“Come on, let me order some food too, yeah?” David offered again.

I gave him a polite smile. “No, it’s okay. Just a drink is fine.”

“You sure?” He looked at me skeptically. “From the way you’re looking—kinda pale—I bet you’re starving. It’s already lunchtime! I’ll just order something for you too, alright?” he added, this time sounding a little more pushy.

*Stay calm, El. Don’t get swayed by this smooth-talking flirt,* I told myself, trying hard to resist his tempting offer.

Truth is, my stomach *was* grumbling.

David waved at a server and ordered a latte for me. As we waited, right on cue, my stomach let out a low growl. I cleared my throat, hoping to cover the sound, but of course, David had already heard it.

“Hmm, and along with the latte, can we get two portions of steak, a slice of tiramisu, a cheesecake, and some fries?” David told the server with a smirk.

Once the server walked away, he looked straight at me. “Do you really dislike me *that* much?” he asked. “You even rejected a lunch offer from me—when it’s obvious you’re hungry.”

I didn’t answer. Just gave a faint smile and shrugged.

“Don’t just smile. If you actually came here to meet me, the least you can do is accept my offer for lunch.”

I gave in—grudgingly. “Fine. I’ll accept your lunch offer. But you have to agree to answer some of my questions.”

“Wait a sec…” David raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re only meeting me ‘cause you need something, huh?” He grinned knowingly.

Ugh. I knew it. His ego’s about to go through the roof now that he realizes how desperate I am for his help.

“Yes. I need your help,” I admitted flatly. I hated speaking so formally—especially since everyone assumed David was older than me, when actually he was a year younger. On campus, barely anyone knew my real age, except Amelie.

“Must be serious,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “You came all the way just to talk to *me* in person?”

There it is. I knew he’d get cocky. But he’s not wrong—I *am* in a tight spot.

“Yes. I’m in a tough situation right now. I’ve been scammed.”

David frowned. “Scammed? So why come to me? Why not report it to the police? Why ask *me* for help?”

God. Talking to David was like night and day compared to talking with Sebastian. David blurted things out without thinking, while Sebastian was all proper and polite. The weird part? David’s boyish face looked innocent and clueless, while Sebastian had this intense, dangerous bad-boy aura.

*Why am I even comparing the two?!*

“Because I think you know the person who scammed me.”

“Wait—are you saying I hang out with scammers now?” David cut in.

I sighed. “Could you *not* interrupt? Just let me explain.”

He raised a hand, signaling for me to continue.

“Here’s why I think that,” I said, sliding my phone across the table. “Take a look at this picture. Can you remember when it was taken? And do you recognize the girl standing on the far end, next to your ex?”

David took the phone and studied the photo. His brows furrowed in thought.

“Where’d you get this?” he asked, looking back at me, clearly puzzled.

I smiled faintly. “That’s not important. Let’s just say someone you know sent it to me. All I need right now is your answer.”

Truthfully, I had no idea who sent the photo to Amelie—I was bluffing for the greater good.

David smirked, a dimple popping out on his cheek. “Wow. Sneaky. You came to me for help, but you’ve already done your homework and started digging into my past?”

I nearly burst out laughing. *This guy really thinks he’s the center of the universe!*

*Stay calm, El. Don’t fall for his nonsense.*

“Can you just answer the question?” I snapped. “No need for the extra drama. Nobody’s stalking you—I honestly couldn’t care less about your personal life.”

“Alright, alright. No need to get all fired up.” David laughed. “Okay, I don’t remember exactly when this was taken—maybe a few months ago? That girl you pointed out… she’s one of my ex’s friends. The one standing next to me here.”

“You know her name, right?” I asked, maybe a little too eager.

“Hmm… I think it was Cassie… or Sylviana?”

I smiled, satisfied. “It’s Sylvia. You got it.”

David looked at me, a little surprised. “You know, when you smile, you actually look kinda cute. Why hide that smile so much?”

I quickly wiped the smile off my face. No way was I letting him think I smiled *at* him.

“She’s the one who scammed me. That’s why I’ve been trying to track her down.” I took my phone back from him.

David seemed to be thinking hard. “She scammed you? Out of what—money?”

Before I could answer, the server came over with our orders, interrupting the conversation.

---

As the server set the plates down, I couldn’t help but stare. The steak was perfectly seared, juicy and glistening under the light. The fries were golden and crisp, and the desserts—ugh, the tiramisu and cheesecake looked like they came straight out of a fancy magazine. My mouth watered on instinct.

David smirked. Of course, he noticed.

“Still gonna say you’re not hungry?” he teased, cutting into his steak like he owned the place.

I shot him a glare but picked up my fork anyway. “Fine. I’m hungry. Happy now?”

“Very.” He grinned like he’d just won a bet.

I took a small bite of the steak, trying not to moan out loud. It was *so* good.

David watched me with a raised brow. “You’re cute when you’re pretending not to enjoy food.”

“Can you *not*?” I said with my mouth half-full, cheeks heating up. “Let’s just focus on Sylvia, okay?”

“Alright, alright,” he said, putting his hands up in surrender. “So, how did she scam you for?”

I hesitated for a second, then answered, “Ehm.. it's secret."

***