Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 138

After dinner, the rain had finally cleared up. Bonnie couldn’t settle down, her eyes drifting to her phone every few minutes. She scanned group chats, half-dreading that someone might have forwarded photos or videos about what happened earlier. When she didn’t find anything, she checked local social feeds. Nothing turned up. Only then did her thumping heart start to slow.

Aiken had gone to pay the bill, but he hadn’t come back yet. Bonnie hesitated, then tapped open her chat with Helen. Are you off work yet?

As a pro at a design firm, Helen always replied in seconds. She sent back a teary emoji. Not yet. We’re working late tonight—big planning review tomorrow. The whole print crew is here pulling overtime.

What’s up? Is your cop date over already?

Daily check-in: did Aiken finally confess?

Reading Helen’s rapid-fire replies, Bonnie felt a wave of relief. Helen knew everyone and belonged to a bunch of small group chats. If she hadn’t seen anything, maybe things weren’t blowing up online after all.

Bonnie sent back a sticker of a puppy with a carrot and typed, Go do your thing. The sooner you finish, the sooner you get home. Enjoy your day off tomorrow.

Helen replied with an OK.

Bonnie turned her phone screen off and glanced toward the counter. No sign of Aiken. She was just reaching for her phone to call him when he appeared at the entrance, carrying a bright orange paper bag.

He hurried over, smiling. “There’s a shop next door. I grabbed you a scarf. It’s freezing today, and your neck’s getting all the cold air. Don’t want you to get a chill.”

He pulled a box out of the bag and flipped it open. Inside was a soft, classic scarf in a milky tea color, patterned with the brand logo.

Bonnie paused in surprise, a sudden warmth flooding her chest. She couldn’t hold back a smile. “Thank you, but this is way too much. I can’t take it.”

Her gaze lingered on Aiken. Because of his job, his style was simple and laid-back. Even his watch was low-key. She couldn’t think of anything he’d need off the top of her head. Maybe she’d grab Helen and drag her through the mall for inspiration. Helen had been with Ned forever, all hearts and flowers, and she was the queen of thoughtful gifts for every possible occasion.

Aiken caught her intent look, smiled, but didn’t say anything about it. He picked up his car keys. “Let’s go for a walk and digest a bit. Then I’ll take you home.”

Bonnie stood, slipped on her coat, and squeezed the soft cashmere scarf. She hesitated for a second, then wrapped it around her neck.

Aiken looked at her. “It looks great on you.”

Bonnie hid her face a little, burrowing into the soft, new-smelling scarf. Her eyelashes fluttered, but she had nothing to say. There was a gentle laugh from above her.

Outside, the mall wasn’t packed. Watching people wander by with their own errands and plans, Bonnie’s anxiety eased. Everyone was caught up in their own lives, busy or just passing the time. No one really had time to keep chasing after someone else’s gossip.