Chapter 725 Just Friends
725 Just Friends
Day Seventy-Six...
It was truly unexpected for Aiden and Stephen to run into Nathan. They thought he was busy with work. Who would have thought they would see him not wearing his usual black suit and tuxedo in this place?
At first, the two were arguing about whether the guy just looked like Nathan. But they confirmed it when they saw Jane standing next to him.
Why are they together? That was the first question that came to Stephen's mind when he saw them.
Meanwhile, Aiden dragged Stephen toward the table and called Nathan's name to catch his attention.
"Nate!"
Four people turned in his direction. Aiden was even more surprised to see Cherry sitting at the table with another guy.
'Who is that guy?" Aiden asked himself inwardly, giving Spade a sharp glare.
Spade became aware of Aiden's hostile glare directed at him. 'Why am I sensing such negative vibes? If murderous glances could inflict harm, I'd be twice deceased by now. Once from Nathan and the other from this new guy," he mused, feeling the intense and unwelcoming atmosphere surrounding him.
Aiden shifted his gaze to Cherry. "What's the occasion? Why are the four of you gathered here?" he could no longer hold his curiosity so he asked them directly.
Nathan, on the other hand, had conflicting thoughts in mind as he glanced at Stephen. He was worried about what his best friend would feel once he found out he was already dating Jane. Stephen confessed to him that he had feelings for Jane.
He had the urge to let go of Jane's hand so that Stephen would not notice. However, it was already too late. Stephen had seen their entangled hands. His expression changed for a few seconds. But Stephen didn't dare to show those emotions. He kept his composure as he greeted Nathan and Jane.
"I didn't expect to see you both here. Are you leaving already?" Stephen asked Nathan but his eyes were on Jane.
"Yes. We are about to leave." Nathan simply replied.
"Is this a double date?" Aiden failed to hold his tongue once more. He just opened a topic Nathan didn't want to talk about right now. Jane didn't feel the need to hide this from them so she just responded with a "Yes. We are on a date. How about the two of you?" Jane just wanted to lighten the mood so she teased Stephen and Aiden.
However, her answer added more tension and awkwardness to the atmosphere surrounding them.
"You rejected me several times... and now... you are dating this guy!" Aiden's heart was suddenly filled with jealousy. His tone had a hint of accusation. "I get it now. You just simply don't like me."
Cherry and Spade were both taken aback by Aiden's last remarks.
'Uh-oh!. I shouldn't have said that. I think someone is being jealous here! Jane thought to herself as she bit her lower lip. She darted her gaze back and forth between Aiden and Cherry. She could sense that Cherry suddenly felt awkward and uncomfortable because of Aiden's statement.
He was just misunderstanding this. Cherry and Spade were just having a friendly date, not a romantic date. But Jane didn't want to defend Cherry. She should explain this to Aiden herself. Being nosy was not a cup of her tea so Jane would just let her friend handle this situation.
Without waiting for Cherry's response, Aiden walked out of the Cafe. His ego was hurt... not just his ego... because his heart was also in pain. Furthermore, he felt so defeated today. Many women wanted to date him but the woman he liked didn't want to. Aiden thought the world was so unfair.bender
"What's your plan with him?" Jane murmured to Cherry, gesturing subtly toward Aiden, who was striding out of the Cafe.
"I... I..." Cherry faltered, at a loss for words, her gaze fixed on Aiden's departing figure.
"Is he someone you're interested in?" Spade abruptly interjected, directing his question at Cherry.
Ignoring Spade's query, Cherry let out a heavy sigh, torn between the impulse to follow Aiden and remaining seated. She hesitated, unable to bring herself to chase after him.
"I don't think I should follow him. We're just friends," Cherry muttered, averting her gaze. all
Meanwhile, Nathan felt compelled to address the situation with Stephen.
"Do you mind if we have a quick chat? I need to speak to Stephen." Nathan turned to Jane. Their initial plan to leave had been disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Stephen and Aiden.
'I owe him an explanation, Nathan resolved, meeting Stephen's gaze with determination.
"Sure, take your time," Jane permitted him.
Stephen followed Nathan outside the Cafe, seeking a secluded spot away from Jane to converse.
"Steph... I'm sorry for not telling you sooner-" Nathan began, but
Stephen cut him off abruptly.
"Have you moved on from Abigail?" Stephen inquired with a stern expression on his face.
Nathan paused for a moment, analyzing his feelings. "Yes. I've moved on."
"Are you dating Jane... for real? No ulterior motive?" Stephen threw him another question. He was like a father interrogating his daughter's suitor or boyfriend.
"Yes. We decided to start afresh. We are done fixing and clearing the misunderstandings between us. And we are both attracted to each other. I know you have feelings for her... but I can't stop mine." Nathan confessed to him. "I'm sorry, Stephen. I didn't want to hurt your feelings or betray you. But I can't stay away from her."
"Do you love her?" Stephen just kept asking Nathan.
"Y-Yes. I think so," he stammered in response.
Stephen furrowed his brows at his answer. "Then why the hesitation? Why can't you be straightforward? Be brave, Nate. Have conviction! If you truly love her, don't apologize to me. Demonstrate your feelings and intentions."
"You know what... I'm the coward here... I can't even confess my feelings to her..." Stephen added with a bitter smile, admitting his own hesitation.
"Don't misunderstand... I am not hesitating. It's just that... I still feel unworthy of loving her. All the wrongdoings I've done to her are still a heavy burden in my heart. But I know... those things should not hinder me from being with her. I'm going to make amends for all my mistakes and I assure you... I'll take good care of her. I'll protect her."
Stephen felt relieved to hear those words from Nathan. He could sense his sincerity. "I'm good with that as long as you can make her happy and protect her. I don't want to see her cry... and miserable.
I've seen her at her worst. I don't want her to suffer anymore. She deserves to be happy with the man she loves." Stephen already conceded. Her one-sided love would always remain a secret. He didn't have to confess anymore as he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Jane.
"I'll just be happy to be her friend... for life. I'll support both of you." Stephen meant every word. He held Nathan's shoulder, gently patting him.
"Thank you, Steph. I owe you a lot. I'm glad that you were by her side when she needed a friend. Because of you... she was able to continue her life despite her ugly past. You became her support system when her world was crumbling. I'm jealous of you... because of that."
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