unfortunately, the dinner made my blood boil.
“I remember whatever I said. But it was your best friend who called me over today for dinner. I did not come on purpose. You should blame Natalie and question her instead of interrogating me if you are so displeased!”
He had a gloomy expression on his face as he flatly pushed the blame on Natalie.
The way he accused Natalie only made me livid. How can he be so shameless as to hold Nat accountable for everything?
