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CHAPTER 45

Author: JeniGN
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-04 18:44:24

I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out. She had a point, and that terrified me.

Before I could think too much about it, the man in question appeared in the doorway, looking as polished as ever. “Kirsten, can I have a word?”

Janice gave me a knowing look as I followed Vincent to his office.

Vincent gestured for me to sit, his demeanor calm but serious. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot earlier,” he began, leaning on the edge of his desk. “I just want to make sure you know how much potential I see in you. You don’t have to answer about the class now, but I hope you’ll consider it.”

I nodded, my heart racing. “I appreciate it, Vincent. It means a lot that you believe in me.”

He smiled, but there was something else in his expression—something hesitant, like he wanted to say more.

“Is there something else?” I asked, tilting my head.

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Actually, yes. There’s a gala happening next week for local business owners, and I was wondering..
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    I rolled my eyes, grabbing my clutch. “Fine, let’s go before I change my mind.”At the Gala, The grand ballroom was exactly what you’d expect from a fancy event—sparkling chandeliers, soft classical music, and people who looked like they’d stepped out of a magazine. I tried not to trip as Vincent led me through the crowd.“Just smile and nod,” he whispered. “Most of these people are more interested in themselves than in us.”“Us?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.He smirked. “Tonight, you’re my plus-one. Try to enjoy it.”Easier said than done. I could feel the stares of the other guests, especially from a group of women clustered near the champagne table.“Vincent, darling,” one of them cooed, sauntering over with a practiced smile. She looked like she was born in heels. “It’s been ages. And who is this?”“Kirsten,” Vincent said, his tone polite but firm. “She’s with me.”The woman’s eyes scanned me from head to toe, and I could practically hear her judgment. “How charming,” she said wit

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    That is, until I bumped into a waiter and sent an entire tray of champagne glasses crashing to the floor. The room fell silent, and I wanted to disappear. Vincent, however, just laughed, his voice cutting through the tension. “At least she’s memorable,” he said, wrapping an arm around me. The crowd chuckled, and the moment passed, but my cheeks burned. “Thanks for that,” I whispered as we left the dance floor. “Anytime,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “But you owe me a new pair of shoes.” I laughed despite myself, realizing that with Vincent, even my clumsiness could turn into something worth smiling about. I hadn’t even noticed how quickly time had flown. Being with Vincent was like stepping into another world—one filled with laughter, banter, and a lightness I hadn’t felt in ages. It wasn’t just his jokes or his effortless charm; it was the way he made me feel seen, like I wasn’t just another person passing through his life. Now, as he drove me home, the city l

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    I sighed, shaking my head as I watched him walk away, his confidence radiating with every step. He was infuriating, but somehow, he made the day a little brighter—and that thought scared me more than I wanted to admit. The day continued with a flurry of tasks, but Vincent's lingering presence stayed in my mind like an unshakable melody. As I worked, the staff's teasing grew more relentless, fueled by Jacob's earlier comments. "So, Kirsten," Janice began, sliding beside me as I wiped down a table. "What’s in the box? Is it a ‘promotion-worthy’ brunch from our dear boss?” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “It’s just food, Janice. Don’t start.” “Oh, I’m not starting,” she teased, her grin mischievous. “But I think Vincent already started something.” “Started what?” I retorted, feigning ignorance, though my reddened ears gave me away. Janice smirked knowingly. “Come on, Kirsten. We see the way he looks at you. And the way you try not to look at him.” I scoffed, trying to brush her off. “He

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    His laugh. His smile. The way he looked at me as if I were the only person in the room. It was all too vivid, too real. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. No, Kirsten. Don’t do this. But my heart was stubborn, refusing to listen to the logic my mind was screaming at it. The following day at the restaurant, I tried to bury myself in work, hoping the routine would ground me. But even as I carried trays and took orders, my thoughts drifted to him. “Earth to Kirsten,” Janice teased, snapping her fingers in front of me. “You’re daydreaming again.” I blinked, startled. “What? No, I’m not.” She smirked, leaning closer. “You totally are. Let me guess... tall, dark, and handsome?” “Stop it,” I groaned, my cheeks heating. “Oh, come on,” she said, laughing. “Everyone saw how he looked at you during the gala. That man is smitten, Kirsten.” I rolled my eyes, but my heart betrayed me, skipping a beat at her words. “He’s just being nice.” “Nice?” Janice raised an eyebrow.

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    It was peaceful, but I couldn’t help the curiosity bubbling inside me. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, taking in his relaxed posture and the small, confident smirk playing on his lips. “Why don’t you use your car, Mister Fancy Pants?” I teased, unable to resist poking fun at his polished demeanor. He chuckled softly, turning to look at me. “I like this better,” he said, his voice calm and steady. That response threw me off. I expected him to boast about some eco-conscious decision or a love for walking, but his answer felt... genuine. I clamped my mouth shut, unsure how to respond. The silence stretched between us again, but this time, it felt charged with unspoken words. And then, out of nowhere, Vincent broke it with a question that made my heart stop. “Can I court you?” he asked, his tone serious, though his lips curled into a playful grin. I stopped in my tracks, staring at him in disbelief. “What?” “Well,” he continued nonchalantly, taking a step closer t

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