NovelXXXChapter 349 Hastings didn't seem the least bit annoyed.
He looked at Citrine with a small smile. "How about we grab dinner together, Instructor Carmichael?" Citrine hesitated, about to refuse, when out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of Kali standing not far behind Hastings.
She let her lips curl into a slight smile and changed her mind on the spot.
"Sounds great," she replied cheerfully.
Hastings's eyes lit up, genuine surprise flickering across his face. "Does this mean we're calling it even?" "Of course." Citrine nodded, her expression pleasant even as she scoffed inwardly.
Meanwhile, Kali watched the exchange, stunned. She'd always been able to twist Hastings around her little finger, but now, here he was-beaming at Citrine like an overexcited kid.
The way Hastings looked at Citrine, there was no mistaking it: pure infatuation.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhy her? Kali's face twisted, her jealousy impossible to hide.
If Hastings had fallen for someone else, maybe she could have stomached it. But Citrine? Of all people—after just a month of training? What did that conniving woman have that she didn't? The thought made Kali clench her fists so tightly her nails bit into her palms. She wanted nothing more than to tear Citrine to pieces.
By then, Hastings and Citrine had already arrived at the movie theater.
Hastings had reserved the entire auditorium-just the two of them, no one else in sight.
When Citrine entered and saw the empty rows of seats, she paused for a moment, then quickly understood.
He'd booked out the whole place. He really must be smitten, she thought with a wry amusement. So this was the depth of his feelings for Kali? Apparently, not quite as unshakable as she'd assumed.
The theater was dimly lit, shadows blending into silence. But Citrine's lips curled up in a faint, knowing smile. Originally, Hastings had planned to watch a horror movie-his favorite. But at the last minute, for reasons he couldn't explain, he switched to a romantic film instead.
As the movie began, both sat facing the giant screen. Citrine looked perfectly at ease, while Hastings, sitting beside her, seemed oddly tense.
Citrine glanced over, caught the stiffness in his posture, and chuckled. "Nervous?" "Not at all," Hastings replied quickly. "I'm totally relaxed." He could deny it all he wanted, but the veins standing out on his hand gripping the armrest told a different story. Citrine just smiled, saying nothing.
Hastings himself wasn't sure what was wrong. He'd watched movies with Kali before and never felt anywhere near this wound up.
It wasn't until the film had been playing for a while that he finally began to relax.
Citrine's attention was fixed on the screen, but Hastings found himself stealing glances at her whenever he thought she wouldn't notice.
The only light cfrom the huge screen, painting shifting patterns across their faces.
Hastings watched her profile, completely entranced.
Sensing his gaze, Citrine finally turned to look at him. "Why are you watchinginstead of the movie?" "Is the movie boring, or is it...?" "Or is it what?" Hastings prompted.
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She met his eyes, her voice steady. "Or is it that I'm so good-looking m En.
you've completely lost track of yourself?" Hastings had never met a woman like this before. Flustered, he looked away. "You're awfully full of yourself." Citrine noticed the faint flush creeping up his ears and let out a quiet laugh.
For all his tough exterior, he was just a bashful puppy underneath.
She grinned at him, her tone sincere. "Am I wrong, though? Am I not good-looking?" Hastings stared at her, at a loss for words. Bad-looking was the last thing anyone could say about her.
Her face was flawless-so striking it was unforgettable.
She was, hands down, the most beautiful woman he'd ever met.
When Hastings still didn't answer, Citrine's expression shifted, her voice suddenly playful. "Or do you think Kali E is prettier?"
Hastings had no idea why she brought up Kali, but he wasn't about to lie. He glanced back at Citrine, a trace of helplessness in his eyes. "You're more beautiful," he admitted quietly.
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