Cindy's lips were pursed as she watched Valerie complete her registration, obtain her room key, and have her assistant carry her luggage. It was only until Cindy had seen the duo going into the elevator that she gave up on her lurking and ran back to Ian.
Ian had been holding a disposable lunch box as he stood there looking at her. He only asked her in excitement when she had returned to his side. "What? What is it? What did you see?"
She took the lunch box from his hand and grabbed one of the toothpicks in it before popping some food into her mouth. "I recognized the wrong person. I thought that it was someone whom I knew, but I only realized that it wasn't who I thought it was after I saw them up close," she muttered.
Knowing that there weren't a lot of people she recognized, he initially thought that she had seen Gary.
It was unavoidable for him to think that as Gary was someone who had traumatized him with his very presence. He quickly asked again, "Who was it that you thought you saw?"
"I thought it was my colleague," Cindy replied as indifferently as she could. "I only realized that it wasn't them when I went over earlier. The only similarity that they share is their physique."
Then, she tried to change the topic of their conversation by stuffing the food in Ian's face. "Try this. It isn't too bad. The taste is pretty lovely too," she said.
Ian shook his head and continued questioning her. "Are you very close with your colleague?"
"They are the only ones whom I can talk to. They joined the company using their connections as well, so they probably used to be outed by others like how I was," she answered with a sigh.
He finally fell silent after hearing her detailed, convincing explanation.
Ian knew that he was being too sensitive about her. Gary was the first person to come to his mind whenever Cindy mentioned her work. They soon continued their walk along the street, and now, Ian made sure to properly keep his mask and cap on.
There was a small square not far ahead that was bustling with noise. There were elderly people with children as well as young couples hanging around the place.
Thanks to the crowd, the square seemed even more rowdy due to its small size.
Cindy had finished the snacks she was holding at that moment, and after throwing the paper lunch box into a nearby trash bin, she squealed, "Let's see what is over there."
Ian was slightly reluctant about heading straight into a crowd because of his circumstances.
He had already been spotted by the public at the airport. If anything else were to happen again, he would have to do some explanation to Hannah.
Cindy laughed when she guessed the reason behind his hesitation. She went over and hugged his arm before she teased, "There are so many people here. I doubt anyone will notice us. I was just about to remind you to not feel too disappointed in case no one recognizes you."
Hearing her words made him laugh heartily, and he lifted his arm to hug her around her shoulders. "I'm not an egomaniac. It would be so much better if no one recognizes me!"
She then pulled Ian by his wrist and started leading the way toward the square. "Let's go, then! I can't wait to dive into a crowd when I see one."
As he followed along, she abruptly asked him a question that surprised him. "Your filming crew probably isn't too busy now, right? Are they being given a holiday?"
He didn't know why she was asking him that, but he obediently answered, "I don't think so. They will probably have to work harder since I am on leave. Ms. Jones even told me to hurry back to the crew because of how hectic work has been nowadays."
After hearing his words, Cindy took a deep breath. She didn't really want to mention about seeing Valerie earlier, especially since she had even rushed over to catch a glimpse of Valerie. It would probably feel too intentional on her part.
Ian would definitely have guessed what the earlier fiasco was about if she were to mention Valerie.
So, she could only let out a small laugh when he asked her why she wanted to know that. "I was just curious," she lied. "I was wondering whether the crew members would request for time off since you were given a break."
"I don't think so. They are all more dedicated to their work than I am. They probably can't wait to crush me now," he chuckled.
It was common for the crew to scramble for more opportunities. There was once when the director had mentioned in a conversation about organizing a committee for a new drama, after which a good number of the crew members went to the said director after work to recommend themselves to be included in the committee.
This was the reason why they needed to perform their best. It was only through their performances that the director might reach out to recruit them.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Returning EX (John and Sophia)
So what happens to Ian and Cindy. Is she/ or does she get pregnant? Do they go back to the city and Ian works with Logan? Does Aurora stay in the entertainment industry or return with Ian? Terrible ending, who cares if Aurora was drinking/drunk with colleagues. What happened with Ian and Cindy?!...
Get rid of Gary. Apparently Cindy is too dumb to figure out his motives 😡...
Why are you trying to break them up when they just got together and are a loving couple. Let them stay close and move back to their true friends, Logan, Lola, John and Sophia!...
Sure hope Ian pulls his head out of his behind and works this out with Cindy. His brother needs him at the company and neither one of them truly like the celebrity life. Sophia and Lola will love her …....
I can’t wait for John to take down the Bailey’s including Isabelle so he, Sophia, William and Matilda can live in peace. Introduce Yolanda to Richard so they are out of the picture....
Ugh, don’t break up Sophia and John… they belong together and Sophia is just stubborn for no reason...
Sophia lives John, he just needs to tell her he loves her and get on with their life and family. Too much interference from others....
Sophia is so stupid....
John needs to man up, tell his mother and Isabelle to take a flying leap and confess to Sophia that he made a horrible mistake in divorcing her. This story is taking too long and once again, the bitches are looking like they are on the right side. Awful...