?<strong>Chapter 1089:</strong>


    He grinned and then added, “The arrangement suited me perfectly, so I agreed on the spot!”


    Bethany expressed her doubts, saying, “But does that arrangement actually work? Catherine didn’t seem to have any reaction at all.”


    Belinda said, “I believe it does work. On the drive home, I talked with Catherine to test her. Though she acted unaffected, it was clear she wasn’tpletely indifferent to Johnson’s new rtionship. I think it even made her a bit ufortable to see him in a rtionship.”


    “Really?” Johnson’s face lit up at this.


    “Yes, so this strategy should be effective,” Belinda said. “But be careful not to push it too far.”


    “Got it,” Johnson replied, his smile lingering as he hung up, clearly pleased with the conversation.


    Upon arriving home, he nned to head straight to his room.


    However, sounds from the kitchen caught his attention.


    Raising an eyebrow, he walked toward the kitchen.


    Reaching the doorway, he spotted Catherine inside.


    Water bubbled vigorously in the pot.


    “Hungry?” Johnson’s voice was low.


    At the sound, Catherine tensed slightly.


    After a few seconds, she turned her head to see Johnson.


    Johnson was casually leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.


    “Yeah,” Catherine nodded and then said, “I am going to make some pasta. Would you like some?”


    Johnson smiled. “Sure!”


    He then walked over to the dining table to wait.


    Fifteen minutester, Catherine emerged with the pasta. Johnson rose, took the tes from her, and set them on the table.


    They ate silently.


    Catherine nced at Johnson, who sat opposite her, and pressed her lips together slightly.


    He now consciously maintained a distance during their meals, no longer sitting beside her.


    Catherine acutely felt his deliberate detachment.


    Now, she recognized how good Johnson had been to her in the past. But back then, she had either ignored it or not paid much attention.


    Only when she had lost it did she realize this.


    Breaking the silence, Johnson said, “If you ever have any trouble at school, reach out to Zoie. She’ll help you.”


    Catherine’s expression shifted subtly at his suggestion. She felt her heart tighten.


    After a long moment of silence, Catherine inclined her head slightly. “Alright, got it.”


    A pause followed before she hesitantly asked, “Johnson, when do you n on introducing your girlfriend to your parents?”


    Johnson’s voice was low and husky as he responded, “I’ll let her make the decision.”


    Catherine’splexion paled ever so slightly.


    She quickly forced a smile, nodding. “That’s wonderful.” With that, she lowered her gaze and resumed eating.


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