“No. Stay.” Larry pulled her back and pinned her to the bed.
His rapid breathing and palpitations made her blush almost instantly.
“Stop…”
Before she could continue, he planted a kiss on her thin lips.
He continued to pry her lips open, shoving his tongue into her mouth as he explored every inch of her mouth with his tongue. After some time, the couple fell asleep once more.
The sun continued to rise, and a colony of seagulls flew past the window.
“Dustin!” Joan called out when she caught sight of her friend from afar.
Upon seeing the expression on her face, Dustin knew she had made up with Larry.
Well, I should be glad she’s no longer upset. It pained my heart to see how disheartened she was.
Dustin finally came to a realization.
He used to be obsessed with Joan and would always want to protect her and give her everything at all costs. But he had finally learned to let go. At this point, he desired nothing more than to see a genuine smile on her face.
“Someone seems to be in a good mood today.” Dustin chuckled.
Joan gave Larry a nudge.
The latter awkwardly looked at the man in front of him.
It was uncommon for Larry to apologize to anyone. Yet today, he had to seek his love rival’s forgiveness. He was not ready to bite the bullet just yet.
“What are you waiting for?” Joan patted his shoulder gently.
Is he going back on his word?
A line formed between her brows at the thought. She glared at Larry, hoping he could keep his promise.
“I… I… Erm…” Larry walked up to Dustin hesitantly.
“I…”
Before he could say anything, however, Dustin said sharply, “Hey!”
Even Joan was taken aback by the man’s reaction.
“If you haven’t thought of what to say to me, or if you’re not willing to say something that’s against your will, you might as well not say it,” Dustin grumbled.
What? Does that mean he doesn’t want my apology? Larry grew a little offended upon hearing such a remark. “Hey. I’m trying to apologize to you. Watch your…”
“Larry!” Joan jumped in, quickly shooting the man a disdainful look.
“You should be sincere with your apology.” She squeezed his shoulder gently with her hand, encouraging him to try once more.
Her gesture made Larry’s heart soften. He just wanted to make her happy.
Deep in his heart, he knew he was at fault, but his ego got in the way; it stopped him from genuinely apologizing to Dustin.
“I’m sorry, Dustin. And thank you.” Larry pulled himself together and continued, “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding between you and Joan, and I’m sorry for attacking you before I knew the full truth. And I also want to thank you for saving Joan.”
Dustin could tell the man actually meant every word he uttered.
“Thank you for the apology. We’re all good now. Come, let’s go and grab a bite together,” Dustin suggested.
Larry was struck dumb for a moment and did not know how to react to that invitation.
That’s how he reacts to my sincere apology?
“All right, all right. Since Dustin has forgiven you, let’s go and grab something to eat.” Joan held onto Larry’s arm and dragged him along in a rush.
“Have you solved that problem in your company?” Dustin looked at Larry and questioned curiously.
The latter responded in a calm voice, “All matters have been settled.”
The tension he had with Dustin seemed to have eased a little after the meal to a point where Larry wondered if he was dreaming.
Day after day soon flew by. Larry and Joan took the remaining time they had together overseas before they got on a flight to return to their country.
Larry had needed to fly back soon as there were some urgent matters he had to look into.
“Where are you going?” Joan asked.
“I’ll be back before you know it. Don’t worry.” Larry turned around and shot her a small smile before he headed out.
Gabriella was excited to meet Larry after the latter asked her out to a café. “I’m so happy to see you, Larry. What’s the occasion you called me out here for?”
