The Beginning Of All Sins

Claude grinned. “Nah, I just got here myself.

Olivia glanced at his drink, noticing the melted ice and damp exterior. “Sorry about that. Traffic was a nightmare,” she apologized.

“It’s all good. I’ve got plenty of time,” he reassured her, presenting the trinket he found. “Is this yours?”

Taking the necklace, Olivia held it close. Claude added, “Must be very important to you, isn’t it?”

“My mother left this for me,” she whispered.

Claude nodded knowingly. “I’m glad I called you about it, then.”

Grateful for the return of her cherished possession, Olivia thanked him sincerely. “Thank you, Claude.

The young man studied her sweet, beautiful face and advised, “Be more careful with your stuff next time, alright?”

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind,” she replied.

While they had a mutual acquaintance, Claude and Olivia were hardly familiar with each other. The atmosphere became awkward.

“Well… I guess I should tell you to drink a little less next time?” he said in mild concern.

Olivia found his concern endearing. “Thanks for the advice, Claude. I’ll remember that.” NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

He smiled warmly. “How did your mom pass away?”

Feeling a pang, Olivia tightened her grip on the necklace.

Realizing his misstep, Claude quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be insensitive.”

After a moment of contemplation, Olivia decided it wasn’t a big deal. “She passed away from an illness a long time ago. This necklace is all I have left of her.”

Claude had known she was a child of an affair, so he decided to change the subject. “Hey, the ice cream here is amazing. Want to grab some?”

As they chatted, Olivia noticed other women casting glances at Claude. Despite the attention, he seemed unfazed, as if used to it.

Impressed by his easygoing nature, Olivia agreed to join him for ice cream. “Sure, I’d love to.”

“Great. I was dying to have one with a friend anyway.”

Olivia had expected their meeting to be awkward, given Claude’s knowledge of her secrets, but their conversation flowed naturally as they enjoyed their treats.

212

Grateful for his gesture, Olivia considered paying for both of them, but Claude insisted otherwise. “I’ll cover it. Can’t let a lady pay, right? Or are you worried I can’t afford it?” he teased.

Surprised, Olivia scratched her head, as she knew Claude’s family owned a bank. She responded sheepishly, “No, I just wanted to thank you.”

“Then you can treat me next time. Right now, I need to keep up appearances,” he said cheerfully, gesturing to their surroundings.

Realizing the attention he was attracting, Olivia nodded in understanding, deciding to play along.