Rebirth Snatching Back My Stolen Luck novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

LILITH

I took a moment to compose myself before turning back to face Dean.

Just then, the female waiter approached with a tray in hand.

“You already ordered?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes,” Dean replied casually. “It’s a bit warmer today–perfect weather for something cold. And since you were coming from the sun, I took the liberty of ordering in advance.”

The waiter reached our table and smiled. “Here’s your order. Enjoy.”

She set a cup of iced Americano in front of Dean and placed a dessert before me.

I blinked at the elegant, mouthwatering creation.

“Affogato?” I looked up at him.

“I had a feeling you might like it,” he said. “But if not, feel free to order something else.”

I shook my head and pulled it closer. “No, thank you. I’m fine with this.”

Truthfully, I had a sweet tooth. But since childhood, my mom had strictly forbidden sugar in my diet. Over time, everyone around me assumed I didn’t eat sweets and stopped offering them altogether.

But staring at the treat in front of me now, I suddenly remembered how much I used to love

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sweet goodies

“Thank you.” I said with a small smile, then scooped up a spoonful and placed it in my

mouth

The smooth richness of vanilla ice cream blended with the bold bitterness of fresh espresso, topped off with delicate chocolate shavings. It was heavenly

My eyes lit up.

How had I survived this long without sugar?

Another goal for my new life: taste every delicious dessert in the world.

In mere minutes, I’d devoured the entire thing. As I savored the lingering flavor, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret, feeling like it finished too fast.

“Want another one?” Dean asked,

His voice startled me, like a lightning bolt in broad daylight.

I… forgot he was here.

Had he seen me cat that ravenously?

My image. My dignity.

Gone.

All gone.

I was internally screaming, but outwardly, I kept my face composed as I glanced at him. He

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was watching me with an indulgent smile, his chin resting on one hand.

Clearing my throat, I looked away. “No. I’ve had enough.”

“Alright.” He didn’t press, but I could still feel his eyes on me.

It was strange–how easily we were getting along.

We had only met yesterday, yet here we were, bantering like old friends.

Was it natural? Or… calculated?

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The thought sobered me.

I couldn’t let him lead me around just because he had a charming smile.

My gaze had steadied when I looked at him again.

He noticed, his brow arching slightly as he straightened up. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

Instead of answering, I said something else.

me.”

“I’m cashing in the wish you owe me.

He shrugged. “As you

wish.”

I leaned forward, my tone serious. “I wish you’d tell me the real reason you helped yesterday. No vague answers this time around. No lies.”

He drummed his fingers on the table. “I already told you last night. I just felt like helping at the moment.”

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Chapter 18

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“That’s it?” I asked, clearly unconvinced. “You expect me to believe that? People don’t just help others for no reason, Dean. There’s always a motive. Whether they admit it or not.”

He sighed and looked at me, his expression suddenly more complex.

“You won’t trust me unless I give you the real reason, will you?”

“Yes,” I answered, my tone unwavering.

“Alright,” he said at last. “There is another reason. I wanted to get under the Scotts‘ skin.”

He paused. “You know the history between me and their family, right?”

“Not in detail. Just the general idea.”

“Well, that’s it. Helping you yesterday was killing two birds with one stone,” he spread his hands out as he spoke. “Do you believe me now?”

To be honest… I wasn’t sure.

Dean didn’t strike me as an impulsive or careless person, who would get himself involved in muddy waters over such petty reason.

There had to be more.

But I also couldn’t deny–my knowledge of his relationship with the Scotts was limited.

“You still look skeptical,” he said, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Are you doubting me?”

I shook my head, denying it instinctively. “No.”

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Chapter 18

“So you believe me?”

I hesitated.

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He caught it immediately and leaned forward, tapping his chin.

“How about I draft a contract? One that states if you ever find out I lied, I’ll compensate you?”

The look in his eyes told me he was serious.

“No need to go that far,” I said, somewhat shaken by the resoluteness in his gaze. “I’ll believe you… for now.

The way he smiled after I said that made my heart skip, but I braced myself this time.

“Thank you, fiancée.”

Fiancée.

That word reminded me that there was something important I needed to ask.

“You’re not seeing anyone, are you?”

His expression froze for a second before he shot me a look. “You think I’d help you with something like this if I were?”

“Your opinion of me is quite low.”

I winced, realizing how offensive my words might have sounded. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I just didn’t want this to affect your personal life.

His expression softened.

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