Chapter 68

Chapter 68:

Once Fernanda and Bobby left the private room, they decided to find a nearby restaurant for a quiet meal.

Bobby chuckled. “Seems like you can’t stand those crowded events just as much as I can’t.”

“Exactly,” Fernanda replied. “I find those gatherings shallow. Everyone seems so happy, but how real is it? Just watching them is exhausting.”

Bobby clapped his hands, excitement gleaming in his eyes. “You took the words right out of my mouth. I’ve felt that way for ages.” Their shared perspective made him feel an even stronger connection to her.

They chose a restaurant known for its spicy dishes. Bobby struggled with the heat, his eyes watering within moments, while Fernanda ate without hesitation.

Guzzling water between bites, he asked, “Doesn’t the spice bother you?”

“Not really,” she replied casually. “The food here tastes great.”

“Really?” Bobby dabbed at his tears. “This is my first time here. And it will definitely be my last.”

“I figured you came here all the time,” Fernanda chuckled.

Earlier, he had led her confidently inside and ordered without missing a beat. She assumed he knew the place, but he was bluffing. Bobby couldn’t admit how uncomfortable he was. Because he was dining with the woman he admired, he had to keep everything smooth. He picked this restaurant because it was clean and well-kept, certain she wouldn’t mind its modest size. He hadn’t anticipated being misled by the dish names. Without realizing it, he had ordered a sautéed red-and-green pepper dish that nearly overwhelmed him.

When the plate finally arrived, Bobby reread the menu and realized his mistake. He instantly regretted his choice. Despite the discomfort, seeing Fernanda enjoy her meal eased his frustration somewhat.

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As they ate, Fernanda’s phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, then smiled. “Someone’s coming to join us. You’re okay with that, right?”

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” Bobby responded, trying to sound generous. But the moment Ector walked in, he immediately regretted it. Clearly, Ector’s presence made things awkward. Was there any chance he could leave?

Ector sat down next to Fernanda and offered Bobby a polite nod. “Bobby, it’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” Bobby replied with a tight smile, his mind racing. Should he call Cristian? Ector was definitely a rival—maybe Cristian could handle this.

While Bobby weighed his options, Ector leaned in toward Fernanda and whispered something that made her laugh. Bobby’s heart sank. Ector must be using sweet words to charm her. Damn it—what was that smile about? Was she actually taken in by him? His angel couldn’t be so easily swayed, could she?

Fernanda, unaware of Bobby’s growing anxiety, quietly thanked Ector. Earlier that morning, after she returned home, Ector had called. He’d spoken with Dean Castro and learned the details about her tampered exam results. Ector reassured her and promised to set things right.

“No need to thank me,” Ector said with a warm smile. “Isn’t it only right that I defend you?”

Bobby’s eyes widened across the table.

What had he just heard? Why was Ector speaking to her as if they were close? Bobby thought Ector was deliberately acting familiar. What a cunning guy.

Ector picked up his utensils and began eating, occasionally adding food to Fernanda’s plate. He had paid attention to her preferences and knew exactly what she liked.

Fernanda said nothing and quietly ate what he offered. The more Bobby watched, the more uneasy he became. Ector’s bond with her seemed far too intimate.

He remembered arranging for Cristian to join them at a previous dinner, hoping it would discourage Ector from getting too close. But now it seemed Ector and Fernanda were closer than ever. This was bad news for Cristian.

For Bobby, the whole meal felt torturous. He regretted not staying in the private room, where he could have endured polite smiles instead of witnessing Ector’s closeness with his angel.

When they left the restaurant, Bobby offered to drive Fernanda home, but Ector quickly interrupted. He explained he sometimes stayed with her and it was convenient for him to drive her home.

Bobby was on the verge of losing it. Was she already living with Ector? Did she even think about Cristian anymore?

The normally quick-witted Bobby found himself at a loss for words as he watched Fernanda get into Ector’s car and drive off. He leaned against a nearby utility pole, feeling the weight of the situation.

Trembling, he pulled out his phone and dialed Cristian’s number. He recounted the entire scene with vivid gestures. The more he relived it, the more agitated he became.

Cristian’s response came coldly. “I see.”

Bobby could tell it was a sign of Cristian’s anger.

The more detached Cristian sounded, the angrier Bobby became. Even over the phone, he could feel the chill in Cristian’s tone. “Take down Ector!” Bobby screamed in his mind, wishing Cristian would eliminate the unwanted rival. That beautiful woman was meant for him. Strangely, the thought brought Bobby a sense of relief.

He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath, humming a tune as he headed back to the private room to find Martin.

Meanwhile, in the car, Ector and Fernanda discussed Bobby’s earlier hostility. It was clear how cold Bobby had been in Ector’s presence. Fernanda mentioned that Bobby still had no idea she was engaged to Ector.

Ector chuckled softly. “Bobby is quite a character,” he said with a grin. “He has a simple heart, and time spent with him would be easy and pleasant.”

“Really?” Fernanda asked, raising an eyebrow. “You think we would be a perfect match?”

“Whoever you choose, I just want you to be happy,” Ector replied without missing a beat.

Fernanda was deeply moved. A warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time washed over her—the warmth of true family love.

“Thank you,” she murmured, glancing at Ector as he drove.

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