Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169 Let Things Play Out Naturally

She really just wanted to give Mia a fighting chance.

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Finished

“We’re not a match. And I’m not planning to date anyone right now,” Leo stated flatly. “She’s a wonderful girl. I don’t want to lead her on or let her waste her time on me.”

He’d made his stance crystal clear, finally laying the issue out in the open. He’d noticed Mia’s feelings a while ago, but he’d held back from saying anything. He was afraid it would be awkward if he was wrong, if she didn’t actually have a crush on him and he’d just been overthinking it.

“Leo, the only reason you’re being this adamant is because you already have someone else in your heart, isn’t it?” Quinn suddenly realized he was acting off. A man wouldn’t be this unyielding unless his mind was made up long ago.

“Something like that,” Leo mumbled, not knowing how else to respond.

“Who is it? Do I know her?” Quinn’s curiosity was piqued.

What kind of woman could capture his heart and keep him single for all these years?

Could it be that the real reason he’s never dated anyone is because he’s been pining for someone all this time?

“Of course you don’t know her,” Leo said quickly, his voice betraying a hint of flustered panic. “I know plenty of beautiful women-you’ve only met a fraction of them.”

He still couldn’t bring himself to face his true feelings. Even though he knew Quinn was already with someone else, he couldn’t let go.

Sometimes he told himself he should just forget her.

We have no future together. She and Peyton are so happy, so in sync. She’s willing to share all his burdens. How could she not love him? So why am I still holding on to this futile hope?

But after pining for her for so many years, letting go fel impossible.

Leo was torn, living with this quiet torment every single day.

“Cut the crap,” Quinn scoffed. “I don’t buy that for a second. You just don’t want to give Mia a chance. Look, you don’t have to stress about this. Our friendship is separate from whatever might-or might not-happen between you two. I won’t meddle.

“I only set you two up because I thought you’d make a good match. I wanted you to give it a shot. That’s all. No pressure, okay?”

Quinn hadn’t planned on getting involved in the first place, but she just couldn’t help herself.

“Enough with this nonsense. I can handle my own business,” Leo snapped. “But you need to talk to Mia. Clear the air. I don’t want to string her along or waste he time.”

He had zero interest in pursuing anything with Mia-n now, not ever.

“Fine, if that’s how you feel, then so be it. We’ll let things play out naturally,” Quinn sighed, feeling a twinge of disappointment. She’d really thought they’d be perfect together.

Leo frowned. Even “letting things play out naturally” sounded like a hassle. It would only lead to more

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Feb 11

Chapter 169 Let Things Play Out Naturally

wasted time for both of them.

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Finished

“Leo, I’m just curious-what kind of person would it take to win you over?” Quinn couldn’t help asking.

“That’s none of your business,” Leo said dismissively. As if he’d ever admit that the person he was thinking of was her.

“Alright, suit yourself,” Quinn said, deflated. She’d really hoped to play matchmaker for Mia, and part of her was dying to know if Leo’s mystery crush was even right for him.

But he’d shut her down, and as a friend, she knew she couldn’t push it.

As she hung up the phone, Quinn couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Leo had been acting weird all night-evasive, jumpy, like he was hiding something every time she asked a question.

But her main concern was Mia. She didn’t know how to break the news to her, how to soften the blow for the girl who’d put her heart on the line.

That evening.

When Quinn got home, she was surprised to find Kiera sitting in the living room.

“Kieran? What are you doing here? You didn’t even call to let me know you were coming,” Quinn said, shocked. Kieran always texted or called ahead of time-his was totally out of character.

“Peyton and I had some work stuff to go over,” Kieran sald, forcing a smile. But his expression was tense, like something serious had happened.

“Did you run into some kind of trouble at work? Is that why you asked Kieran to come over?” Quinn turned to Peyton, worry etched on her face. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

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