Chapter 143 - Alianna's Boyfriend

Four hours away from Onyx Mountain Hotel and a few hours later…

Alianna entered the lobby of a studio with her boyfriend Craig, a tall man with green eyes and long hair that was tied into a man bun.

They had been arguing in the car and she just wanted him to stop. "Craig, really… just let it go. I already told you, there is nothing that you need to worry about."

"Why do I have a hard time believing that, huh?" he asked.

"I don't know. I don't understand why you would doubt me. Haven't I already proven to you that he doesn't matter anymore?" 

Matthew Jeong walked in and heard part of their argument but he ignored and sat down on one of the armchairs, minding his own business. It was a Saturday and he was supposed to be at home sleeping in but the sudden work call interrupted his relaxation.

Craig glanced at Matthew before he told Alianna, "I need to work. I'll see you later." He huffed and turned on his heel.

Alianna exhaled out a sigh. She disliked arguing with Craig because it was too exhausting. Just a while ago, they were very sweet and while they were on their way to the studio, they started arguing.

She didn't even know how it all began because all she remembered was that he was suddenly interrogating her about Caleb. They had broken up a long time ago, why was he acting so childish?

She rolled her eyes and slumped on the sofa near Matthew. They exchanged nods as they were a little familiar with each other but they were only acquaintances.

The ringing of her phone startled her and when she checked the phone screen, a bright smile flashed across her face. "Hey, Katherine… How's the weekend trip with Damien?"

"Everything's great… Actually, we're in the downtown area. He brought me to this pastry shop—god it smells divine in here." Katherine sniffed. "Anyway, I remember you like cinnamon buns and custard pastries… I was wondering if you are still on a diet because I was thinking of bringing back a box for you?"

"Awww… you are so sweet. You didn't have to ask, I would never say no to pastries. Screw diet, bring me back a box… and don't you dare steal from it."

Katherine snickered. "I would never dare. I'll buy myself one too."

"Yeah, you do that. I'll see you when you come back—oh, wait… How did your first night go with Damien? Did you—"

"I'll call you later. Bye." Katherine interrupted her and hurriedly ended the call, not wanting to give her any details about what happened and repeatedly happened last night… and this morning. She felt heat creep up on her neck.

"Wha—Hey! Damn it, she hung up on me…" Alianna laughed that Katherine ran away from her. "Too cute."

Matthew's eyes darted to Alianna and he scratched the back of his ear before he started, "Sorry… I didn't mean to eavesdrop. But was that Katherine Miller?" Hearing the two names from her, he was already sure but was still curious.

She raised her head and smiled at him. "Yeah, it was her. How do you know her? Oh, wait… you're Crown Resort Group's new endorser, right?"

He nodded and a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Ahh… Yeah…"

"Damien's my cousin… so I'm friends with Katherine."

"I see… I–"

"Matt, you're up." Matthew's manager came up and called him. He was there for work and he only took a few minutes break before another photo shoot started.

Nodding to his manager, Matthew turned to Alianna and excused himself before he got up and left.

Later in the evening after Alianna's work, she went back to the hotel where she was staying with her boyfriend. They were both exhausted and was about to get ready to go to bed when she received a text message.

[ Caleb: Sorry, I was busy the past few days and just noticed the invitation that you left to my secretary for Nana's birthday. You can count me in, I will go. ]

Ali was just about to type in her response when she heard Craig from behind her. "I can't believe you're even texting him."

She snapped her head and turned to face him, crossing her brows as she responded. "Craig, there's nothing going on. He's just sending an RSVP for—"

"Yeah, right. Why does he even need to send you that? You're not the organizer and certainly not the one having the birthday!" He walked to the minibar, grabbed a beer, and opened it. He shook his head before taking a swig from the can, he was exasperated.

"Yes, but Nana also gave me his invitation since I was already going there that day I dropped by for my cousin's girlfriend. I already told you that, you picked me up, remember?" She sat next to him, wishing that he would see the truth.

"Tell me, Ali… Is that the reason why you're here? Is that why you're going to stay longer? You're supposed to come back with me to Italy in a few days."

"What?" Alianna was surprised. She could not believe what she just heard.

"What are you talking about? You know I'm here for work and I'm staying because it's Nana's birthday soon. I'm even leaving the day after that. I also told you we can go back together. You can stay and we'll both go on her birthday… I could introduce you to her."

Craig let out a mocking laugh. "And then what? Are you also going to introduce me to your ex?"

Ali became frustrated. Whatever she said just went out to his other ear as if he did not understand anything. "I don't understand why we're arguing about this. This is nonsense. What are you so upset about? Caleb and I barely even talk to each other and I've only seen him once ever since I arrived."

He narrowed his eyes and glared at her. "You've seen him behind my back? You didn't tell me that."

"I didn't think it was a big deal because they just drove me here. I was with Katherine and they both dropped me off after she and I went shopping. Can we stop fighting about this? There is nothing going on between me and him. It's been several years for God's sake!"

The room was silent for a few minutes before Alianna swallowed her pride and went closer to him. "Craig… please don't get mad. I swear to you, there is nothing."

Craig looked at her before he released a breath and set the can of beer on the table. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.

Smiling, she kissed his cheek. "I'm very tired… Can we please go to sleep?"

"Fine," he said before the two of them got up and went to bed.

Satisfied that he finally let the matter go, Alianna forgot about it and drifted off to sleep.