Betrayed by Fiance, Embraced by Hidden Tycoon-Chapter 86: Friends With Benefits

"So, is it true?"

Lana let out a deep sigh. "Yep. But we aren’t a couple. We just have an attraction to each other." There was a trace of disappointment in her eyes.

Abigail was taken aback and curiously asked, "You mean it’s a friends-with-benefits situation?"

"Yeah, you could say that," Lana answered bitterly.

Abigail was stunned. She now understood why Lana so quickly and easily forgave Kian, even though he had not shown up without prior notice.

"Do you guys ever talk about possibly becoming a real couple and settling down as a family?" Abigail asked curiously. She found it strange to imagine a relationship like that, especially now that she knew her friend Lana was in such a situation. It amazed her.

Lana shrugged. She had never wanted a conventional relationship, and waiting for Kian to ask her to officially date was like waiting for the sun to rise in the West.

She enjoyed their current arrangement because she had someone to care for and sleep with without the complications that usually accompany a traditional commitment. Plus, she wasn’t in a hurry to settle down.

"We talked about it, but it wasn’t serious," Lana said with a grin. "Honestly, I don’t mind our situation—I still enjoy my life as it is." She paused before adding, "How about you? Have you considered starting a new relationship after such a tragic love story?" she asked, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Abigail was taken aback by Lana’s question.

That question crossed her mind numerous times after Sawyer had proposed to her to become his wife. Despite his repeated proposals, she had not made up her mind. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to accept him right away.

Ever since their first meeting on the rooftop, she felt comfortable around Sawyer for some unknown reason. However, there was one thing holding her back from giving him an answer. She felt guilty about accepting him because she wasn’t sure she loved him as deeply as he loved her. Comfort was not the same as love.

As she looked at Lana, a faint smile slowly began to form on her lips. "I do have a plan to start over. If the right person comes along..."

"You’re doing great, Abigail," Lana nodded in agreement. "It’s better to seek a new relationship than to dwell on the trauma from that jerk! He’s not worth you giving up on finding someone better."

Hearing how fiercely Lana defended her and still held anger toward Ryland warmed Abigail’s heart. free𝑤ebnovel.com

"You’re right, Lana. He is definitely not worth it!" Abigail smiled.

Lana and Abigail continued their conversation for a few more minutes before Lana asked Abigail to work alone that day. She needed to visit her family’s house in a nearby town and would only be back tomorrow night.

Abigail was glad to accept the request. She was comfortable working alone and used to being even more efficient and focused when it was just her.

After Lana left the café, Abigail focused on processing customer orders. She was lucky that the customers didn’t come all at once, causing long queues, so she could manage everything smoothly despite having limited rest time.

As the evening progressed, working alongside Tanya made Abigail feel like time was flying. Before she knew it, closing time was almost here. It was just a few minutes before nine, and no new customers were coming in.

"Sister Abby, you did a great job today," Tanya said, giving her a thumbs-up to compliment her.

"You too," Abigail replied with a faint smile.

"Well, Sis Abigail, I don’t think more customers will come in. You can take a break in the staff lounge and get ready to go home."

Abigail agreed and immediately left the counter to rest in the staff lounge as she prepared to head home.

However, just as Tanya thought customers would stop coming, a tall, handsome man suddenly entered the café.

Tanya, who was about to complete her recap of today’s sales, froze behind the cashier station, her eyes fixed on the man in front of her.

"Hi, I’d like to order a coffee. You’re still taking orders, right?" he asked in a deep, commanding voice, pulling Tanya from her thoughts.

She nodded, unable to speak. She was so nervous; this was the first time she had encountered such an attractive customer in their café.

"Two lattes, please. One should be a little sweet," he ordered.

"Any other orders, sir?" Tanya asked, silently swallowing while looking at this handsome man.

"No," he replied, handing her a new $100 bill. When Tanya reached to return his change, he declined, asking her to place it in the tip jar instead.

Tanya was taken aback. This tall man was not only handsome but also generous. She instantly felt envious of whoever would be fortunate enough to be his girlfriend.

After watching him settle down near the cashier, Tanya pressed the button to notify Abigail inside. She hoped Abigail wasn’t ready to go home, as they still had one last customer for the day.

...

Abigail was stunned to see the customer light illuminated above the door inside the staff lounge. She didn’t expect there were still customers coming just two minutes before closing.

She stood up from her seat, put her apron back on, and quickly went outside to handle the last order.

"Sis Abigail, I’m sorry, but we received the last order... I couldn’t refuse it; the customer came before nine," Tanya said apologetically. She felt terrible because she had already told Abigail to prepare to go home, but it turned out they still had a customer.

"It’s fine, Tanya..." Abigail smiled to reassure her while glancing at the order. She immediately began preparing two takeaway lattes.

As Abigail stood before the coffee machine, focused on preparing the order, she briefly noticed a man with a familiar shape sitting not far from the counter. His side profile was facing her, and he seemed to be tuning into his phone and typing something.

’Wait! That’s Sawyer...’