“I’ve sent you my location,” Emmeline said, her hand gripping the steering wheel as she drove. “I’m on my way, should be there in twenty minutes.”
“Alright,” Abel replied. “I’ll be downstairs.”
Eighteen minutes later, Emmeline entered the private room of the bar where Benjamin was waiting. The room was dimly lit, and he sat alone on the sofa, sipping his drink.
However, it was evident that he hadn’t consumed much alcohol.
Benjamin was a disciplined man, even stringent with himself when it came to self-control.
Coming to this environment was merely his way of seeking solace when feeling down, not an invitation for a drinking spree.
“Ben,” Emmeline sat on the sofa opposite him, “What’s going on between you and Janie?”
Benjamin picked up the cocktail in front of him and, with a strained voice, said, “I thought I wouldn’t care, but this morning, I couldn’t focus on anything. My mind was restless.”
“Emma, tell me, have I fallen in love with Janie?”
Emmeline felt a sense of delight within her, but she maintained a nonchalant expression. “Well, you’re probably just not used to her not being by your side.”
“It’s not that,” Benjamin replied. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been so distracted during work.”
“In that case, you need to ask yourself,” Emmeline said, “When it comes to falling in love with someone, only you can truly know.”
Benjamin chuckled bitterly. “Except for you, I thought I wouldn’t love again. But Janie, she somehow managed to make my heart ache.”
“That settles it,” Emmeline said. “If I were you, I’d go to Falmouth and find her.”
“She’s already blocked me,” Benjamin sighed. “I can’t muster up the audacity for that.”
“You’re so useless!” Abel’s voice came from the doorway. “When it comes to pursuing a woman, do you care about your pride?”
“Abel?” Benjamin raised his gaze and looked at Abel with a wry smile. “Perfect timing. I need to learn from you.”
“Why beat around the bush?” Abel sat down, put his arm around Emmeline’s shoulder, and said, “Just like when I pursued Emma, I wasn’t afraid of embarrassment. I rented a room from her and even shamelessly went upstairs to eat her food. You need to have that kind of determination!”
Emmeline clenched her fist at Abel. Damn it, he’s only telling the truth now. It turns out he had it all planned from the beginning!
But Benjamin laughed, “I never expected Mr. Abel to go to such lengths to pursue Emma.”
“When it comes to pursuing a woman, you need to have the determination to build a career,” Abel said. “Otherwise, no matter how great the woman is, someone more ambitious will win her over.”
As Abel spoke, Harold’s image flashed before Benjamin’s eyes. Would that man be more driven than him?
He probably would be, because Benjamin had never put in the effort himself.
No wonder Janie ran away as soon as she encountered Harold.
“So, you mean…” Benjamin looked up at Abel, “I should go after her in Falmouth?”
“At the very least, give her a call,” Abel said. “You’ve been keeping it all to yourself, wallowing in pain. It’s pointless.”
“But she’s blocked me,” Benjamin sheepishly narrowed his eyes.
“You’re such a fool!” Abel exclaimed. “Can’t you just get a new number?”
“She won’t answer it if she found out it’s me, won’t I lose face?” Benjamin hesitated.
“If you care about your pride, then forget about women!” Abel tilted his head back and took a sip of his drink. “You’re so stubborn!”
Benjamin fell silent, contemplating for three or four minutes. Finally, he seemed to make up his mind. “Alright, tonight I’ll change my number and give her a call.”
“That settles it then?” Emmeline exclaimed with joy, patting Abel’s shoulder. “Abel, I’m glad I dragged you out.”
“In that case, have a drink with me,” Abel winked at her, mimicking her seductive tone from earlier.
Emmeline blushed and replied, “I don’t drink. I still have to go for my driving practice later.”
“Driving practice?” Abel had completely forgotten about it. Emmeline had mentioned it to him in the morning.
Benjamin suggested, “Then let’s skip the drinks. We’ll find another place to eat, and afterward, I’ll accompany Emma for her driving practice.”
“Exactly!” Emmeline pinched Abel’s chin playfully and taunted, “Once I master driving, I’ll dump your Little Flower a hundred blocks away!”
Abel burst into laughter, embracing her and saying, “Well, today I’m going all out. I’ll accompany you to the driving practice! Otherwise, you might think I’m not committed enough!”
The two of them bantered back and forth, amusing Benjamin, who interjected, “Enough with lovey-dovey in front of me. How are we supposed to eat if you guys keep it like this?”
