Chapter 138
\nThree Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 138<\/p>\n
After dinner, the rain had finally cleared up. Bonnie couldn\u2019t settle down, her eyes drifting to her phone every few minutes. She scanned group chats, half-dreading that someone might have forwarded photos or videos about what happened earlier. When she didn\u2019t find anything, she checked local social feeds. Nothing turned up. Only then did her thumping heart start to slow.<\/p>\n
Aiken had gone to pay the bill, but he hadn\u2019t come back yet. Bonnie hesitated, then tapped open her chat with Helen. Are you off work yet?<\/p>\n
As a pro at a design firm, Helen always replied in seconds. She sent back a teary emoji. Not yet. We\u2019re working late tonight\u2014big planning review tomorrow. The whole print crew is here pulling overtime.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s up? Is your cop date over already?<\/p>\n
Daily check-in: did Aiken finally confess?<\/p>\n
Reading Helen\u2019s rapid-fire replies, Bonnie felt a wave of relief. Helen knew everyone and belonged to a bunch of small group chats. If she hadn\u2019t seen anything, maybe things weren\u2019t blowing up online after all.<\/p>\n
Bonnie sent back a sticker of a puppy with a carrot and typed, Go do your thing. The sooner you finish, the sooner you get home. Enjoy your day off tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Helen replied with an OK.<\/p>\n
Bonnie turned her phone screen off and glanced toward the counter. No sign of Aiken. She was just reaching for her phone to call him when he appeared at the entrance, carrying a bright orange paper bag.<\/p>\n
He hurried over, smiling. \u201cThere\u2019s a shop next door. I grabbed you a scarf. It\u2019s freezing today, and your neck\u2019s getting all the cold air. Don\u2019t want you to get a chill.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pulled a box out of the bag and flipped it open. Inside was a soft, classic scarf in a milky tea color, patterned with the brand logo.<\/p>\n
Bonnie paused in surprise, a sudden warmth flooding her chest. She couldn\u2019t hold back a smile. \u201cThank you, but this is way too much. I can\u2019t take it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her gaze lingered on Aiken. Because of his job, his style was simple and laid-back. Even his watch was low-key. She couldn\u2019t think of anything he\u2019d need off the top of her head. Maybe she\u2019d grab Helen and drag her through the mall for inspiration. Helen had been with Ned forever, all hearts and flowers, and she was the queen of thoughtful gifts for every possible occasion.<\/p>\n
Aiken caught her intent look, smiled, but didn\u2019t say anything about it. He picked up his car keys. \u201cLet\u2019s go for a walk and digest a bit. Then I\u2019ll take you home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bonnie stood, slipped on her coat, and squeezed the soft cashmere scarf. She hesitated for a second, then wrapped it around her neck.<\/p>\n
Aiken looked at her. \u201cIt looks great on you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bonnie hid her face a little, burrowing into the soft, new-smelling scarf. Her eyelashes fluttered, but she had nothing to say. There was a gentle laugh from above her.<\/p>\n
Outside, the mall wasn\u2019t packed. Watching people wander by with their own errands and plans, Bonnie\u2019s anxiety eased. Everyone was caught up in their own lives, busy or just passing the time. No one really had time to keep chasing after someone else\u2019s gossip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-806","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/kampoengnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/kampoengnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/kampoengnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/kampoengnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}