Chapter 206: Chapter 206: More Than Friend
After hearing her best friend’s advice, Laura was still nervous about contacting Ansel. She was worried he would ask questions that would make it difficult for her to answer. She was afraid he would feel uncomfortable around her, as their relationship had always been more than just friends.
Her hands continued to tremble as she held her phone. She had decided to call Ansel, but ten minutes had passed, and she was still afraid to do so. She kept controlling her breathing to avoid appearing nervous during the phone conversation. Finally, she was ready to call him, regardless of the questions he might ask.
"Ansel, how is your cheek? Is it getting better?"
"Of course. It’s all thanks to you for treating me yesterday. Thank you, Laura."
Laura’s smile widened as she turned her chair around happily. "Even though things are getting better, don’t forget to use the ointment regularly."
"Don’t worry, I already used it. By the way, I was actually going to call you earlier. I didn’t expect you to contact me first."
"Why did you want to contact me?"
"How about we have dinner together?"
This was what Laura really wanted. She didn’t want to eat dinner alone anymore. Ever since she had dinner with Ansel yesterday, she’d felt very comfortable around him.
"I want to. But, aren’t you busy?"
"I’ll definitely finish all my work first. I can have dinner with you later."
"Okay, then I will do the same."
*****
Of course, Ansel wasn’t just joking; he actually finished all his work on time so he could have dinner with his beloved friend. He admitted that he actually felt much more comfortable having dinner with his friend yesterday than alone. Therefore, from now on, he was determined to try approaching his friend in a different way. He deliberately chose to have dinner at his friend’s residence for their safety, so they wouldn’t be targeted by thugs again.
Laura could only cook simple meals. She hadn’t expected Ansel to suggest dinner at her penthouse. Furthermore, she felt a little awkward, as this was the first time a man had visited her residence.
"Sorry, I can’t cook a variety of dishes. Would you mind if I just make an omelet?"
Ansel smiled broadly, looking at his friend with sparkling eyes. "I actually really like omelet rice. Thank you for making it for me."
"But, I really can’t cook. Maybe I’m not like your ex-girlfriend who’s a good cook."
"Do you know why I want to marry Victoria so badly?"
"Is it because she is good at cooking?"
"No. But she really loves me sincerely. I really like a woman who loves me sincerely."
"So, now you can’t marry her anymore. What are you going to do now? Do you want to find another woman?"
"Actually, I don’t need to bother looking for her because I don’t want to get married if I haven’t found the right woman for me yet."
Laura began to feel insecure because she suspected Ansel’s criteria for the woman he truly desired was perfection. She also wanted to be like Victoria, but it would be difficult because Victoria was more perfect than she was. Meanwhile, she was just an ordinary woman who was too focused on her career.
"Laura, your omelet was delicious. I think I’ll have to ask you to cook for me again." Ansel gave a thumbs up as he devoured the omelet with gusto.
"If my omelet isn’t delicious, you should just tell me. Honestly, I rarely cook for other people."
"But, is it true that you have never dated anyone?"
"Actually, I almost went out with a guy. But I was the one who turned him down."
Ansel’s eyes widened. "Why? Is it because you’re still having trouble forgetting Matthias?"
"No. But that man was really rude to me. He left me suddenly and cheated on me with another woman."
Ansel immediately slammed his fist on the table. "Wow, I really need to beat that man up until he learns his lesson! How dare he betray you, even though you’re such a good woman!"
Laura laughed softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It’s actually really hard to find a guy who truly loves me. That’s why I have the same principles as you."
Ansel stroked his friend’s head slowly with a loving gaze. "In return, can I accompany you to dinner every day?"
Her heart was pounding at the special treatment from her best friend. "I don’t want to just have dinner. How about lunch too?"
"Of course. It would be great for me, because I could be your personal bodyguard at any time."
The two exchanged their most beautiful smiles as they devoured their omelets. Laura was incredibly grateful to have such an understanding friend like Ansel. Even though she couldn’t be his girlfriend, just having a friendship like this was enough to satisfy her.
*****
On the other hand, this husband and wife are no less sweet than the previous couple. However, the atmosphere inside this luxurious residence is slightly different because Victoria still has to work late into the night in her study. Although her eyes are starting to feel hard to keep open, she still has to be responsible for completing all her work, especially the interior design work, as she has to meet several clients tomorrow and the day after.
Matthias couldn’t bear to see his wife working so hard that she wasn’t getting enough rest. He really liked her, the way she used to have fun with him. Should he suggest that she rest instead of getting sick?
"Tory, don’t you want to go to sleep first?"
Victoria shook her head slowly. "No. I still want to finish everything. Actually, there’s still a little bit left to finish." Her right hand stroked her husband’s head. "You should go to sleep first. You look tired too."
"No way. I don’t want to sleep alone."
"Matty, can you not be so spoiled?"
"Isn’t it more likely that you’re the one who wants to be pampered? Even though you seem busy, you always contact me whenever you have free time."
"Matthias, actually there is one important thing I want to ask you."
"What is it?"
"What if I should resign from my current position?"