Love or Leave Behind Novel

Julien said affectionately, “Then, harry back

The guests at the table pelted pullen with questions right as Shelmaine left for the restroom. Most of them were wondering about their relationship.

Julien met their curious pazes and said, “We’re currently figuring things out between us.”

He hadn’t called Shelmaine his girlfriend, but his vague answer sent the guests‘ imagination running rampant..

Unfazed, Julien pulled on the disposable gloves and began peeling shrimp

Meanwhile, Shelmaine took deep breaths in the restroom, putting a hand to her chest as if to calm herself. Jullen’s words echoed in her ears. He seemed to really like her, and his sincerity pinned her like a dead weight.

She returned to the table and found a small pile of peeled shrimp on her plate.

Julien looked expectant as he gazed at her with glittering eyes and said, “I peeled these in record time! Impressive, huh? You barely ate the entire evening. Don’t worry about putting en weight. After all, shrimp isn’t fattening”

The guest next to him teased, “It’s rare to see you fuss over a woman like this, Mr. Gallagher.”

Shelmaine glanced at him. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure to be of service to you,” Julien said charmingly. He pulled out a wet napkin and proceeded to clean the sauce off his slender fingers Shelmaine wasn’t a fan of shrimp. To be exact, she wasn’t a fan of getting her hands dirty peeling them and avoided them as much as she could. Jullen was the first person to have peeled shrimp for her, and it was a strange feeling indeed.

She would be lying if she said she wasn’t moved by his gesture. Perhaps things might have turned out differently for her if she had dated Julien right from the start, not that she could be certain

Not long after paben settled at the table, someone came and beckoned him. He immediately turned to shelmaine and said, “Excuse me while I go to another table, Shelly. I’ll come back in a bit. Get started on the shrimp in the meantime”

Shelmalne nodded and hummed in agreement. She was hungry after Julien pointed out she hadn’t eaten a morsel the whole evening. She figured she could have some food before going home

Julien had only just left when Josie sauntered up to her, eager to greet her.

She wore an ivory dress and had one arm looped through her fiance’s while she chatted with Shelmaine. Ever the gracious host, she asked, “Why didn’t you sit with us at the main table? jaben saved the seat beside him for you, you know.”

“Sorry, I just-“Shelmine began apologetically.

“It doesn’t matter. You’ll have a seat next to Julien during my reception, too. Promise you’ll sit with us then?” Before Shemaine could answer, posle leaned forward and whispered, “Juller really likes you.”

Shelmaine blinked, suddenly at a loss.

Josie pointed out playfully, “we’re practically family at this point. Fate sure has a funny way of bringing people together, huh? Anyway, I’ll leave you for your dinner. Enjoy the food!

“Thank you,” was all Shelmaine could say.

Josie made her way over to the next table, leaving Shelmaine in a daze. She had been pursued before, but she never considered dating anyone until Samuel came along. Not that they truly dated before getting hitched, anyway, and that had turned out to be a disaster.

ng to use Julien to spite Samuel

This time, Shelmaine was wary and conflicted about getting into a new relationship. She had yet to get over the guilt she had for wanting Over at the main table, Samuel was indolently making small talk with Julien’s parents. Jullen’s father, Alan Gallagher, was smiling as he asked, “thear you’re getting engaged as well, Samuel”

Samuel did not answer him, though Natasha was beaming as she said, “That’s right, Mr. Gallagher We’ll be getting engaged soon, and I hope you and your family will show up to celebrate with us.‘

Bana had to take a rain check this time on account of some urgent matter and told Samuel to come with Natasha.

Alan replied, “We wouldn’t miss it for the world. We can’t wait for your good news.”

hatasha grinned. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher

Just then, Samuel said, “I’m going out for a smoke “

ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .