Chapter 90 - The Second Encounter

In her studio, Angeline was painting a beautiful mother and daughter. Alex looked at her with surprise. "Why are you painting again? I thought you were resting." "Well, this painting is for the buyer of the missing painting. I hope they'll agree to replace 'Missing' with this one. By the way, how was your meeting with your sister earlier?" "It was wonderful. Angel took me here and there, it seems like there are a lot of things she wants to do with me. My body may be tired, but my heart is very happy." "What's wrong with being a little tired after waiting all your life?" Angeline replied, and Alex immediately agreed. "Would you like to join my sister and me for dinner tomorrow?" "Sure," Angeline replied without hesitation, nodding happily. The missing painting had arrived in Bryan's hands and he opened it, looking at it with delight. "Wow, could the universe be like this? I'm so curious now," Bryan exclaimed. "Hello Universe, how are you? Did your mother give you a good name? I'm sure she's a great mother to you," Bryan continued, addressing the painting. However, all this time he had always felt like he was living with his child he had never seen, having lonely conversations with his invisible child. It made Bryan very happy and he imagined that his child was really there. Suddenly, Angeline sent Bryan a message. "Hello Bella, sorry to bother you. But I'm going back to France. I hope we can meet before I leave." "What? Why does Angeline have to go back to France after not coming here for three years? What's the point of coming here if she doesn't stay?" Bryan muttered irritably, but Angeline couldn't hear him. The next day, in Bryan's office, he listened to John's explanation of their plans for a new product commercial where they would need to work with a female model for the image of the commercial. Bryan paid close attention. "So who's the candidate for the female model?" Bryan asked. John showed several profiles of women he had chosen. They finally reached the profile of the fourth woman, who was from Paris. "This is Ellie," John said enthusiastically, and Angeline's sweet, smiling face appeared on the projector screen. Bryan even stood up when he saw that one of the candidates for his new advertising model was Ellie, also known as Angeline, the beautiful flower. After that, Bryan slumped back into his chair. "No, I can't use her. Well, even though Ellie's quality is recognized abroad, it might not necessarily be the case in our country. So, for whatever reason, I reject Ellie," Bryan rejected Angeline as his model. "Okay," John replied. He then approached Bryan with a document containing a profile of a woman. However, it turned out that John had also included Ellie's profile in the file and mentioned some national awards that Ellie had received. Bryan hadn't expected to be bombarded from all sides about Ellie. "So, can the CEO separate work from personal matters?" John whispered. Bryan sighed and looked into Angeline's face. "Hah... what Angeline said is right; maybe we shouldn't see each other anymore," Bryan muttered in frustration. Angeline gathered with her family. Her mother and Michael were sad to see Angeline leave for Paris again. "Why do you have to leave again? Can't you stay a little longer?" Michael asked sadly. "I'm sorry, I have to go back soon." "Well, anyway, a comfortable life is the most important thing. If Angeline likes Paris, then go back there. I understand," her mother said sympathetically. Angeline smiled and thanked her mother. "And what about me?" Michael still couldn't let go of Angeline's departure. "I can come back here occasionally, or you and Mom can visit Paris." "Really? I really want to go," Michael exclaimed, hugging Angeline. The next morning, John was in a restaurant. Apparently, he called Angeline for a meeting, and Angeline didn't turn him down. "Good morning, John. Am I late?" Angeline greeted and sat down in front of John. "Not at all, I'm glad to see you again. Honestly, I've missed you a lot, Angeline." "I've been thinking about you too, John. You've always helped me." "I'm glad to see you looking even more beautiful now. And every time I see you, for some reason, I always gain strength, and I like that," John praised, and Angeline blushed. Unexpectedly, Bryan arrived and met the two of them. John had invited Bryan without Angeline's knowledge. When Bryan arrived, Angeline was taken aback. "Why did you do this without telling me?" Bryan asked, knowing that Angeline didn't like unreasonable excuses. "I just wanted to formally introduce Ellie to you, CEO Bryan." "What do you mean?" Angeline asked, not understanding. "Angeline, I sent you a proposal via email, but it seems you didn't have a chance to open it. So I'm going to ask you directly. Are you willing to be the model for our next product commercial?" "What? But why all of a sudden?" "That can be explained directly by our CEO. In that case, I'll say goodbye," John said without guilt and left them. Bryan and Angeline looked uncomfortable when they were alone. "Angeline, what happened in the hotel corridor was surely a misunderstanding," Bryan broke the silence. "No, I know it wasn't a misunderstanding. Bryan banged on my door, screamed and passed out in front of me. I could have pretended that I didn't know Bryan, but that didn't seem possible," Angeline denied. Bryan was surprised by Angeline's statement that she could pretend not to know him. But he tried to act normal. "So how have you been, Angeline?" "I'm fine, as you can see now. But it looks like I can't take you up on that offer. I'm more expensive than you think." Bryan laughed in disbelief that money was Angeline's reason for refusing to be his model. "Well, if it's about money, it's no problem for me. After all, all I have is money." "And... besides, I think it's better if we don't see each other anymore. I'm not the Angeline you used to know anymore. Just like you, you're not the Bryan you used to be. Although we can't change the past, we should avoid this awkward situation from now on. Bryan was stunned. He hadn't expected Angeline to be so cold towards him. "I really don't have any ulterior motives towards you, Angeline, so please don't misunderstand. I hope you won't worry about it." "Well, I'm glad you have that attitude. I hope you stick to it." Bryan nodded reluctantly and Angeline left. "But may I ask one thing?" Bryan stopped Angeline. "I know you'll never want to introduce me to our child - I mean, your child. But may I know her name?" Bryan continued hopefully. Angeline was silent for a while. "Jason, Jason Bastian. I won't talk to you any further. Goodbye," Angeline said and left. "Angeline has changed a lot. Too much, actually," Bryan muttered sadly.