Part 47

Lunchtime arrived. Bella nudged Claire's arm with her elbow and nodded toward the door, where Harry was standing and smiling at her. "Come on, introduce us," Bella whispered very softly. Claire glanced at her and shot her a glare.

"Lunch together?" Harry asked, standing next to Claire's desk. Claire smiled and nodded. She grabbed her wallet and stood up, inviting Bella to join them.

"This is my friend, Bella. You've met earlier, right?" Claire said aloud. Harry nodded while Bella waved her hand and flashed a sweet smile at the man in front of her. Harry responded with a charming dimpled smile.

The three of them walked toward the elevator, passing by the other teams' workspaces, which were already starting to empty out. Just as they were about to enter the elevator, they saw Antony walking alongside the head of the audit team. Seeing Antony reminded Claire of Gladwin's advice from last night: not to think about anything concerning Antony.

Harry held the door open for their two superiors and nodded politely as a greeting. Bella and Claire stepped back in unison, making room for the bosses. Deliberately, Bella nudged Claire's arm with her elbow and nodded toward the pair of men and women in front of them.

Claire didn't respond at all. Instead, she was feeling her own heart and reflecting on all of Gladwin's words. The truth was, she didn't feel anything for the man standing in front of her now. So, she felt relaxed, even though Bella seemed intent on provoking her.

Claire did like Flavia. More accurately, she cared for her in the same way she felt for Abigail. But it was only that—nothing more, and certainly not directed at the girl's father.

The irritation she felt toward Antony because of his relationship with Anastasia was something she regarded as normal frustration, not jealousy. Every woman—or even every parent who loves their child—would consider Antony's actions wrong. Even if it weren't Antony, Claire would have felt the same dislike if someone else had done that, right?

"Where do you want to have lunch?" Claire asked Harry.

She tried her best to ignore Antony, attempting to maintain a professional demeanor and to forget about the incident at the pool.

"Anywhere is fine. I'm a guest, after all," replied Harry with his friendly smile.

"Did you drive?" Bella asked, to which Claire shook her head.

"I was dropped off by Gladwin," she replied briefly. Bella nodded in understanding.

"And you?" Bella turned the question back to Harry, who also shook his head.

"Alright then, let's just go to our usual restaurant," Bella suggested, and both of them nodded in agreement.

"How's Gladwin doing?" Harry asked again as they reached the first floor and waited for their bosses and the head of the audit team to exit the elevator first.

"He's good," Claire answered flatly.

"Where is he working now?"

"At the hospital," Claire replied again. "He finally chose to become a doctor," she added to satisfy Harry's curiosity.

"Really?" Harry seemed surprised. "I thought he wanted to focus on being an athlete," he chuckled, appearing incredulous about his own statement.

Claire merely smiled in response. The three of them—Claire, Gladwin, and Harry—had attended the same middle school. Gladwin and Harry were even on the same basketball team and were quite popular back then. Although they weren't close friends, their friendship had been fairly good at the time.

It was this closeness that made Claire develop feelings for Harry. Unfortunately, before anything could progress further, Claire and Gladwin were forced to transfer schools.

"At first, I thought he wanted to become a pilot," Claire said, grimacing. "Because he used to say he wanted to have a girlfriend in every country." She continued flatly, which made Bella gasp in shock.

"Are you serious? Gladwin actually said that?" Bella asked in disbelief.

Claire chuckled at her reaction. "If you don't believe me, you can ask him directly," Claire said casually.

Bella gave Claire a disbelieving look and pouted.

They continued walking out of the building toward the restaurant Bella had mentioned earlier. Just like the previous day, the restaurant was bustling with activity.

They stood in line in an orderly fashion, and Claire motioned for Harry to stand in front of them, followed by Bella, with Claire taking her place at the back.

"How long have you two known each other?" Bella asked, glancing between Harry and Claire.

"Why do you ask?" Harry responded curiously.

"Claire just said that you haven't seen each other in a long time, but I feel the opposite," Bella replied, intrigued.

"Don't be nosy," Claire retorted, pressing her finger into Bella's back with enough force to make a point.

"Has she always been like this?" Bella ignored Claire and continued chatting with Harry. He shrugged.

"Have you two ever gone on a date?" Bella asked again.

Claire rolled her eyes but allowed Bella to do as she pleased. Even if she tried to stop her friend, it wouldn't make a difference.

"Would you believe me if I said she once confessed her love to me?" Harry turned the question back to Bella, causing her to widen her eyes and stare at Claire in disbelief.

"You told him you loved him?" she accused Claire, who shrugged nonchalantly in response.

"When did you do that?" Bella pressed Harry for more details.

"When we were in middle school," Harry answered with a mischievous grin.

"Claire, is he being serious?" Bella turned to Claire again, still in disbelief.

Having known Claire for two years, Bella understood that Claire was a cool and bold woman. However, she never expected Claire to be that brave as a teenager, especially to confess her feelings to a guy. Bella couldn't wrap her head around it.

"Claire?" Bella shook her friend's arm with her empty hand, pouting because Claire hadn't replied.

"Yeah. And he rejected me. Are you satisfied now?" Claire answered with her usual flat expression, showing no sign of embarrassment or heartbreak.

Immediately, Bella burst into laughter, forgetting they were in a public place.