Next One Is a Babe

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Matilda froze for a moment, but she then hurriedly denied it. “No, no, Belle would never do that. I just want you to know that she’s very much concerned about you.”

At this, John barked out a tepid laugh. “Have you ever asked Isabelle how she feels about me before playing matchmaker? Perhaps you read her wrongly.”

Taken aback, Matilda didn’t quite know what to say. Isabelle had indeed implored her not to disclose the fact that she had feelings for John, and she understood that if it came to his knowledge that Isabelle had feelings for him, he might assume that she instigated her considering all this matchmaking she was doing.

After pondering for a while, she replied, “While Belle hasn’t said anything to that effect, I think she has feelings for you judging from her concern toward you.” Seemingly having thought of something, she added, “Belle was ecstatic back when the two of you got engaged, so it’s proof that she likes you and is willing to marry you. Even after you married Sophia, she didn’t get together with anyone else. Thus, I think she’s probably waiting for you. John, some opportunities may only come once, so you must seize it. If you miss it, you might never have the opportunity again in the future.”

John said nothing. Truly, some opportunities may only come once. If I miss it, I’ll never have the opportunity again. That’s why I’m so anxious now, so much so that I don’t know what to do. It’s really disheartening to be confronted by a predicament in which I’m stuck, neither advancement nor retreat possible.

He drove her home, but before Matilda had gotten out of the car, her cell phone rang. Picking it up, she glanced at it, whereupon a smile bloomed on her face and she said to John, “Look how considerate Belle is. She’s calling now, probably asking whether I’ve arrived home.”

John leaned over and opened the car door on her side right away. “Talk to her after you’ve alighted from the car.” Startled, Matilda exclaimed in surprise, but John had grown impatient. “Hurry up. It’s late, and I haven’t had dinner.”

He nudged her slightly, so Matilda climbed out of the car. Still a touch dazed, she turned and looked at him. “Hey, wait a minute! I’ll talk to Belle for a while, then you can also—”

John pulled the car door closed, aware of the trick up her sleeve. He had nothing to say to Isabelle, so he wasn’t about to tarry, driving away without a moment’s hesitation. From the rear-view mirror, he could see her answering the call even as she waved a fist in his direction. Letting out a sigh of relief, his expression gradually relaxed.

When he returned to Constance Residence, Old Mrs. Constance was seated on the sofa with Lady Jennifer who’d come over, and the two of them were talking. Mild surprise suffused John at the sight of Lady Jennifer, but still, he greeted her politely. Flashing him a smile, Lady Jennifer remarked, “You’re only back at this hour?”