Chapter 32: PAST-ONE
Always sitting at that same table, where he had the perfect view of The Brew Haven, the counter where coffee and drinks were prepared. But more than anything, it gave him a clear line of sight to Hua Yuxi—her mother.
Hua Rong hated the way his gaze lingered, the way his eyes narrowed whenever her mother moved to set a table nearby. She hated him.
The man was in his late forties, his receding hair slicked back with too much gel as if he were trying to mask the years catching up to him. His white teeth flashed whenever he smirked, and the way he leaned back in his chair, legs stretched out lazily, made it seem like he owned the place.
Her hands tightened around the empty tray, but she turned away, heading back toward the counter to take another order.
"Hua Rong, how many times have I told you not to come straight here after the institution?" her mother chided, running a gentle hand over her face, brushing away stray strands of hair.
"But I don't want you coming home late," Hua Rong argued, grabbing the next order slip. "That's why I'm helping you."
She knew her mother was beautiful—everyone did. But seeing him ogling her like that, laughing with his friends as if he had every right to, made her blood boil.
She picked up a knife, placing it on a plate with unnecessary force. Should I stab him with this?
Hua Rong wanted to ask if her mother was uncomfortable, but she already knew the answer. Hua Yuxi would never admit it, even if she was. She was too composed for that—too strong.