Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 97

“Alright then,” Aiken said, his lips quirking up. “Guess I’ll get to try your cooking sometime.”

Bonnie glanced over at him, not sure what to say. She just dropped her gaze and bit her bottom lip. Aiken leaned in a little closer, his grin turning playful and just a little too charming.

“Come on, it’s just dinner,” he teased. “Why are you acting all shy?”

With the lunchbox he’d given her clutched to her chest, Bonnie felt a strange flash of familiarity. This Aiken... he reminded her so much of Lawrence back when he was chasing after her. Always joking, always trying to make her blush.

Her thoughts tangled up, a little wild. She picked up her pace, muttering, “I should get going. I’ll wash your container and bring it back.”

Aiken’s laugh echoed behind her, warm and just a little teasing. “Don’t rush. I’ll come see you in a couple of days.”

Bonnie quickened her step even more, nearly breaking into a jog as she hurried into her apartment building. Once she disappeared from sight, Aiken finally turned around.

He looked straight at Lawrence.

Lawrence stood with one hand stuffed deep in his pocket, knuckles whitening as he balled his fist. His jaw clenched. All he wanted in that moment was to walk over and wipe the smirk right off Aiken’s face.

Just earlier, near the convenience store, he’d spotted Bonnie with another man, both of them laughing. He recognized Bonnie’s smile instantly. When she was happy, her eyes would crinkle into perfect moons, her whole face lighting up so sweet and bright. Every single time he saw that smile, he used to just want to pull her close and kiss her.

And now, seeing the man walking next to her, Lawrence knew that guy wanted the same thing.

He followed behind, teeth nearly grinding together, his eyes burning. Every step made his heart ache, the pain sharp and splintered, stabbing deeper with each second.

A vein throbbed at Lawrence’s temple, but somehow, he managed not to lash out.

As he got closer, he noticed where he’d seen that man before. It was the guy who sat with Bonnie at Starlight Square, just a few days ago.

Lawrence’s expression went stony, but he refused to walk away. “Listen to me. Stay away from Bonnie.”

Aiken arched an eyebrow. “Funny, this isn’t the first time you’ve tried warning me. But this time... I don’t think you have any say in what Bonnie does anymore.”

He closed the distance by a step, his tone even colder. “Actually, you’re the one who should stay away from her. She doesn’t need her ex-boyfriend hanging around.”

He put a hard emphasis on those last three words, making sure the message hit home.

Lawrence’s fists tightened at his sides, barely containing the hurt that crashed in all at once. He watched as Aiken got into his car, window rolled down just enough to show his sharp profile.

And suddenly, Lawrence realized why Aiken felt so familiar. He remembered now—the first time they’d met, three years ago at that ski resort, and the words he’d thrown out.

“I’m warning you. Stay away from my girlfriend.”