Dakota has always known her charm value.
She had a lot of admirers in middle school.
Alan was one of the persistent admirers she couldn't shake off.
Back then, when she was annoyed by his pursuit, Dakota had used Curtis to ward him off, as very few people dared to offend the young master of J City.
Alan was ridiculed for his unsuccessful pursuit.
He was always arrogant, and he had pursued Dakota with such determination that it became a matter of pride, as if winning her over was something worth boasting about.
But unexpectedly, Dakota shut him down.
As a result, he still harbored feelings for her.
So Dakota has always been annoyed by him.
Never did she expect that after many years, this persistent admirer would resurface, now more mature and with a veneer of false gentlemanliness and superficial elitism.
"Sorry."
Dakota didn't bother with pleasantries, smiling faintly as she turned to look at Alan, "Mr. Acosta may not know this, but I got married shortly after returning to the country."
Alan was clearly stunned.
But he quickly recovered, remembering that Dakota had used Curtis to ward off admirers before, "That's impossible."
He feigned a relaxed smile, "Dakota, if you want to refuse my invitation, you don't have to say such things."
Dakota was very irritated.
She wished she could just drive off, but alas, her little car had no gas.
So Dakota simply pushed open the car door.
Alan still had his wrist resting on her window, and her action nearly scratched his expensive watch.
He frowned and immediately withdrew his hand.
She pressed the key to lock the car and stood by the roadside, opening the ride-hailing app on the phone.
Alan realized there was probably something wrong with her car, "If you doesn't want to have dinner with me, it's fine, but since I've come all this way, and even your car seems to hint at fate, would you allow me to give you a ride home?"
Dakota: "..."
She acted impulsively.
Her already troubled heart was further agitated by him.
Dakota ignored him, tapping furiously on the ride-hailing app. Unfortunately, the C Avenue was notoriously difficult for hailing rides, especially during rush hour, even with surge pricing.
Alan stood there, refusing to leave.
Perhaps taking advantage of the fact that there was no one familiar around, he was shamelessly trying to stick to her.
At that moment, a honking sound suddenly rang out.
Dakota lifted her gaze and saw a sleek, high-end sports car speeding toward her down the street, finally coming to a precise stop right in front of her.
The driver's side window rolled down.
Curtis glanced at her indifferently, tapping the edge of the window with his fingertip, "Get in."
Dakota really didn't expect Curtis to come.
But regardless, in that moment, a sense of relief washed over her from head to toe!
Dakota lifted her face proudly towards Alan, "Look, my husband came to pick me up from work."
She hadn't even realized that there was a hint of pride and bragging in her tone.
Alan didn't believe her. Following her gaze, he saw a face he knew all too well.
Curtis sat in the car, looking languid.
The warm yellow sunlight mingled with the approaching twilight, casting perfectly on the man's profile.
His jawline was sharp and defined.
The interplay of light and shadow accentuated his features, elongated eyes more than almond-shaped, a straight nose, thin lips, and a sexy collarbone exposed by his unbuttoned collar.
However, because Curtis had loosened his tie.
Even though he was wearing a shirt and trousers, he exuded an air of rebellious arrogance and defiance.
Curtis was looking at them with a smile.
His eyes, always filled with a smile, had the power to enchant women like a siren's call.
But upon seeing Alan standing next to Dakota, the playful glint in his eyes faded, replaced by a coldness due to his dark, deep pupils.
"So it's Mr. Acosta."
Curtis lifted his chin coldly and defiantly.
He reached out to push open the car door, stepping out in shiny black Derby shoes, shedding the laziness and leaving only a kind of intimidating arrogance.
Alan frowned in displeasure, "You again?"
Curtis raised his eyebrow playfully.
He calmly straightened his collar, using his slender fingers to deftly adjust his loosened tie and pushed it back up.
Dakota also curved a bright, charming smile.
She walked past Alan, heading straight for Curtis, then affectionately linked arms with him, lifting her limpid eyes to look at him, "Honey."
Curtis felt a shiver run down his spine.
His expression was obviously stunned.
Lowering his eyelashes to meet Dakota's suggestive gaze, he guessed she wanted him to play along.
So Curtis reached out, pulling Dakota's waist strongly, drawing her into his embrace and then lowering his gaze to smile at her adoringly.
Dakota felt a tingling sensation in her scalp.
That gaze...
Giving him an Oscar wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Fortunately, Curtis quickly reined in his gaze, looking at Alan with a mix of arrogance and possessiveness.
"Mr. Acosta, long time no see."
"I didn't expect that our first meeting after several months would be a chance encounter of you trying to seduce my wife?"
Alan: "..."
He keenly noticed Curtis's momentary daze when called 'honey', "You're married?"
Curtis raised an eyebrow, "What else?"
"It's impossible." Alan declared.
He had been fooled by Curtis and Dakota before. When he pursued her, she used Curtis as a shield.
Many believed it at the time.
Including Alan.
He unwillingly backed out of the competition. Later, he found out it was all an act by Dakota and Curtis. These two were clearly at odds, how could they be dating?
How could they be married now?
"Mr. Pineda." Alan narrowed his eyes at him, his competitive spirit ignited, "We're all adults now, there's no need for childish jokes."
"Is that so?" Curtis chuckled lightly.
He glanced indifferently at Alan, then suddenly circled Dakota's waist and bent down, "Mrs. Pineda."
His low, magnetic voice drilled into her ear.
Dakota felt her legs turn weak.
Then she felt Curtis's lips lightly press against her ear, the initial touch bringing a strange yet soft warmth, followed by a slight dampness.
"I really don't want to let go of holding you, but there's something I need to take out to show off to Mr. Acosta."
Curtis whispered into her ear with an intimate laugh, his breath wrapping around her soul, but his gaze was locked on Alan with a possessive intent.
His lips moved, "My wedding ring is in my left pants pocket, could you help me get it?"
