Chapter 279
Fortunately, Soren didn’t push me any further and smoothly changed the subject instead. “Any plans for New Year’s? Soleil and some friends are organizing a countdown Interested in joining?”
New Year’s?
I turned to look at him, suddenly realizing it was only two days away.
My, my… Time really did fly.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I’ve been busy with work, and it’s already piling up because of my leg injury.
“My legs are finally healed enough for me to return to work tomorrow, so I was planning to put in some overtime.
11
“It’s just New Year’s–we can always head over after you’re done. Haven’t you always told me to make time to rest and balance work with life, no matter how busy I get?”
Soren was persistent, clearly not giving me any room to refuse.
I made one last attempt to resist. “I don’t think being in a crowded place is a good idea since my legs still aren’t fully healed.”
“Don’t worry. No one will bump into you with me there. Or are you just reluctant to be seen with me in public? Afraid people will find out about us?” Soren inquired.
“Of course not! Why should I be afraid when there’s nothing between us?” I shot back.
Although my voice held conviction, it was obvious I was faking it.
Soren smiled as he spoke. “Exactly. If we’re innocent, what’s there to worry about? It’s just a New Year’s celebration–it’s not like I’m trying to drag you home and lock you up.”
I could swear his eyes sparkled like he’d just cast a spell on me.
I shot him a glance and swallowed, unsure how to respond.
For some reason, I had a strong feeling that something was going to change between us that night, and I wasn’t ready for it.
“You know… I’ve already met your family and friends,” he said, drawing out his words with clear intent. “So, in the spirit of reciprocity-”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’ve met your family and friends too. Richard, for example.”
He nodded. “Exactly. Which means there’s nothing left to hide. So what are you still afraid of?”
Welp. I was speechless… because he was right. Our families and friends already knew something was going en between us, so avoiding it now seemed pointless.
“We’ll see… I’ll join you if I’m not too busy with work,” I finally conceded.
When we arrived at my apartment building, Soren was about to get out of the car to walk me upstairs, but I quickly stopped him.
“My legs are fine now. I can get up there myself–slowly. You should head back.”
Chapter 279
+25 BONUS
We had a driver, but if Soren followed me up, it would be just the two of us.
At present, I was terrified of being alone with him. I was afraid that if he pushed just a little harder, I’d completely surrender and fall headfirst into him. Thus, I had to resist.
Soren seemed to pick up on my hesitation, the nervousness in my every move.
With a soft chuckle, he let me off the hook. “Alright then. Let me know once you’re home, okay?”
I nodded and slowly headed upstairs.
Once inside my apartment, I sent him a text to let him know I was home–like a good little girl.
He replied with a simple [Okay], and that was it.
For some reason, my heart clenched, an unexplainable reluctance welling up inside me.
Before I knew it, I ran to the balcony as fast as I could and looked down–just in time to see Soren’s car slowly driving away.
I stood there, watching his car disappear, my emotions tangled in a bittersweet mess.
I felt like I’d just bitten into a half–ripened starfruit.
News of my long–overdue annulment had finally spread within my circle.
My friends all came to congratulate me. Even Alex, Lacey, and a few others stopped by my office, going out of their way to do so.
They even offered to buy me lunch–under the pretense of checking in on their investment.
Chapter 280
+25 BONUS
Chapter 280
