Chapter 1300

Caleb first saw Simona; only after speaking did he notice the person sitting across from her. There was a handsome young man with delicate features.

“And this is?” he asked, glancing at the young man with curiosity.

When Stephen saw Caleb, he felt immediately guarded and wary. Dining in such a place, and knowing Simona, indicated a shared social circle. With a single glance, Stephen sensed the man before him was unlike ordinary people like himself.

“Caleb? What a coincidence. This is my boyfriend, Stephen. We just made it official, so I haven’t told many friends yet,” Simona explained. She didn’t want to hide anything, especially since they had already encountered each other. Introducing Stephen to her friends now seemed a sensible start.

Stephen felt uneasy but remained composed, rising to extend his hand. “Hello, I’m Stephen Pearce, Simona’s boyfriend.”

Caleb shook Stephen’s hand, smiling. “Caleb Gardner, a friend of Simona’s.”

“Caleb and I have known each other since childhood. You don’t need to be nervous around him. We’ll be seeing each other often,” Simona added quickly, sensing Stephen’s discomfort.

Stephen simply smiled and said, “Okay.” His feeling wasn't nervousness, but a deep-seated inferiority. He felt Caleb scrutinizing him, assessing his worthiness as Simona’s boyfriend.

Noticing Stephen’s evasive gaze and lack of eye contact, Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Are you two university classmates? Simona, you’re rather tight-lipped, aren’t you? You didn’t even mention having a boyfriend.”

“There just wasn’t a good opportunity yet. Now that we’ve run into each other, I can introduce him. Don’t nitpick! Who are you meeting today?” Simona replied with casual ease.

“I’m by myself. The smell drew me in as I passed by.”

“Then join us for dinner. I ordered quite a bit, and I can add a few more dishes, including your favorite foie gras,” Simona offered casually.

A twinge of dissatisfaction pricked Stephen. His plans were disrupted. Some things he couldn't say in front of others.

Chapter 1301

“Is that alright? I don’t want to intrude on your date,” Caleb said, noting Stephen’s reluctance. Most people wouldn’t appreciate a third party interrupting; he wouldn’t normally impose, but for some reason, he felt compelled to observe today. Stephen’s expression gave him an inexplicable feeling—he seemed to be scheming. Of course, he might simply be overly suspicious, a byproduct of recent stressful situations and overthinking.

“You’re not intruding, of course. We see each other all the time at university, and since you’re a friend of Simona’s, you should join us,” Stephen said smoothly, before Simona could respond.

Simona immediately nodded. “No intrusion at all. Sit down.”

Caleb, not one to overthink, took a seat. The remainder of the meal appeared enjoyable for everyone.