Web Fic
Chapter 435
With a firm belief that he couldn’t let his little sister doubt his charm, Zach tried to be the picture of chivalry and politeness to any lady who approached him with interest–as long as they weren’t outright unpleasant to look at. He was almost indiscriminately welcoming.
Unbeknownst to Zach, who thought himself a dashing gentleman, his reputation was swiftly morphing into that of a notorious ladies‘ man, and it wasn’t long before he was called out.
“Hey, that designer outfit you’re rocking, how much does it cost to rent?” teased Autumn, her eyes playfully fixed on Zach as she fiddled with her smartphone.
Zach’s polite smile instantly froze. He glanced down at his clothes–rented designer wear? Really? Did this woman ever rub elbows with the wealthy?
A chill crept into Zach’s demeanor. “It’s not rented, thank you.”
Hearing his response, Autumn’s beautiful face was etched with mock surprise. “A guy who can afford a suit that costs thousands wouldn’t be caught dead at a mixer like this. If you’re going to play a part, at least make it believable.”
She paused for a beat, then, without waiting for Zach to reply, continued with a mischievous grin, “I’ve seen plenty of players, but someone as unapologetic as you? That’s a first. How many mixers have you crashed so far?”
With a click of her tongue, she summed up her impression. Zach had a bookish bad–boy look, and how many hearts had he broken?
Zach, taken aback by the personal attack, could only wonder in silence. Did designer clothes equate to rental? He was polite to everyone, and now he was a heartbreaker?
Was this woman often played by men?
Zach’s expressionless gaze swept over the lady in question. Aside from a reasonably attractive face, her sense of style–or lack thereof–left much to be desired.
Yeah, with that biting tongue, it’s no wonder her dating life was in shambles.
Autumn, noticing the silent man before her, simply waved cheerfully and walked
10.37
away.
After Mirabella donned her face mask, her delicate features were mostly hidden from view. Making her entrance at the mixer, she attracted little attention. Those few who did notice her were simply puzzled by the sight of someone at a dating event wearing a mask.
Mirabella hadn’t yet located her brother Zach when she narrowly avoided a
collision.
“Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there,” apologized Autumn, who was indulging in some pastries and hadn’t expected to bump into anyone. Her lapel pin had come loose and fallen to the ground without her noticing.
Mirabella had stepped to the side in time to avoid being hit. When she saw Autumn’s face, she felt a flicker of recognition, but she quickly responded, “No worries.”
She bent down to pick up the cartoonish lapel pin that had dropped to the floor and handed it to Autumn. “You dropped this.” Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
Autumn turned her gaze to Mirabella’s hand, realizing she had lost her pin. She set her plate of pastries on a nearby table and gratefully accepted the pin back, nodding to Mirabella. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Mirabella replied politely.
After reattaching her pin, Autumn looked up at Mirabella again, noticing the mask that revealed only her pretty, soft eyes. There was something familiar about her…
Autumn racked her brain but couldn’t place where she had seen her before. Scratching her head, she finally asked, “So, are you here to find a match too?”
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