"I wouldn't call it deceiving."
The two men were like masters of love, dishing out Romance Tips 101 to Bruno.
"You can absolutely keep quiet and still achieve your goal."
"That's right. Ask Rosalie and your sister to come out at the same time. No need to even bring up the elephant in the room. If you guys have a meal together, sit beside Rosalie, and it'll be self-explanatory."
"Yeah. By then, Masha will definitely think you two are dating. If she really has feelings for you, she will definitely be able to figure out your relationship with Rosalie."
For some reason, Bruno had a nagging feeling that it'd be a bad idea, but for Mashauva to figure out her emotions, he had to do it.
The weekend.
When Mashauva returned home that weekend, Cassie's heart ached as she pinched Mashauva's face.
"You've lost so much weight. You sure are going all out, aren't you?"
Cassie was rather worried when Masahuva let her in on her little secret, but seeing that she was overflowing with confidence, Cassie didn't have the heart to crush her dreams. Oh, what she wouldn't give to see her daughter happy.
"Not really, Mom. I just adhere to working out every day and quit eating the snacks I used to love."
She sure had overeaten in the past. Not only would she indulge in all sorts of desserts, chocolate, cookies, and ice cream, but she'd also have big portions of meals and anything and everything high-calorie.
Ever since she stuck to her weight loss plan, her diet had become light, and her skin was much better than before.
"Yeah, that's good. They're junk food anyway. It's fine to eat them every now and then, but it wouldn't do you any good to have them every day."
"Yeah, Mom. Hey, my skin is much better than before, isn't it?"
"Of course, not only has your skin condition improved, but you also look more beautiful now."
"Thank you, Mom." Mashauva nuzzled up to Cassie, hugging her mother's neck as she kissed her cheek. Then she whispered shyly, "Bruno asked me out today. Said he would take me to the amusement park." "Bruno?"
"Yeah."
Somewhat surprised, Cassie asked, "He knows about your feelings?"
With that, Mashauva blushed, shaking her head, saying, "No, Mom. I'm not an adult yet, and I haven't lost enough weight. I can't tell him yet."
She wanted to be the best version of herself when she approached him and when he accepted her.
To that, Cassie teased, "You've already lost a lot of weight. How much more do you want to lose?"
Mashauva replied seriously, "I'm still twenty pounds away from my target. And I've checked, I have to take it slow. Otherwise, my skin will be saggy."
"I'll probably be able to reach my goal by my next birthday." Mashauva looked forward to that day as she was sure Bruno would certainly give her a coming-of-age present then.
"It's still half a year away. Aren't you afraid that he will find a girlfriend before then?"
Hearing that, Mashauva shook her head and said, "No, he won't. He doesn't have anyone he likes now. The last time I went to his school, I was told he has never accepted any gifts from any girls."
"Is that so? Is Bruno popular at school?" Cassie asked, then continued, "Of course he is. Bruno is just as charming as his father. It would be strange if he wasn't popular. Don't be so single-minded; you get me? If you really like him, tell him earlier. Otherwise, when someone gets to him before you do, you'll be tearing your hair out in regret."
"That won't happen. Bruno doesn't just fall in love with anyone."
Mashauva stood her ground, believing she was special to Bruno. After all, she was the only person who got his special treatment.
Therefore she had a better chance at succeeding.
Mashauva was filled with anticipation.
"It might get sunny later. Did you bring your sunscreen?"
"Yeah, I brought it with me."
"Good."
As per usual, Mashauva waited for Bruno to open the car door for her to get into the front passenger seat, but when she saw that he had opened the back seat door, she felt a little strange. "Bruno?"
"Sit at the back."
Bruno's voice was a little heavy. "Someone will be sitting at the front later."
"Oh." Mashauva was a little disappointed, but she still sat in the back seat regardless.
She placed her hands on her lap and poked at each of them nervously. She had thought it was a date, but it turned out someone else would be joining them.
"Bruno, are we going to pick up Freddy?" "No, not Freddy."
Mashauva stared at him curiously.
"You two have met before."
She had met that person before? Mashauva tried recalling but could not think of anyone.
"You'll know when we get there."
Soon, the car stopped in front of a cafe. From a distance, Mashauva saw an enchanting and fashionable woman coming out of it.
As soon as she was able to tell who it was, her face changed.
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