Chapter 143 The Victim Of A Struggle

After work in the afternoon, Lyla walked out of the company, saw the person at the gate, and froze.

Arden Pattinson stood at the entrance in a black suit, looking tall and straight. Most importantly, he was holding a very dazzling bouquet of flowers in his hand.

As if sensing her line of sight, Arden looked over. When he saw Lyla, the corners of his mouth turned up in a smile and he walked over at a steady pace.

“Lyla!”

“Senior, why are you here?” Lyla asked him.

“I’m waiting for you, of course. I wanted to ask you out for dinner!”

Lyla looked at him, not knowing how to react at the moment.

“Also, this is for you. I hope you like it!” Saying that, he handed the large bouquet of flowers to Lyla.

She looked at the large bouquet, stunned. This time was when many people got off work, and many people looked over. There were even some who whispered and laughed.

Not wanting to be the topic of their discussion, Lyla took the flowers. “Thank you, Senior!”

“So, you’re agreeing to have dinner with me?” Arden asked with a delighted smile.

“I…”

“Sorry, but she won’t be having dinner with you!” A magnetic and bewitching voice rang out behind them.

They turned around and saw Mark walking over. His handsome face was stern and aggressive.

Arden pursed his lips and narrowed his deep eyes. “I asked her out, not you. You’re not qualified to answer for her!”

Unexpectedly, Mark stepped forward and pushed his shoulder between them. He pulled Lyla to his side and wrapped an arm around her, full of possessiveness. “Who said I’m not qualified? Don’t you know my relationship with her?”

“So what? As far as I know, apart from that involvement, I don’t think Lyla has accepted you yet!” Arden looked at him, unconvinced.

Mark was unhurried and lowered his eyes to look at the person beside him. His lips raised in a smile. “Honey, what do you say?”

His question was full of certainty, as if he was sure she would refuse.

Damn it. They were at the company’s entrance.

Who knew how many people were looking this way. She tried to push Mark away, but he hugged her tighter. She glared at him, but he simply accepted it wholeheartedly. To him, even an angry stare was a gentle gaze.

“Who said that? I’ll go!” Then, she suddenly smiled brightly and pushed away the hand on her shoulder, and strode to Arden. “Let’s go, Senior!”

A smile slowly appeared on Arden’s handsome face. He gentlemanly pulled open the car door and invited her to get in, before turning and raising his eyebrows provocatively towards Mark. Then, he got into the car and drove away.

Mark stood where he was, watching their backs, and the corners of his lips lifted in a cold smile.

It seemed like he had to do something about this.

…...

In the restaurant.

Lyla sat opposite Arden. While they were eating, Arden thoughtfully cut her steak for her, taking care of all her needs and playing the part of a perfect gentleman.

Lyla looked at him and thought about it before opening her mouth. “Senior, I have something to say to you!”

“What is it?”

Lyla pursed her lips and said, “Senior, don’t bother spending money to send me flowers in the future. I can’t accept them!”

Arden paused from eating and looked up incredulously at her.

“Actually, I’m having this meal with you to make things clear with you. Senior, I know that you’re good to me, but for me, you’ll always be my upperclassman!”

Arden’s expression was solemn. “Lyla, you know my feelings, right?”

“You’re very attentive, so I know a little!”

“Then…” Arden reached out to grab her hand, but Lyla dodged it the moment he reached out.

“I’m sorry, Senior. I think we’re only suitable to be friends!”

“Why?” Arden frowned unhappily. “Is it because of Mark Pattinson? Did you fall in love with him?”

“It has nothing to do with him!”

“Then why can’t you accept me?”

“There are many reasons why I can’t accept you, Senior. You know that I have two children. To be honest, can you accept them? Especially since they’re also Mark’s son and daughter!” Lyla asked him.

“I…” Arden paused before saying, “Your children are my children. I’ll treat them well!”

Lyla smiled. “Senior, I understand your kindness, but this matter is more than just about you and me. As for Mark, I think that he’ll never agree!”

“What about you? What do you think?”

“In my heart, I’ll always think of you as my upperclassman!” Lyla said word by word.

However, those words had already sentenced Arden to death.

The food on the table turned tasteless, and Arden’s heart was indescribably bitter.

He originally thought that there was hope that Lyla would go with him, but he never thought it would end up like this.

Arden smiled bitterly.

“Senior, I’m sorry!” Lyla apologized regretfully.

Arden looked up at her. “You don’t have to apologize to me. I know that feelings can’t be forced. But Lyla, I won’t give up!”

Lyla. “...Senior!”

“You have the right to refuse me, but you don’t have the right to stop me from liking you. Lyla, to tell you the truth, I’ve been waiting for you for eight years. I don’t want to wait any longer!”

Eight years?