Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1453

Kailee glared at him, her voice simmering with frustration. "Me, not respecting facts? Who was it again badmouthing me over coffee, saying I couldn't live without you, that I was all drama and noise? How dare you even say that, Lewis? When I left you, I did it with style, let

me tell you. It took me less than a month to find someone new, someone way hotter than you."

After her outburst, she quickly turned to the lady behind the counter. "Ma'am, could you pack this up for me? I'll take it to go."

The lady nodded, hurrying to comply. "Of course, dear."

As the lady prepared her order, the diner felt spacious, with just Kailee and Lewis left. Kailee refused to take her seat again, determined not to let him tower over her in any way, physically or otherwise.

She stared him down, hearing his calm reply, "I know."

Know what, exactly?

Kailee's brows furrowed as she huffed, "You better keep your distance, Lewis. I'm seeing someone now, just so you know."

Lewis rubbed his temples, his tone annoyingly serene. "Kailee, why is it every time you see me, you get all worked up? You're not like this with anyone else. Maybe I'm being conceited, but I have to ask, haven't you gotten over me?" Her anger left her speechless, her fingers trembling in frustration. Really? The nerve!

Biting back her outrage, she put her hands on her hips. "Please! If anyone's not over anyone, it's you pining over me!"

"Hmm." His simple response threw her completely off balance.

If Lewis had insulted her, she would have had a snappy comeback ready. But faced with his unexpected acknowledgment, she was momentarily lost for words.

Just then, the lady came back with her order, neatly packed. "Ms. Kailee, your order's ready."

Snapping back to reality, Kailee quickly grabbed her food, keeping her head down as she hurried past Lewis, who didn't move to follow her. As the diner quieted down with only him and his mother left, he finally relaxed.

The woman behind the counter

shook her head slightly. "So, it was

that girl, huh've known her for years. When you first wanted to open this little diner, I knew something was up. The dishes you insisted on weren't our usual fare, not something your dad and I, or even you, particularly liked. But she came in on day one, claiming it was as if this place was made just for her."

Lewis took a seat, listening to his mother's gentle teasing. "Son, after all these years, you still haven't won her over?"

He poured himself a cup of tea from

the pot on the table. "I didn't pursue her. Like she said, she dumped me and not a month later, found someone else. Followed him around like a bee to a flower. That guy just got married, and she's been single since."

He had thought she might end up marrying the guy, only to find out it was all unrequited love from the start.

In his professional life, Lewis was always composed, a beacon of empathy and patience. Yet, learning of Kailee's one-sided affection, he couldn't help feeling a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Kailee had always lived in a bubble, her troubles largely self-inflicted. Joseph had protected her well, nurturing her naive and overly simplistic outlook on life.

In that cramped changing room, her willingness to kiss him had been a testament to her simplicity - any decent-looking guy might have received the same response.

Kailee was straightforward in her actions, driven by simple desires and a naive heart. Yet, when she decided to cut ties, her coldness was unmatched.

Lewis, lost in thought, slowly spun

his tea cup by the handle. That day

at the coffee shop with Mason, he had intentionally spoken loudly, knowing Kailee would overhear and recognize him. He wanted to

provoke her, to rekindle some form of connection between them.

Mason had seen right through him, understanding his intentions. But Kailee, she remained oblivious, convinced he was conspiring against her behind her back. Perhaps it was for the best, ensuring she wouldn't forget him anytime soon.