hapter 170 A Familiar Stranger
Chapter 170 A Familiar Stranger
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She thought, arriving this early, she’d have to wait a while for him. But after parking her car, she was surprised to see he’d already arrived.
They had agreed in advance to sit by the window once they got there.
He wore a ck suit, a bright red rose in his hand.
She wore a brown wool coat and held a plush capybara toy in her arms.
Because Elias always texted in such a stiff, by–the–book style–like a grumpy old man–she had imagined he’d probably look the part, too.
Most likely balding. Probably with a beer belly.
But from a distance, Elias actually had a pretty nice build.
Even seated, his posture was impressively straight.
She couldn’t see his legs too clearly under the table, but overall, he gave off the impression of being tall- and young.
Maybe it was the sound of the café door opening, but he turned his head slightly in her direction, the back of his head facing her now.
She had to admit–even the back of his head was kind of good–looking.
But what caught her attention most was his hand.
His right hand held the rose with effortless grace, wrist slightly bent, the joints elegant and pale, like sculpted jade–quietly striking.
As if sensing her stare, he slowly turned his face toward her.
He looked up so suddenly that Lily felt like a student caught goofing off by the ss monitor. Startled, she ducked behind the wall next to her.
That’s when she saw his face clearly.
It was a face of cold elegance, carved to perfection…
James‘ face.
Lily froze,pletely stunned.
She never could’ve imagined that the Elias she’de to trust and confide in–was actually James.
She really liked talking to Elias.
She even felt a little attached to him.
But because she’d never met him in person, chatting with him made her feel warm–just not the kind of
16:52 Tue<b>, </b>22 <b>Jul</b><b>. </b>
Chapter 170 A Familiar Stranger
fluttery, heart–racing warmth.
To her, Elias was more of a reliable, trustworthy friend.
But James… James was someone she might have a crush on.
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If Elias and James were twopletely separate people, there was no way she’d have intense feelings for either of them.
But now that she knew Elias <i>was </i>James, it was like a chemical reaction set off inside her.
All those feelings she had forced down–sprang up like wild weeds.
That quiet attachment buried deep in her heart suddenly took root and grew into a towering tree.
Into something she couldn’t ignore anymore. Something she couldn’t suppress.
She liked… James.
But she was Le. And she was also Lily.
Distance creates beauty.
Because they hadn’t met face–to–face<i>, </i>James had developed some feelings for Le.
Maybe it was even love.
But what he loved more was the version of Le he’d imagined in his mind–not her, not Lily.
He’d known Lily in real life.
And he didn’t like her.
He couldn’t stand being touched by her.
He couldn’t even bear to look at her without wincing.
Just that morning, he had warned her in a cold, hard voice to stay away from him unless absolutely
necessary.
If he found out that Le was actually Lily, all of that affection would vanish in an instant.
They wouldn’t even be friends.
Elias was her best friend.
Her only friend.
She couldn’t bear to see the look of disgust on his face.
She couldn’t bear to lose him/
Call it cowardice or just in fear–she simply didn’t have the courage to face James.
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Chapter 170 A Familiar Stranger
She definitely couldn’t bring herself to confess that she was Le.
That she liked him.
That she wanted to be with him.
All she could do–was run away.
Lily fled in such a rush, so panicked, she even forgot to head to the parking lot for her car.
Capital City was always bustling.
Cars everywhere. Lights in every window.
But in this whole city, not a single light was lit for her.
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She stood on the sidewalk, surrounded by go.
<i>a </i>
sea of strangers, and for a moment, she had no idea where to
“Le, where are you right now?”
Lily, eyes rimmed red, stared dazedly at the flickering neon signs when her phone chimed several times in
a row.
James had messaged her.
“If you’re having trouble getting to the café, just tell me where you are. I’lle find you. Le, will you please text me back? I’m really worried about you.”
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She nced at the time on her phone. It was already 7:45.
He’d been waiting at the café for far too long.
She’d been <i>so </i>overwhelmed and panicked earlier, she hadn’t even thought to message him to say she wasn’ting…
She wasn’t going to make it tonight. She couldn’t let him sit there waiting any longer.
Fingers trembling, she slowly stroked his message on the screen as if reluctant to let it go. After nearly thirty seconds, she finally began typing.
“Elias, I’m sorry. Something came up tonight and I can’t make it to the café. I’m <b>so </b>sorry for making you wait.”
Almost immediately, his reply popped up.
“It’s okay. If you’re not free tonight, then let’s meet tomorrow instead.”
He responded so quickly–he must’ve been staring at his phone the whole time, waiting for her reply.
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