His kindness in that moment left her feeling somewhat abashed.

Claudia had been telling herself that she needed to stand her ground. It wasn't enough to take the first step toward reconciliation with Bennett simply because he had come to pick her up.

Yet now, Aurora's revelation that Bennett had waited for her outside the apartment building for an hour and a half left her in shock.

Any semblance of cold detachment she'd been clinging to vanished instantly.

The more Claudia pondered this, the more guilt gnawed at her. The succulent beef noodles she'd been enjoying suddenly became flavorless.

After chewing and swallowing the mouthful of noodles, she glanced across the table at Bennett and said, her voice slightly quivering, "Mr. Dreskin."

Bennett, who was almost finished with his meal, looked up at her and grunted, “What?”

Fidgeting with her fork, Claudia stammered, "I'm sorry. I was chatting with my friend tonight, so I didn't check my phone and didn't see the message you sent to me.”

In truth, she had seen it and simply didn't want to reply, but she couldn't bring herself to admit that to him.

Her face grew hot, a Lie burning on her Lips. After speaking, Claudia cast her eyes down and returned to her noodles, fearful that Bennett might say something.

Five minutes later, Claudia finished the last bite. She Looked up to find that Bennett had already reached out to pick up her bowl. Silently, he carried both bowls into the kitchen.

Claudia swallowed hard, realizing she'd been making a fuss over nothing.

She breathed a sigh of relief and resolved to straighten out her thoughts, to strive to be a more supportive partner.

Soon, Bennett emerged from the kitchen. Claudia had been about to speak when she met his piercing calm eyes and found herself unable to say anything.

She was wracked with guilt. What could she do?

"You. as he idly tugged at his collar with a slender finger.

Do you have something to say?" Bennett asked, his voice gentle

Claudia averted her eyes from his collar, looking both shy and reserved.

Summoning her courage, she apologized again.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Dreskin. I kept you waiting for so long."

“Why should you say sorry to me?" he asked, pausing to offer her a faint smile.

“It was just one hundred and five minutes, not very Long.”

She found herself at a loss for words. How could he remember the exact time, yet claim it wasn't Long?

Embarrassed, Claudia promised, "I won't be like that again “What do you mean exactly? Will you not keep me waiting, or not keep me waiting for so long?" he queried.