Love On Ice: Don’t Leave Me, My Charming Liar

Chapter 128: "She hasn't asked me to do anything yet." "Maybe after everything settles, you should think about taking Vicki with you," Bonnie suggested, though she felt conflicted about Vicki's recent actions. Bonnie remembered Vicki as a gentle soul, never having seen her more selfish side. "She has no interest in leaving with me. I'm trying to help, but it seems she's only using me," Nyla replied, leaning back into the sofa. "I guess this is where our mother-daughter relationship ends." Bonnie gave Nyla a look of compassion.

The once vibrant and lively Nyla was now inching toward independence with a mix of determination and caution. She was supposed to be free of worry, but now she had to navigate her world more carefully. Suddenly remembering she owed Murray a meal, Nyla checked with him about his availability for dinner. After confirming he was free, she made reservations. She got to the restaurant early, and Murray arrived just in time. "Sorry, a bit late," Murray said as he took his seat, looking like he had come straight from work.

"I hate that I'm late for our first real date." Murray started with his typical teasing. Nyla skipped the small talk and directed his attention to the menu. "Pick anything you like. I owe you this meal, and we've delayed it long enough." "Oh? Was the delay about timing, or did someone prefer we didn't meet?" Murray teased, perusing the menu before looking up with a knowing smile. "You're still into caramel pudding, right?" Nyla was momentarily taken aback. When had Murray learned of her preference for caramel pudding? Noticing her surprise, Murray let out a laugh, enjoying her puzzled look.

He put down the menu and leaned forward. "Wondering how I knew? I've been quite serious about you. Did you think I wasn't paying attention? Trust me, Nyla, you'll find I'm worth your while." "You got that from Bonnie, didn't you?" Nyla called him out directly. She often marveled at how his sharp looks were softened by his warm smile, which was quite deceptive. Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ; comm If her heart wasn't already inclined toward Ethan, Murray might have been a real contender. "Don't I get any credit?" Murray reclined, affecting mock sadness, as if wounded by her blunt words.

Nyla chuckled. "It would certainly be intriguing to date you." "Why not try it?" Murray responded quickly. Nyla observed him more intently. His eyes always twinkled with playfulness, yet underneath lay a calmness that made her reconsider. "You're not really into me," she said. Murray maintained his smile, undeterred. "You're mistaken on that." "Your eyes tell the truth," she replied. As Murray's smile broadened, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the server presenting their dinner. Nyla chose not to revisit the topic after that.

Halfway through the meal, Murray nonchalantly asked, "What's the special occasion tonight? A sudden dinner invitation usually hints at something more, doesn't it?" . . .