Chapter 7
As he spoke, the tremor in his chest tran
tremor in his chest transferred through the stethoscope into my ears, and it made me itch slightly.
I wasn’t with Ashton, so I didn’t have an answ
Mianswer.
His heartbeat seemed to be getting faster, and his breathing grew heavier.
I said calmly. “Mr. Shannon, your heartbeat is unsteady.”
He paused, grabbed my hand, pushed the stethoscope away, and then began buttoning his shirt one by one. “Let’s do something else first.”
I had no objections, so I began to draw his blood. As the needle pierced his vein, I heard him say, “Charlene, being in a relationship affects work.”
I nodded. So what?”
His voice seemed to cool a little. “So, I have Tamara handle this project”
Hearing that, my heart immediately sank.
The blood draw was almost done, and I pulled the needle out, handing him a cotton ball
I told him to press it on the puncture site, then let out a cold laugh. “No wonder you didn’t defend Tamara earlier today. So this is what you want.
Harlan looked at me, his face expressionless. “I just simply think that being in a relationship affects work. You know how important the collaboration between Regal Corporation and Lunaris Corporation is
He paused, his voice laced with some sarcasm. “Don’t worry. After the deal is made, I’ll make sure you and Tamara splic the bonus.”
was so angry that I felt dizzy, wanting to question him–why should I share the bonus with Tamara when she did nothing?
But before I could say anything, I calmed myself.
I knew Harlan wasn’t offering this as a di
as a discussion. It was just a notification.
He was determined to pave the way for Tamara, and if I pushed him too far, I might end up with no bonus at all.
I really needed money.
My brother was still in the hospital, and I couldn’t ignore him.
Even though my salary was decent, I hadn’t saved much over the years.
The hospital was a money pit, especially since my brother had been in critical condition several times
With that thought, I calmed down and glanced at Harlan indifferently. “Whatever y
you say?
but he seemed even
(even more dupleased. The re
rest of the check–up was done with a sour expression.
wasnt in the mood to care, and after finishing his check–up, I packed up to leave
changing my shors. Harian called out to me
your league. You two Juve no future. I suggest you stop wasting your time on lum.”
Tooked up, and he coldly said. “Ashton is way out of your l
I had drawhy he was playing a good guy now
Therefore. I snorted lightly. “Ailton and I dont need your concem
ugly rsparnion and walked ma the door
for him. I probably wouldn’t even get half of my performanor lemas
ang twice before it was picked up. Aabson’s magnetla
through the speaker. “(Jurter, what’s up?”
6:56 PM
Chapter 7
“Where?” I heard some rustling sounds on his end, as though he was getting dressed.
I told him, “Let’s go to Eternal Summer”
“Great!” he said cheerfully.
I hung up the phone and drove toward the restaurant.
Eternal Summer was one of my favorite restaurants, with a wonderful ambiance.
When I arrived at the entrance of Eternal Summer, it seemed like Ashton had been waiting there for a while, his nose red from the cold,
It’s so cold, why didn’t you go inside first?” I asked.
He smiled. I was waiting for you”
I raised an rycbrow and walked in with him.
The restaurant was crowded. I originally wanted to sit in a corner, but the hostess apologetically said to me, “Sorry, miss. The only table left is the one by the window, would that be alright?”
I looked in the direction she pointed and paused for a moment.
That table was at the far corner of the restaurant, next to the floor–to–ceiling windows, offering a perfect view of the outside.
On the table, there were flowers, candles, and wine, setting a delicate and somewhat intimate atmosphere.
1 glanced at Ashton, but he didn’t seem is mind.
I looked back at the hostess and said. “Alright, that’ll be fine. Thank you!
I was tired and didn’t want to waste any more time looking for a table.
The hostess immediately smiled brightly and led the two of us over. She then softly added, “You two look so perfect together, both so good- looking
I paused for a moment, but Ashton chuckled. “Thanks for your kind words.”
The hostess blushed shyly, and Ashton quickly slipped a few bills into her hand as a tip
1 glanced at him but didn’t say anything
That was his character–he loved hearing compliments about how good–looking 1
Wir sat down, ordered a few of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and then clutted casually.
d up the business negotiations a couple of days ago. My dad’s pretty mad, sa 1
Ashton glad at me apologetically as he said, “Charlene, I messed up probably wont be able to help you anymore.”
I had anticipated this outcome, considering the collaboration between Regal Corporation and Lunaris Corporation was supposed to be a will
Sering the apology in Alton’s eyes, I softly replied. “It’s alright. You’ve already done so much for me.”
Ashton filled with the flowers on the talde “Really not considering switching jobs?”
I smiled. “Aubaon, are you so eager to help me pay the penalty for breaking my contract!?”
He readded “Anyway, you’ll help me make that money back soon”
I dedit anjond durvedly “That might be true, but for now. I’m not planning to quit?
He tuned Teen with Harlan entreating you, you still
The pad the words left hanging in the air
mengi yom jou or goede lyst for you
cak. Ashton tutted again. “Forget tur jerk. Charlene, if anyone
dan my peripheral visum caught a Bash of munatel
24
Chapter 7
The thought crossed my mind, and I froze. What were the odds of that?
Ashton looked at me in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, let’s eat,”
He nodded, seeming to notice my lack of enthusiasm, and then started telling me funny stories from his day to cheer me up.
1 had to admit, Ashton was really good at lightening the mood. By the end of the meal, I felt a lot more relaxed.
After saying goodbye to him, I went home. That night, I had that familiar dream again.
In the midst of a ruined landscape, a young boy in a white shirt hummed softly in my ear.
He said. “Don’t be afraid. Someone will come to save us
But in an instant, rubble fell from above, hinting him. As it struck, I suddenly jolted awake. My breath was rapid, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.
The surrounding darkness felt suffocating. My breath came in shallow gasps, and fear clung to my chest, causing a thin layer of sweat to form
I forced myself to suppress the Fear, fumbling to tum on the light. The soft glow of the lamp eased my panic slightly, but my heart still pounded loudly.
I clutched the photo on my
my bedside table, trembling as I traced his brows and eyes.
He smiled brightly, saving me from the darkness
I couldn’t fall back asleep. I just kept staring at his gentle smile
Lucas had been gone for so long, and I’d often looked at Harlan’s
is face, trying to remember him. I’d forgotten what a good person Lucas had been.
How did I let myself be so deluded, seeing Harlan as Lucas replacement? This self–deceiving farce needed to end.
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