Joan kept his head down and chuckled helplessly.
When the coffee was served, Amanda asked Joan, “Do you want some milk with it?”
“I like to enjoy the bitter and aromatic taste.” Joan gently swirled the coffee and asked, “Do you take it
with sugar and milk?”
Amanda did not touch the coffee, looked at him, and answered, “In the past, I would add sugar as I felt
that it was too bitter. Then gradually I prefer to take it black.”
Perhaps it was the year when she was recuperating overseas after her brush with death. A lot of her
regular habits changed during that time.
She took a sip of the coffee and commented, “The coffee tastes even finer in its original form.”
“I don’t like it to be too thick and intense.” Joan was a pleasant and accommodating person. He was
looking for a marriage that could give him a simple life and not one which was full of excitement and
surprises.
Amanda grinned, “You don’t like an intense taste?”
“No,” Joan replied.
“I’ll treat you to a meal tomorrow.” She took another sip and then grinned when she placed the cup
down.
Joan picked up on this and said, “I think you’re up to no good.”
“Really?” She asked as she continued to smile cheekily. She thought, ‘He must have realized it.’
“Yes.” Joan was a smart man. She knew that he would not allow her to pay for it or perhaps she would
take him to eat something strange. Then he said, “Okay, you must give me a treat and not back out of
it.”
“Your language seems to be improving,” Amanda remarked in surprise.
Joan smiled, “Thanks, I’ve been learning.”
Stanford walked into the café and the lady seated beside them quickly stood up and called out, “Mr.
James.”
Stanford looked over and frowned as he seemed to realize something. His cellphone rang at the same
moment and it was Atwood who called him.
“Mr. James, this lady is the daughter of the owner of Lucien Group. She graduated from a renowned
university and had been fond of you for a long…”
“So you lied to me?” Stanford interrupted him coldly before Atwood could finish.
After work, Atwood told him that he had something to discuss with him and asked to meet him at this
café. Stanford thought that Atwood was going to come clean about what he was hiding from Stanford
but little did he expect Atwood to set him up with this lady.
He became upset with Atwood.
“Mr. James, I’m doing this for your own good. You’re not getting any younger and should consider
starting a family.”
“Mind your own business. You can have her if you think that she’s so good.” Stanford turned to leave
but he caught a glimpse at Amanda and hesitated.
Both of them exchanged looks momentarily and Amanda immediately looked away.
She appeared to disregard it and continued to speak to Joan, “Perhaps we chose the wrong place
today.”
Joan also saw Stanford and wanted to stand up to greet him but Amanda grabbed his hand, “No. Do
not say anything.”
Before Joan asked, she quickly added, “He had lost his memories, and perhaps now he doesn’t even
recognize me. So if you greet him, it’ll only trigger his memories or bring forth unexpected
consequences.”
“How did this happen?” Joan remembered that Stanford was fine the last time they met.
“Joshua did it,” Amanda said solemnly. But it was obvious that she did not want to go into details.
“Mr. James.” The lady dressed up especially for this occasion and was very beautiful.
Stanford was prepared to leave but when he saw Amanda had a man with her, he decided to sit down
with that lady.
“Mr. James, I’m Hilary Lucien, I’m glad to make your acquaintance.” She suppressed her excitement
and offered her hand. Stanford obliged and shook her hand.
“What would you like. I’ll order.” Hilary said as she flipped the menu.
“Anything will do.” Stanford looked towards Amanda to figure the relationship between her and Joan.
“Let’s go.” Amanda stood up as Joan glanced at Stanford and agreed, “Okay.”
They walked out of the café.
“What did the doctor say? Is it temporary or permanent?” Joan asked.
“I have nothing to do with his affairs. I’m not sure. Didn’t you see that he has his own life now?” She
intentionally said. Stanford understood.
Stanford sat in place. He thought of going after them but he would not know what to say.
Suddenly he also stood up and walked out.
Hilary was startled and ran after him while calling out, “Mr. James…”
Stanford did not answer her, left the café, and got into the car.
“Mr. James…” Hilary ran out but was a moment too late. He had already departed in the car.
Amanda and Joan did not walk far and as Stanford’s car passed by them, Stanford took another look at
them, and then the car sped away.
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