Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Maddox asked with interest, "What's going on? Did River come looking to settle scores? He wants you to take responsibility or something? Romina, are you heading out now? Tell me where, I'll head over-this'll be my chance to get that dinner you owe me."

Romina replied, "I'm just about to head out. You said you were busy, so I figured I'd skip dinner with you today. I'm going shopping-to buy River ten new sets of clothes. I got his suit all messy last night, and now he's demanding I compensate him with ten new outfits. Maddox, why do I feel like you're enjoying this-you sound like you're just here for the drama."

Maddox chuckled, "I am enjoying the show, but I'm definitely not gloating. Romina, you and I-we're not going to become lovers or a married couple, but we're still friends. We trust each other. And friends care about each other-I care

about you."

Romina said, "We went on a blind date and were thinking about building

this, and that makes him your love rival. But you're not even

that sweet, or are you just not interested

me when you're just a few steps ahead. Besides, River's not exactly a love rival. Honestly, I

doubt he wants

marriage—I think he'll change his mind. Maybe he won't see me as a threat anymore. Honestly, I wanted to drive you home last night. You weren't clinging to River. If I'd insisted, I could've taken you home-but River wouldn't let me. He said you were drunk and mentally unstable and was afraid I'd

got a guardian angel watching over you-you just haven't realized

Romina was speechless.