The Returning Ex

William nodded. “I see.”

Matilda went on to say, “I’m sorry that I left your home the other day without informing you. My family wanted me to go home immediately.” Forcing a smile, she said, “Nevertheless, I don’t think you care about this.”

Without continuing this topic, William raised his chin to point in the direction of Richard. “Are you dating him?”

“No no no,” Matilda explained hurriedly. “I’m not dating him. He’s just a friend.”

William turned to glance at Richard again, who happened to look in his direction as well. As a confident man, Richard flashed a smile at William, whose expression remained glacial.

After a pause, William said, “Why didn’t I know you have this friend?”

Behaving like a cheating student who was caught red-handed by the teacher, Matilda answered in an honest manner, “We got to know each other two days ago. My mom said he’s a nice guy—” Noticing that she had said it in an inappropriate way, Matilda caught herself and rephrased her words. “Well, since I don’t have many friends, my mom told me to try to make new friends and… that’s what happened.”

more I explain, the more it sounds suspicious? Eventually,

her a dispassionate

Matilda noticed that he had never touched his food. At that instant, she wasn’t sure what he made of the situation now. Is he angry with me? But he doesn’t look like it, even though he seems different from his usual self. Matilda was

a reason to be mad. At any rate, Matilda wouldn’t dare

and walked over. Feeling more confident than William, Richard said, “Hi, Mr. William.

who Richard was, William gazed at him and asked, “You are?” He sounded rather impolite, as

at all, Richard grinned

nodded in a

to Richard and questioned in a lowered voice, “Why

to come

for a while, William