ncing through the rearview mirror, M found Nathan resting peacefully with his eyes. closed.


    An unexpected surge of bitterness and anger welled up within her, but it was Nathan’s demeanor that


    infuriated her the most.


    Before knowing her true identity, he professed a decade–long adoration for her. Yet, now it all seemed


    hollow. She wondered if it was merely a retaliation for her rejection.


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Meanwhile, Fenna kept up her ceaseless chatter about her and Nathan’s shared history. “On my


    birthday, Nate went above and beyond, baking a birthday cake just for me. He really put his effort into


    it.”


    M felt a painful tightness in her chest, the difort bing unbearable. Forcing a smile, she


    turned to Nathan and softly called out, “Nate.”


    Nathan, taken aback, met her gaze. With a gentle tone, he responded, “Yes?”


    Fenna’s expression darkened as her gaze darted nervously between M and Nathan.


    With a subtle smile, M suggested, “I’d love to try your cake as well. Could you bake one for me?”


    Nathan’s lips curved slightly, his voice soft and reassuring. “Sure.”


    M pressed on, “When will you be free?”


    Nathan’s eyes were full of tenderness, his rich voice gentle as he replied, “Anytime you wish.”


    “How about tonight?”


    “No problem.”


    “I want a chocte–vored cake,” M added, injecting a yful tone.


    Nathan replied with sincerity, “Roger that.”


    Meanwhile, Phoebe couldn’t help but stifle augh as she observed the exchange.


    Fenna bit her lip, her expression darkening as she crossed her arms and gazed out the window.


    After three hours of driving, the car finally pulled into a rest area.


    M stepped into the shop, her gaze wandering over the sign disying various food items. Lost in


    thought about what to eat, she was interrupted by Fenna’s gentle voice.


    ‘Nate, I’d love to have the beef noodle soup, but the portion is too much for me. I’ve been on a diet


    lately. Wanna split?”


    M nced at them from the corner of her eye.


    Nathan proposed, “Let’s ask if they can make you a smaller portion for the same price.”


    Fenna nudged his arm yfully. “No way, that’s such a waste of money!”


    M’s chest tightened, prompting her to quickly look away. Unsettling emotions churned within her,


    despite knowing she had no grounds for jealousy or anger. Yet, the difort lingered.


    Nathan sighed, relenting, “Alright, then go ahead and order.”


    While Fenna ced her order, M informed the waiter, “I’ll have the seafood pasta, no onions and


    parsley, please.”


    Teasingly, Fennamented, “Ms. York, it seems like you’re quite a picky eater.”


    M calmly met Fenna’s gaze, and her eyes briefly brushed over Nathan’s before averting her gaze,


    her demeanor growing distant.


    “Being particr about my food preferences isn’t a crime, is it?” she retorted sharply.


    Fenna chuckled before turning to Nathan, asking, “Nate, could you get me some yogurt, please?”


    “Of course,” Nathan replied without hesitation. Their friendship spanning many years made such


    requests second nature. ncing at M, he asked, “And what about you, Chubs?”


    Suppressing her emotions, M gripped her thumb against her index finger, nearly biting her lip. “Two


    bottles of plum juice, please,” she responded with a strained smile.


    Nathan frowned. “You never used to like sour drinks.”


    M managed a tight–lipped smile, her eyes betraying a hint of bitterness. “Things change,” she replied


    curtly.


    “Alright,” Nathan said, opting not to linger on the matter. He then made his way to the store to buy the


    drinks.


    Seated at a table in the dining area, M and Phoebe upied one side while Nathan and Fenna sat


    opposite them. Originally, M and Nathan were supposed to sit facing each other.