THE BILLIONAIRE IS INFATUATED WITH HIS EX-LOVER

"Mark, I have an appointment today and want to leave early. I'll make up for it by working late another day." "No problem at all, you go ahead. The work isn't urgent." Mark smiled brightly, and Sara thanked him before leaving.

Sara couldn't help but feel that Mark wasn't wrong; he couldn't understand why he followed Leon, who was cold and arrogant and looked down on others. Was there any relationship between them beyond the employer and employee? Henry was already waiting, and as soon as he saw Sara, he drove over to her. Opening the door for her, he noticed Leon stepping out, his attention drawn by the passing car.

"Henry, I've recently returned, so I'm unfamiliar with the best places to eat, especially street food stalls or small eateries. Could you recommend some?" Sara engaged in cheerful conversation, her dimpled smile adding to her charming demeanor. Henry couldn't take his eyes off her innocent beauty.

"Why do you want to go to those places? Aren't upscale restaurants better? They're spacious, clean, cool, and offer good service," Henry was surprised by Sara's interest in places she hadn't noticed before.

"I've started working, and sometimes I want to go out to eat or hang out with colleagues, but the places I used to go to aren't suitable. I don't want to feel isolated, so I must adapt. Aren't we all supposed to grow up?" Sara spoke kindly, her smile genuine, showing her newfound concern for others.

"You've grown up a lot, haven't you? But I still see you as my little sister. If Jessica knew, she'd be pleased," Henry ruffled her hair affectionately, feeling a pang in his heart.

"And are you happy?"

"Me?... Of course, I'm thrilled."

Seeing Henry's shyness, Sara refrained from teasing him further. She knew he had long had a soft spot for her, but she always regarded him as a dear older brother. She acknowledged Henry's goodness, but with her personality, Sara wouldn't accept anyone until their intentions were clear, as it would be unfair to those who came later.

"Do you know there's a Central region spring roll place tucked away in a small alley? We have to park outside and walk in. I've been there a few times, so the owner knows me. I've been there twice recently. If you'd like, we can go there together." Henry always laughed, especially when he was near Sara. Jessica said, as she teasingly called Sara, was his "little spring" indeed.

Sara happily agreed. Henry sang a soft, romantic acoustic song that captivated Sara, who hummed along. Henry watched her closely, a subtle smile playing on his lips like someone in love.

The restaurant was nestled deep in the alley, surrounded by tiny, rundown houses. The locals mostly worked as laborers and small traders. Henry led her inside, eagerly pulling out a chair for Sara.

"Well, are you bringing your girlfriend along today? She's beautiful. Remember to keep on to her tightly, or she might slip away," the friendly owner teased before handing them the menu to choose from.

"No, she's not my girlfriend; she's my friend. She just returned to the country," Henry quickly clarified, his flushed face looking quite amusing.

"Not now, but who knows in the future?" The owner teased further, seeing Henry's embarrassment.

"Constant misunderstandings eventually lead to understanding," the owner said with a warm smile, making it hard to be upset with her. Sara remained silent, knowing that explaining further would only create more misunderstanding. Henry and Sara browsed the menu, and following Henry's recommendation, they opted for the combo, which he believed was the best choice.

There were two combos: "Love" and "Friends," each accompanied by two drinks. The dishes were beautifully presented on a woven bamboo plate, looking appealing and clean. Guests had to roll their spring rolls here, as the restaurant provided separate ingredients for each type, making the dining experience interactive and enjoyable.

Each plate consisted of various items: grilled pork rolls, sour fermented pork rolls, fresh rice vermicelli, rice paper, pork sausage, boiled pork belly, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The restaurant's secret lay in the dipping sauce pot, simmering on the stove, emitting a tantalizing aroma. It was unclear when the owner opened the place, but it could be said that this was one of the best spring roll eateries in the city.

Sara looked at the plate of spring rolls, which was delicious. Henry handed her the first roll with a smile on his lips. Sara dipped it into the thick, fragrant peanut sauce and savored it deliciously. Watching her eat, anyone would feel a sudden craving for it.

Henry eagerly guided her through each item, fearing she might feel overwhelmed on her first visit.

"How do you find this place? Does it suit your taste?" he asked.

"It's delicious. How did you know about this place?" she inquired.

"When I was little, my mother brought me here. As I grew up, I came here alone," he explained. "Why did your mother know about this place?"

"This used to be my grandmother's shop when she was alive. After she passed away, no one in the family took over, so ownership changed. Although the taste may have changed slightly, the new owner is passionate and dedicated to the craft, so I'm sure my grandmother would be comforted." Henry's face darkened as he mentioned his grandmother. She loved him dearly, but he had to sneak in every time he visited to avoid causing embarrassment.

Looking at this run-down place, Sara couldn't imagine that a noblewoman dressed in high-end designer clothes like Henry's mother could come from such a humble background. Indeed, her life as a daughter-in-law must have been difficult. "Did you used to come here to play when you were little?" she asked.

"Ever since my mother married my father, my grandmother stopped letting my mother come here because she was afraid of people spreading rumors about her having a daughter-in-law from such a lowly background, which would be very humiliating. Every time I visited, I had to sneak in late at night, exchange a few words, and leave. My grandmother only had my mother, so she lived a lonely life until she fell ill. Even when my mother had something urgent, she couldn't call her for fear of upsetting my grandmother. Being a wealthy daughter-in-law was also very tough. Ever since she got married, my mother has never been pleased. I am her only source of joy." Henry sighed, feeling sorry for the two influential women in his life.

"In the future, I don't want my wife to live a hardship like that."

Despite often seeing Henry cheerful and lively, he harbored many sad thoughts deep down. Everyone's life had its imperfect pieces, hoping for a soulmate to befriend, to share joys and sorrows with.

Sara silently pondered why the rich-poor gap was so significant. Had she married Leon before, would he have lived a life of pain like that, too?

"Sara, have you ever felt jealous of those who have mothers or felt lonely because you didn't have someone to confide in, to comfort and encourage you?"

"Surely, I have. Every day after school, there was no mother to pick me up, my father was always busy, and my life was intertwined with the butler. She was very kind but not like a mother. My mother passed away when I was very young, so I don't remember her face anymore, just her photo on the altar." Sara became emotional, tears streaming down her rosy cheeks, causing Henry to worry, apologizing profusely.

"I'm sorry for bringing up unpleasant memories; I promise not to do it again."

Sara forced a smile to reassure him, but her heart remained heavy.

"It's okay, let's go home. It's getting late now."

Walking down the narrow alley, Sara couldn't help but glance back. The lingering feeling remained, but the people of the past were now different.