Chapter 90: Equated Cheyenne with His Mother

Black, shiny leather shoes clicked softly on the golden maple leaves. The man’s heartbeat quickened; he unconsciously tightened his grip on her waist, causing her a slight ache.

A tall man approached, a photograph in hand, and walked toward Cheyenne. At that moment, his hand, which had been on her waist, moved to cup her face. His scent, and the sharp perfume he wore, almost choked her.

“Um…”

His lips pressed down, kissing her forcefully. Though a mask separated them, Cheyenne felt the icy touch of his lips.

“Pop!”

Cheyenne’s books tumbled to the ground, some hitting the man’s instep. He remained unmoved, his grip firm on her face. Her wide eyes, brimming with tears, met his. A hint of apology flickered in his gaze.

He had intended to ask Cheyenne if she recognized the person in the photo, but instead, he saw them kissing. He could only see Omari’s back and Cheyenne’s flushed face. He stared at them before walking away.

From a few steps away, Cheyenne heard him say to his companion, "I just saw a really pretty woman."

His companion patted his shoulder. "Our mission is to find Mr. Lara. As for the women, after the mission, I’ll take you to a bar. There’s a girl there with an amazing figure—even better in bed."

The men walked away, their voices fading into the distance. The man holding Cheyenne finally relaxed, removing his cap to reveal short, fiery red hair damp with sweat. The damp strands clung to his broad forehead.

“Miss, I’m so sorry. It was urgent… Ah, that hurts!”

It had been her first kiss. A mix of sadness and unfairness turned to anger, which she channeled into a fierce kick to his shin. He cried out, clutching his leg.

“You scum! If I ever see you again, I’ll kick your ass,” Cheyenne spat, storming off.

Unbeknownst to her, she’d dropped her book. A pair of long, elegant hands picked it up. The man gritted his teeth, opening the book to find “Cheyenne” written on the second page. Cheyenne. What a lovely name.

Later, Cheyenne returned to her hotel room to discover her book missing. She retraced her steps, finding nothing. Fate, however, intervened. Returning to the hotel lobby, dejected, she saw the red-haired man holding out her book.

Omari handed it to her, offering his business card. Cheyenne, unimpressed, tore it up, coldly stating, “I don’t need it.”

Anyone else would have been dealt with quietly, but Omari found Cheyenne’s defiance amusing.

When telling Kate about the encounter, Cheyenne omitted the kiss—offering a brief summary.

Kate sighed. “It’s really thanks to that adult book I gave you!” She slammed a cabinet shut. “I’ve read more than you have. Why don’t I have this kind of luck?”

Cheyenne smirked. “You’ve read more than me? Tell me! What have you read that I haven’t?”

Kate looked away, guilty. “N-nothing… you’ve read every book I bought.”

Cheyenne narrowed her eyes, tilting Kate’s chin. “Really?”

“I don’t believe you. Are you going to show me or not? If not, I’ll tell your big brother you were hiding under the covers reading… mmph!”

Kate covered her mouth before she could finish. A tall figure in white, Eddie, appeared at the door.

With a puzzled expression, he asked softly, “What are you two doing?”

Kate smiled brightly. “Eddie! Just playing around with Cheyenne. Right, Cheyenne?”

Cheyenne crossed her arms, lips pursed. “Do you want me to tell him the truth?”

“No! I’ll give it to you when I get home!” Kate whispered, assuring her.

“OK.”

Eddie assumed they were just joking and left after reminding Cheyenne of some follow-up matters.

Carrying their luggage, they reached the hospital entrance and saw a red Ferrari.

The driver, a handsome and effeminate man in sunglasses, rolled down the window. A smile curved his red lips.

“Cheyenne, congratulations on your discharge.”

A young man in a white T-shirt and jeans exited the car, opening the door.

Kate snorted. “No filming today?” She walked toward the passenger seat.

Reece grabbed her hair, pulling her back. “You get out! That seat’s for my future girlfriend. Back seat for you!”

Only two people had sat there: his mother, and Cheyenne. In his mind, he equated Cheyenne with his mother.

Kate winced, punching his shoulder lightly. “Fine. Don’t act like I care!”

Settling into the back, Kate muttered, “Cheyenne, he bullied me again.”

Cheyenne ignored them, closing her eyes to rest. She was tired of their bickering.