Landon casually rubbed her head, as if we were all close friends. "It really is quite a coincidence."
I remained silent.
Ever since Brittany was introduced to the company through Landon’s relatives, these "coincidences" had become a common occurrence. I was no longer surprised by how often I found myself in their orbit.
As my gaze drifted to the lounge chairs in the mall, I spotted an empty seat and considered suggesting that Landon and Brittany take a break. But just as I was about to say something, I watched Brittany cling to Landon's arm, her voice sweet and playful.
"Landon, the baby wants to eat that cone, but the line is so long."
Landon pinched the tip of her nose affectionately, his eyes filled with a fondness that made my heart sink. "Okay, okay, little greedy cat, just wait."
"Yeah." She chimed, bouncing on her feet. The moment her miniskirt lifted, Landon instinctively pulled her into his arms. He quickly took off his coat, wrapping it around her waist to cover her up, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.
"Next time, don’t dress like this, and definitely don’t jump around," he chided, his tone light but with a hint of seriousness.
Brittany stuck her tongue out at him playfully, "I know."
Then, he turned his attention to me. "Do you have any cash on you?"
I was taken aback and shook my head. "No, I don’t."
"Then go and get 20,000 cash now," he instructed.
Feeling a wave of frustration washed over me, I decided not to linger and quickly walked away.
As I returned with the cash, I watched Landon slip bills into the hands of those in front of him, sheepishly muttering, “Sorry, cutting in line.” The once-arrogant man I knew was now practically groveling for a cone of ice cream for Brittany, apologizing profusely to everyone around him.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight, and Brittany’s eyes darted toward me. “Olive, why are you laughing? Has Landon done something like this for you?”
I shook my head, dismissing her question as I turned away, feeling an overwhelming urge to escape the scene. I made my way to a nearby bench, where I sank down, hoping to catch my breath. But as I shifted my weight, a sharp pain shot through my back heel.
Glancing down, I was dismayed to see blood seeping through the fabric of my shoe. Just my luck.