Chapter 119: You’re Glowing

As I was about to leave, Eric suddenly took my hand and smiled, nodding. "Thank you," he said, leading me to a seat by the window. The air between us felt oddly charged because of that little moment earlier.

He broke the silence. "You never mentioned Jeremiah."

Eric raised an eyebrow. "What about that junior of yours, Levi? He seems… clingy."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Do you think Levi is some kind of ghost?"

Eric nodded, completely serious. "Yeah, a ghost. One that refuses to go away."

His words reminded me of something he'd said before, and my face instantly warmed. Right now, we were finally alone together.

Before I could think too much, the owner returned with a steaming pot of seafood chowder. Her husband followed, setting down a few side dishes. As they left, I caught the amused, knowing looks they exchanged.

Eric and I talked slowly, about everything and nothing. Time slipped away, and before I knew it, it was past midnight. My phone lit up with a message from Levi: "Jane, you're still not home?"

Before leaving the hospital, I had told him everything was settled, but mentioned I would be home late. I hadn't expected him to still be up, waiting. Even though I was with Eric, I didn't tell Levi.

After sending a message, I set my phone down and looked up—only to meet Eric's steady gaze. My heart pounded. For some reason, I felt I had just been caught cheating. "Is there something on my face?" I blurted out, desperate to break the tension. His unwavering stare made me nervous.

"There is," he said. "You're glowing."

Eric's words felt like a bullet straight to my heart, knocking the breath out of me. It took me a few seconds to regain my composure. Flustered, I quickly said, "It's getting late. You have work tomorrow. We should head back."

Seeing how flustered I was, Eric's lips curled into a smirk as amusement flickered in his eyes.

When I went to pay, the owner looked at me in surprise. "Wait, didn't your husband already pay?"

At that moment, a memory flashed: Eric excusing himself to use the restroom earlier. I offered an awkward laugh, waved my hand, and left without explaining. Before we stepped out, the owner gave me a knowing look. "Your husband is a great guy. He's handsome and so good to you. You'd better cherish him!"

I held back my instinct to correct her. That would only lead to more questions. Instead, I simply nodded.

Eric was already waiting in the car. As soon as I got in, he glanced at me teasingly. "What were you and the owner talking about?"

I shook my head. There was no way I would tell him what she had said. He didn't press further, but the amused glint in his eyes made me feel like he already knew.

When we arrived home, I was startled to see Levi sitting by the door, dozing off. I froze. I hadn't expected him to still be waiting.

When he saw me return, his face lit up with surprise. But the moment he noticed Eric beside me, his expression instantly darkened. "Jane, why are you with him?" He grabbed my arm, ready to pull me inside.

"I went to visit Elsa, and after that, I ran into Eric at the hospital. We decided to grab a late dinner."

At that, Levi's irritation flared. He scoffed, his eyes narrowing at Eric. His voice was laced with sarcasm. "Mr. Flint, you sure are thoughtful. I just wonder whether that thoughtfulness is genuine or not. Taking a woman out to dinner in the middle of the night—ever think about how that will look?"

Eric let out a cold chuckle. "Some people have no problem crashing at their senior's place without worrying about how it looks."

Levi's expression darkened instantly. "So what? I have a legitimate reason. What about you?" Eric turned to me, his smile unfaltering. "I do."