Chapter 358

After dinner, they decided to hit up the most popular shopping street nearby to soak in some local vibes.

While they were browsing, Amelia clung to Benjamin's arm, making them look super close.

Benjamin was pretty stoked; it seemed like Amelia was stepping up her game because of Lila's sudden appearance.

Amelia wasn't dumb. She knew that if she kept being bratty and blaming Benjamin, it would just push him away and straight into Lila's arms.

Since Lila was trying to win Benjamin back with their old memories, Amelia figured she'd make him stay by creating new, sweet moments together.

When they wrapped up their shopping spree and got back to the hotel, they were shocked to see Lila standing there with a suitcase.

Lila looked just as surprised. "What are you guys doing here? Oh, right, you're staying at this hotel too. What a small world!"

Lila, all excited, rushed towards Benjamin like she was about to hug him.

Amelia frowned and stepped in front of Benjamin, while Isabella shoved Michael aside.

Lila instinctively hugged the guy in front of her but quickly realized something was off-this guy felt way more muscular than Benjamin.

"Have you hugged enough? Can you let go now? My wife is watching," Michael's cool voice cut through the moment.

Lila looked up and saw Michael's icy expression.

Frightened by his cold stare, Lila quickly let go and stepped back.

Michael moved to stand next to Isabella, glaring at her with annoyance.

"This is the first time I've seen someone push their husband away to help a friend," Michael grumbled.

Isabella casually patted his arm. "Of course, because I trust you won't get involved with this woman!"

Michael rolled his eyes. "Yeah, thanks for the vote of confidence."

Lila was taken aback that she had hugged Michael instead of Benjamin. Sure, Michael was good-looking, but his vibe made her think twice about getting close.

But when Lila tried to hug Benjamin again, she found Amelia already guarding him.

Lila was a bit miffed but didn't want to cause a scene.

"What a coincidence! It must be fate bringing us together. Got any plans for tomorrow?" Lila asked curiously.

"We're planning to go skiing," Benjamin said, then noticed Amelia shooting daggers at him with her eyes.

Benjamin blinked, realizing he might've messed up.

Lila's face lit up with excitement. "That's awesome! I came here just for the skiing! I heard the snow here is the best powder snow! Skiing here must be amazing! Let's hit the slopes together tomorrow. Since I'm solo, I can join you guys."

Amelia glared at Benjamin, hoping he'd say no.

But Benjamin just scratched his head awkwardly, not sure how to turn Lila down without hurting her feelings.

Amelia looked disappointed at Benjamin, then turned to Lila with a smile. "Sure, but just so you know, all four of us are couples. If you feel weird being the odd one out, maybe you can find another guy to join you."

Amelia was trying to hint that Lila shouldn't crash their couple time.

Lila got the hint but decided to ignore it. She wasn't about to let a little thing like pride get in the way of chasing after the guy who left her.

"No worries, maybe I'll find a great guy at the ski resort tomorrow. See you then." Lila waved, grabbed her room key, and headed for the elevator.

As soon as Lila was out of sight, Amelia stomped on Benjamin's foot and stormed off to the other elevator.

Benjamin winced in pain, hopping around a bit, then looked helplessly at Isabella and Michael.

"This isn't my fault. You know I'm kinda slow with this stuff. It was just a reflex. Besides, no matter what we plan, Lila's gonna tag along. It'd be even more awkward if she caught us lying, right?" Benjamin tried to explain, but Isabella just stomped her foot in frustration, crossed her arms, and got into the elevator.

"What's going on? Why are the girls so mad?" Benjamin asked, looking to Michael for answers.

Michael sighed. "Honestly, I think you're right. With how shameless Lila is, no matter what you say, she'd probably just camp outside your door and pretend to bump into you, hoping you'd invite her along."

Benjamin nodded eagerly. "Exactly! You get me."

Michael shook his head and then stepped on Benjamin's other foot.

"What the hell? Why are you copying Amelia?" Benjamin yelped, hopping on one foot and glaring at Michael.

Michael shrugged, looking a bit helpless. "Remember how my wife stomped her foot before getting into the elevator? She actually asked me to step on you. She felt too embarrassed to do it herself since you two aren't that close yet. So, I had to."

Benjamin stood there, stunned. "You guys have that level of understanding?"

Michael nodded. "Yep, that's love. When you really get it, you understand a woman's mind."

Michael patted Benjamin's shoulder. "You've got a lot to learn. Take it slow. For now, just focus on handling how Lila's gonna deal with Amelia tomorrow while skiing."

Benjamin pushed Michael's hand away, saying confidently, "No matter what Lila does, I'll back Amelia up."

Michael gave him a thumbs up. "Well said, you're finally catching on."