Chapter 365 Eavesdropping
Lily's gesture seemed like a simple toast at the dinner table, but it actually held deeper, hidden meanings. If she was just thanking everyone for the meal, she would have included the whole group in her toast to show appreciation for the team.
However, she chose to toast Colin alone, which felt somewhat inappropriate and even a bit abrupt.
What stood out even more was how Lily addressed Colin. Her tone was both familiar and distant, suggesting a special connection between them that wasn't apparent to others.
Moreover, Lily didn't mention Anna in her toast, which raised more questions. After all, the dinner was to celebrate a special occasion for Anna, and Lily's actions implied a unique relationship with Colin.
Colin coughed awkwardly after Lily's toast, his expression uneasy. He slowly stood up, raised his glass of red wine, and responded in a low, brief voice.
"Thanks, Lily."
This simple response revealed his complex emotions. He seemed surprised and embarrassed by Lily's sudden gesture but felt obliged to respond politely.
The atmosphere at the table became delicate due to Lily's actions, and everyone sensed the unusual tension. Anna's eyes showed a hint of confusion and unease as she looked at Lily and Colin, trying to read their expressions.
Anna knew Colin wasn't the type to be silent and aloof. He was usually warm and engaging in conversations, often humorous and never responding with just a single word.
So, when Lily toasted him and he replied with a simple, low tone, Anna was quite surprised.
As Colin took a sip of his wine and prepared to set his glass down, Lily did something even more surprising. She raised her glass and drank the entire contents in one go, as if pouring all her emotions into the drink. This act made the atmosphere at the table even more tense.
Bella quickly intervened, "Lily, we haven't started eating yet. Don't drink so much."
Lily paused, slightly startled, then gave an apologetic smile. She seemed to realize her behavior was a bit out of line and quickly explained, "It's okay."
She gently placed her glass back on the table, trying to regain her composure.
Isadora, sensing the delicate atmosphere, asked the question everyone was curious about but hesitant to voice, "Lily, do you and Colin know each other from before?"
This question was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
Lily glanced at Colin, her eyes showing a complex emotion, then lowered her head slightly and softly but firmly said, "No."
Her answer was clear and concise, yet it seemed to hide more than it revealed.
Colin also spoke, his tone casual and relaxed, "No, I get along with everyone easily. You'll all be working together, so look out for each other. When I'm not around, please take care of my girlfriend."
Despite their denials, the atmosphere at the table didn't lighten. Everyone was still curious and speculative, wanting to uncover the mystery but hesitant to probe further.
Isadora smiled warmly, "Don't worry, Anna takes care of us more than we take care of her. She's a great boss. After I had my baby, I was out of work for years and felt disconnected from society."
"Plus, I had to pick up and drop off my kid at preschool every day, making it hard to find a suitable job. But since I joined this dessert shop, everything changed. Thanks to Anna and Bella being such wonderful bosses."
The table seemed to return to its previous lively and cheerful state, but Lily remained silent. She barely participated in the conversation, her utensils only occasionally touching her plate. Her gaze seemed to drift, sometimes heavy, sometimes lost.
Her wine glass became her only solace, as she drank one glass after another, the wine slowly draining the color from her face.
Bella, sitting nearby, kept glancing at Lily. Her quiet and unusual behavior made Bella's suspicions grow like wild weeds.
A woman's intuition, sharp as a knife, cut through the surface calm and pointed to the core of the issue. Bella knew there was something hidden behind Lily's silence and drinking.
At that moment, Colin got up and went to the restroom. His departure seemed to trigger something sensitive in Lily. Within a minute, she also stood up and followed him.
Anna was fully engaged in playing with Isadora's daughter, Novi.
Novi's laughter was clear and sweet, adding warmth to the atmosphere.
Anna didn't notice Lily and Colin leaving, her attention completely absorbed in her interaction with Novi.
Bella felt a surge of unease. She sighed and decided to follow them. Her steps were light and cautious, trying not to make any noise.
Through the crack in the door, Bella saw two figures standing by the sink. It was Colin and Lily, standing close enough to hear each other's breaths.
Their expressions were serious, their eyes revealing complex emotions. They were talking, their voices low and indistinct, but Bella could sense the tension and subtlety in the air.
Bella didn't immediately barge in to interrupt their conversation. Instead, she moved closer, hoping to hear more clearly.
However, this eavesdropping made her feel guilty, especially when others passed by to use the restroom. She was so nervous she barely dared to breathe, afraid of being caught.
As she tried to calm her breathing and steady her nerves, she heard Colin's voice from the restroom. His tone carried a hint of reproach and dissatisfaction, clearly upset with Lily's actions.
"Why did you toast me earlier? Do you realize the trouble this could cause?" Colin's words made Bella's heart race, and she listened even more intently.
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