Sprinkled with Love

A few minutes later, Ryan found himself sitting in the cafe across from Violet's cupcake bakery.

He stared at the menu in front of him with a dazed look on his face. 

This is too strange. 

He came to find Violet to give her a little something and leave. How did they end up sitting in the cafe?

Ryan lifted his head when he noticed someone walking over. 

A woman stopped at their table before chatting with Violet. Judging from the conversation, Ryan could tell that Violet was quite close to this woman.

"Do you want anything?"

Ryan snapped out of his trance and saw that Violet and the woman were looking at him. He recalled the question Violet asked him and coughed. "A cup of Americano. That's all."

Violet chuckled. She repeated the order to the manager before turning to Ryan again. "I just knew that you were going to choose something unsweetened. Doctor Ryan Chen, don't you think your life is kind of boring?"

Ryan decided to ignore Violet's words. For now, he had something else to worry about. For example, how to give Violet the straps without feeling awkward.

"Alright." Violet placed both hands on the table and leaned over the table. "Tell me why you are looking for me." Her eyes narrowed. "Let me guess… your mother asked you to find me again?"

Ryan coughed. "Mhm… You are right. It was my mother who suggested that I come and see you." He lowered his head to avoid Violet's eyes. 

He was too embarrassed to tell Violet the reason he looked for her. Fortunately, he could always use his mother as his excuse.

Violet clicked her tongue with Ryan's confirmation.

"Our parents are too anxious." Violet heaved a sigh as she leaned on the chair behind her. "A few days ago, my father was telling me that we did not spend enough time together. We agreed to see each other for a month. But now, they are thinking that one month is not enough. Hey, I'm thinking that we both need to think of something when that time comes."

Ryan massaged his forehead. "I'm busy enough at the hospital. I don't think I could extend this trial date." He stared at Violet for a few seconds before speaking again. "Can I ask you something?" 

"Go ahead."

"I was wondering why you chose to start your own bakery,"

Violet tapped her fingers against the table as she considered the man's question. "I was tired of working for people. That's why I decided to start my own bakery," she laughed when Ryan looked at her in puzzlement. "A job as a chef isn't as glamorous as you thought. The long working hours, low wages... and it's not really easy to climb up to the top position. Too much office politics and all that. I figured that I would be better off if I started my own place. I don't mind the long working hours, but at least I get a lot more money than working for the others." A teasing smile curled on her lips. "I love making money. But this does not mean that I will be after yours."

Ryan's expression stiffened when he recalled that he accused Violet of being after his money. "Will you please stop mentioning that? I knew I was wrong. And I sincerely apologize for accusing you of being after my, you know…" he trailed off.

Violet smiled. "Apology accepted. And this time I really mean it." 

A server came to their table at this time to deliver their drinks.

Violet picked up her cup of caramel macchiato and took a sip before looking at Ryan. "Well, it's my turn to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"Why is it that you don't have a girlfriend? I mean, you're surrounded by lots of smart and sweet doctors and nurses in the hospital. Why didn't you date any of them and save me from all this trouble?"

Ryan laughed. "Then why didn't you date anyone and save me from this trouble?"

Violet shrugged. "I haven't found anyone special. Well, at least, not yet. Moreover, I want to focus on my bakery first. It's my baby. I don't have the time to think of anything else at this moment. So? What's your reason?"

Ryan replied to her with a shrug.

"You're not going to tell me anything?"

"Nope."

"You're cheating." Violet clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Fine. But just know that I can always dig something out of your sisters. You do know that they love to talk about you, don't you? Especially Erin."

Ryan shot a dagger look at her. He knew that she was right. Erin would have answered anything. That girl was a big fan of gossiping. The thought that his sister would tell Violet unnecessary things made him frown.

 Seconds later, Ryan finally spoke. "I once dated a girl when I was still in college. Then I found out that she was only after my money."

"That was why you accused me of going after your family's wealth?"

He nodded. "She wasn't the first girl who hung out with me for my reputation. I thought she was really the one."

"So you swore off girls and haven't dated anyone else after that?"

"Not really. I dated this other girl a few years ago. My mother had no knowledge about my relationship with her. She's a doctor and we worked in the same hospital. But we broke up because of that. We were busy with our job. The only time we got to meet each other was in the hospital. We rarely have time to date each other outside. It was after we broke up that I decided not to date anyone in the same field as I am."

The two ended up chatting for a while about this until Ryan's phone rang.

He looked at the screen with a frown. Then, he turned to Violet again. "I have to go. It's the hospital."

"Mhm… Go ahead." Violet nodded. "Don't worry about the bills. I'll settle it."

"Thank you." Ryan stood up and turned around, wanting to head back to the hospital fast. But then, a thought crossed his mind, making him stop on his track again. "I almost forgot."

Violet shot Ryan a puzzled look.

"Here. I got this for you." Ryan pulled a small box from his pocket and placed it on the table. "It's a thank you gift for trying your best to cheer me up the other day. It's nothing much. But I thought, this gift seemed to match you perfectly." He smirked, raised his arm and waved to Violet before leaving in a hurry..

Violet stared at the green gift box with small yellow ribbons on the table, wondering what it was. 

Judging from the box, it seemed to be jewelry?

Violet frowned at the thought.

She took off the lid carefully and laughed when she saw what was in the box– it was a phone strap decorated with a small, pink cupcake charm.