True Love Waits novel Chapter 1273

'How dare she speak for another man!' Fury was written all over Matthew's face, but he controlled his voice.

"Don't forget that you are a married woman. You can't simply go around making friends with another man, and going out to drink coffee alone with him. It's not normal or proper." As Erica listened, she realized for the first time in her life that even an aloof CEO like Matthew could make trouble out of nothing.

Noticing the awkward atmosphere between them, Harmon hurried over, hoping to mediate the dispute. "Hello, Erica. I'm Harmon Lu!" he said with frantic, false cheer. "I'm your mother-in-law's cousin, which makes me your husband's uncle. So you can call me 'Uncle' as well!"

'Huh? So he's actually Matthew's uncle!' thought Erica. 'I thought he was hitting on me before! How awkward!' With a strained smile, she remarked, "Uncle, you look so young! How old are you? You must be around the same age as Matthew."

In fact, what she said was true. Harmon looked like he was in his early twenties, but he was already Matthew's uncle.

To her slight relief, Harmon seemed genuinely amused by her question. "Oh, that's so sweet of you to say!" he chuckled. "Actually, I'm already in my early thirties."

"Oh, I see!" Erica said, nodding.

Harmon turned around and signaled to the waiter. "Bring our coffee here."

"Yes, sir."

Harmon took a seat next to Watkins and asked, "Well, I know you didn't mean to meet us here, but can we join you for coffee? You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Watkins did mind, but obviously he couldn't say that. Shaking his head, he indicated the table with a gentlemanly flourish of his hand. "Of course not! Mr. Huo, Erica, by all means take a seat."

Matthew was in a similar predicament. He didn't want to stay either, but it simply wouldn't be proper to rebuff such company.

He sat opposite to Watkins and practically dragged Erica into the chair beside him.

The waiter brought coffee, but ironically, no one was in the mood for the stuff at that moment. While Watkins and Harmon tried desperately and futilely to sustain a conversation, Erica noticed that Matthew was staring at her. "What is it?" she asked in a low voice.

"The coffee's here," he explained icily. "Isn't that what you came for? Just have your coffee and we'll be on our way." He would take her home and lock her up.

That would teach her not to go hanging out with Watkins behind his back! 'Why is Matthew acting so strange today?' Erica asked herself.

With a shrug, she was about to lift the mug to her lips when Matthew's hand clamped around hers. "What are you doing?" he hissed, his face livid. "Have you forgotten you're not supposed to be drinking this stuff right now?!"

'What? Oh, I forgot I'm on my period. He's so thoughtful.' Erica was genuinely moved, but thought her husband was being overprotective. "It's just one cup. It'll be all right," she said mildly.

That only increased Matthew's fury. Coffee jumped over the rim of the mug as he jerked it from his wife's grasp. All the same, he chugged it in a matter of seconds.

His three companions watched, mortified and dismayed.

Had they really witnessed Matthew Huo doing such a childish thing?

After taking the last gulp, Matthew felt that he couldn't sit still anymore. He was afraid that he might try to strangle Watkins if he had to spend another minute in his presence.

Glancing at Harmon, he pushed his chair back and said, "My wife and I are leaving now."

Harmon was stunned, wondering why Matthew was in such a hurry. But he didn't protest. He simply waved at them and said, "Bye!"

Matthew took Erica by the arm and led her toward the door.

"Uncle, Watkins, goodbye!" she called over her shoulder.

Harmon shook his head helplessly. 'Matthew is so possessive of Erica!' he thought. 'And what a temper he has!'

Watkins shrugged and took a long, unhurried drink of his coffee.

He had met Harmon before, but they didn't know each other well, and it didn't take long to find that they didn't have anything to talk about. "Well, Mr. Chai, I have work to do," Harmon said after a moment. "Enjoy yourself here!"

Watkins nodded at him. "Thank you, Mr. Lu. Have a good day!"

Harmon left the cafe after paying the bill. Watkins passed a few moments alone, and then left without finishing his coffee. He had a lot on his mind.

Meanwhile, the Emperor car was cruising the streets.

Owen held back his laughter as he listened to Erica trying to coax his boss in the back seat.

"Matthew, honey, don't be angry," Erica was saying, her head bowed, trying to placate her husband. "You know that was just a white lie. I didn't mean to hurt you."