Her Return, His Regret novel Chapter 94

Lora walked into the restaurant just as her phone rang. When she saw that it was Ryan calling, she picked up and said, “Hello, Ryan.”

“Lora, where are you? I came to pick you up from work... wanted to take you home,” Ryan said on the phone. "I need to make sure you're safe."

“I’m moving with security and I have a bodyguard for a driver. You don’t have to worry about me,” Lora replied.

She looked around the restaurant and saw Jason seated at the table near the window. Their eyes met and Jason smiled before waving at Lora.

Lora forced a smile and began to approach him, the weight of what she was about to do weighing down on her.

After her little chat with Adan, Lora had finally made a decision. She couldn't lie to herself anymore. She was still in love with Ryan.

“I know... I wanted to ask you out on a date tonight. I know you’re not sure about us-“

“Can I take a rain check? I’m a bit busy today but we can go tomorrow,” Lora suggested.

There was a pause from the other side of the phone before Ryan’s voice echoed through the speaker.

“Are you saying you’re willing to go out on a date with me?” He asked, his voice laced with excitement like a child who had been promised his favorite candy.

Lora smiled and replied, “Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

There was something she needed to sort out before meeting him.

By the time Lora cut the call, she had arrived at the table. Jason stood up and helped to pull back her chair before going back to his seat.

The air between the two was awkward. After ordering food and drinks, Jason cleared his throat and said, “I don’t know if I should be happy that you invited me for dinner. Something tells me I won’t like what you will say.”

Lora gulped, guilt twisting her stomach, knowing she was about to hurt him.

She glanced at Jason and words caught in her throat.

How was she supposed to say it?

“Lora?” Jason remarked when Lora kept quiet for some time.

“Um... Jay, you know I like you very much and I care about you,” Lora said, the words feeling like a heavy boulder settling on her shoulders.

Jason gave a half smile. He nodded and replied, “Yes, I know. You’ve mentioned it so many times.”

Lora let out a sigh, her stomach knotting before she uttered, “I may like and care about you but it’s only as a friend. I’m sorry that I accepted to be your girlfriend. The truth was that I thought I would learn to love you... but that’s not how it works.”

Silence fell over them. The tension in the air was so thick, it could be cut with a knife.

Lora could see that Jason’s mood had changed and her heart sank to the pits of her stomach.

Jason looked at her and asked, “So, what are you saying? I told you I’m patient. I’ve never pushed you to fall in love with me quickly... I can wait for you for so many years until you finally fall in love with me.”