Chapter 40

Would Leonel finally advance to adulthood? Ren thought, stunned and astonished at the same time.

Leonel stood to his feet when Lira was just meters away from him and stammered.

I-Im!

However, before Leonel could finish his sentence, Lira took a turn and went to the table just beside theirs. Sitting on that table was a dark-skinned boy with violet hair and an older woman in his forties.

They were eating their food in peace and silence before Liras high-pitched voice stunned Leonel and Ren.

This table is already reserved for me. Why the f.u.c.k is someone eating here?

Shh . . . Lira, mind your manners. Where in a public place. Someone might take a video of you, whispered her manager.

Lira just sneered. This is a private reservation-only restaurant were taking videos and photos arent allowed. And besides . . .

Lira looked over at the people who were minding their business.

All the people here are rich and dont give a d.a.m.n.

M-manners, uttered her manager, eyes s.h.i.+fting around if someone heard and saw Lira acting brazenly.

Lira flipped her hair and looked down at the dark-skinned boy. What are you still waiting for? I said thats my table.

The dark-skinned boy frowned. Your table? We have made a reservation here.

Roz, the old lady nudged Roz. Its fine. Dont speak like that to a girl. Weve finished anyway.

Roz faced her mother, canines baring. Mom. Thats not a girl. Its an uncultured swine.

Ren smirked and nodded his head. The boy had guts. He must be around sixteen years old.

While Leonel was turned into a statue. He was too stunned that her idols character was so . . . unmannered? She was like a G.o.ddess on screen and felt like an angel when she talked on camera.

Since the unfortunate event was happening just a table next to them, Ren and Leonel had the front row seat of the drama.

Liras beautiful face was smudged with angry veins. What did you say, you little squirt?

Lira squinted her eyes and leaned forward at Roz. Dont you know who I am? I can make your f.u.c.king life miserable with a snap of a hand until you can no longer go out in the streets and anywhere else without being mobbed for the rest of your f.u.c.king miserable life. Youd rather wish that youd never been born, and your future descendants would scorn at your grave for making their life miserable too.

She then straightened her back and crossed her arms with tilting hips. Unless you scram the f.u.c.k away from my table. Right now.

Roz rolled his eyes. I dont care who you are. Youre rude and crazy. Go away before I call security.

Wha! Liras face fumed red.

What seemed to be the problem here?

Finally, a manager with a perfectly practiced smile intervened.

Lira jabbed a finger at Roz and snarled. This kid is sitting on my table. Does this restaurants prestige drop so low that it would accept anybody? I had made reservations here, and how dare you give my table to . . . to . . .

Lira was thinking of words that were eluding her. . . . n.o.body . . . , she uttered when a second pa.s.sed, and she couldnt find the right words due to anger clouding her brain.

The managers smile remained plastered on her face as she swiped on her tablet. Yes. Miss Lira did make a reservation at our restaurant. However, youre fifteen minutes early from your reserved time, and they have made their reservation prior to yours.

Lira shook her head in disbelief. What do you mean fifteen minutes early? Do you mean to say that I should come in late? It should be normal for a high-cla.s.s restaurant to reserve their guests tables an hour before they arrive! What kind of a Michelin awarded restaurant is this?

Im sorry, Miss Lira, said the manager, If you could wait for your table

NO, Lira said with an edge. Dont ask me to wait.

She then leaned closer to the manager with one brow raised. Do you know how many millions of followers I have? One bad review from me, and you can say goodbye to your awards.

The managers smile faltered from her face, and there was now a sheen of sweat coating her cheeks. How about another table Miss Lira? she bargained, eyeing Ren and Leonels table since the two men were already finished.

Lira shook her head. No. I want this table. I always made a reservation at this table. Its near the window, and I can view the landscape while Im eating. It wouldnt be the same from any other angle!

Our table is just meters from the window too. Ren thought. Though Ren had an inkling that Lira just didnt want to back down anymore after the commotion she started. He had a feeling that she just wanted to make it difficult for Roz.

Not my problem. Ren emptied his gla.s.s of water and tapped Leonels shoulder. We should go.

The scene that Lira created was already garnering attention.

B-but . . . Leonels brows were crumpling. Shouldnt we do something?

Leonel was torn. He didnt know if he should do something about the situation or not. Clearly, Lira was over the line for just a table, and Roz and his mother also made a reservation prior to her.

Thats not our problem, Leo. Lets go. Your girl Lira might reconsider eating at our table if we leave.

Egh . . . Leonel was feeling dejected. He was still not over at Liras true character. He didnt know what was more heartbreaking finding out his idols true persona or the shattered image he had for her. She was so different when she was playing live online.

He felt betrayed all of a sudden.

Ren was about to speak again when he heard the managers voice.

The manager looked over at Roz and his mother with an apologetic face. Excuse me. Im sorry to ask this, but can you vacate your table now?

What do you mean vacate? Rozs face couldnt be painted when he heard the manager took Liras side all because she was a famous person. Wheres the dignity of this restaurant? Cant you see that we havent finished eating yet?

Yes. I can see it. We can find you another table if you want, the manager said again, impatience in her tone this time.

Roz and his mother werent garbed in branded clothes and didnt order the expensive meals. The manager would rather keep their good reviews than accommodate n.o.bodies like them.

Rozs face darkened, and he opened his mouth to retort but was stopped by his mother.

Its fine, Roz. Lets just go. Weve finished anyway.

Mom, what do you mean finished? Roz eyed the half-eaten dessert.

Its fine, said his mother with finality and took to her feet. Lets just get the bill and go. She then looked at her son with smiling lips but sad eyes. We dont belong here.

. . . Roz couldnt refute anymore when his mother already stood to her feet. He shot one last glare at Lira, who had a condescending smirk on her face, before going after her mother.

Tata. Lira snorted and took her seat at the table. She then brought out her phone and focused all her attention on it.

Oh, my G.o.d. I cant believe it, you guys. I just met the rudest kid ever . . .

Ren shook his head as he stared at Roz and his mothers retreating figures.

He couldnt help but take a large breath of air. Watching them reminded him of his parents.

He took another breath before he pinched Leonels shoulder. Lets go. Lets not waste any more time here.

Leonel s.h.i.+fted his eyes on Lira and Ren before looking down at his fingers.

I guess that selfie with her would have to take a rain check, uttered Leonel with a gloomy face.

Ren was about to drag Leonel to his feet when he was stopped by a familiar deep throaty voice calling his name.

Ren!