Next One Is a Babe novel Chapter 857

Desperately, Matilda replied, “Yeah, I did, but he told me he was bored and would like to have some company. So, I didn’t know how I could turn him down.”

Indeed, this is a tricky situation. Sophia nodded and sniggered. “Richard is probably crazy over you, or he wouldn’t insist on coming at the expense of his pride.”

Matilda pursed her lips while recalling the conversation she had with Richard earlier. I believe I’ve made myself clear enough, whereas Richard gave me his word that he’ll respect my will and treat me as a friend. Since Richard had already made his point, Matilda had no idea how else she could clarify her stance because that would only make her look petty and mawkish. When Sophia and John exchanged gazes, the man said, “Well—the more, the merrier, since we’re all celebrating Ian’s return, I suppose it’s not a bad thing that he is coming either.”

Meanwhile, Ian was seen coming downstairs together with Logan, who was wearing his pajamas with a drowsy look that was accompanied by his unkempt hair. Although Logan was still feeling a little tipsy, he instantly sobered up at the sight of his friends in his club. He said, “Let’s go to the restaurant right opposite and enjoy a nice meal, everyone.” Soon, he added, “Now that Ian is back, we’re going to have some fun.” Despite those exciting words, the man didn’t seem to be exhilarated at all.

As soon as he finished his words, Matilda’s phone rang. While everyone else thought it was a call from Richard, Matilda appeared awkward upon taking a look at her phone. A few seconds later, Sophia beat everyone to it and responded with a chuckle. “Let me guess. Your ex-husband is calling, right?”

Matilda didn’t answer Sophia’s question but instead went to a corner and picked up the call. Indeed, the caller was none other than William, who was asking her out for dinner. In that instant, Matilda found herself in a dilemma because she didn’t want Richard and William to meet each other, but at the same time, she was afraid that her former spouse wouldn’t be happy if he learned that Richard had dinner with them later on. Confused and disturbed, she chose to give William the address of Logan’s club and told the man that they were going to celebrate Ian’s return before she went on to invite him along.

On the other hand, William happily accepted Matilda’s invitation without thinking too much. After a few moments of hesitation, Matilda unwillingly made up her mind and told William that Richard would also be there, as she wouldn’t want Richard’s sudden appearance to surprise William and give rise to any unnecessary conflict. Upon hearing that, William paused and replied with an affirmative hum. “Oh, I see. That’s fine by me.”

Even so, Matilda pursed her lips, feeling insecure to think what would happen when the two men met each other. After that, she had a flashback about her lunch with William the day before, during which both of them didn’t manage to sort out their relationship issues face to face.

In fact, she had been looking for an opportunity to talk about their relationship problems throughout their lunch. Besides, she also wanted to ask William his opinion about getting back together, but unfortunately, she couldn’t bring herself to say those words out that were forming at the tip of her tongue.

Deep down, she knew that she would have brought up her wonder if this had happened when she was younger. Unlike her younger, blunt self, Matilda had become more wary and bashful in expressing her feelings.

With her eyes on Matilda, who was on the phone, Sophia nudged John with her elbow and mischievously said, “Look at your mom! She looks just like a shy little girl, doesn’t she?”

John then wrapped his arm around Sophia’s shoulder. “Since when have you become such a busybody?” Sophia laughed in amusement while Ian’s gaze fell upon John’s arm before he headed outside.

Logan scratched his head and said, “Give me a moment. I need to get myself refreshed right now. It still feels like the whole world around me is spinning.”