Joe leaned in close. "Summer, I wanted you to win."Summer's back was pressed against the car, with Joe getting closer and closer to her. She had nowhere to hide."No, no, no." Summer waved her hands repeatedly, pressing against his chest to prevent him from getting closer. "I accepted the punishment for losing the previous bet willingly. That's where it ends!""But then we made another bet. I remember what we bet on."Not only did he remember, but Summer did too. The bet on whether Joe would fall in love with her. She bet he would not. Joe bet he would. It was a wager Summer had come up with after much deliberation. Now, looking back, Summer had no idea what she was thinking.Winning did not make her happy. No, wait, how could she possibly lose? If she lost, that meant Joe had fallen in love with her. Thinking of this, Summer suddenly looked at Joe."You, you...," she stuttered, not knowing what to say, her mind going blank."What about me?" Joe leaned in closer."Can we cance
Joe was roguishly handsome. The formal suit he wore did not conceal that roguish charm; instead, it accentuated it.His eyes were slightly upturned, and they seemed to hold endless affection. When he gazed at someone, it felt like he could draw their soul into his gaze."You don't want to win, so that's losing by default. Summer, it's your choice," Joe said.Her legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground.Seeing this, Joe reached out to support her."What... what do you want?" Summer trembled as she asked."I want you."Summer was already dazed, and now it felt like a bolt from the blue had struck her head.Was Joe confessing?Was he?"For all these years, Summer, can't you see my feelings for you? Have you never felt anything? Or did you realize, but choose to ignore it?" Joe asked."The time you won the bet, we spent a month together like a couple. Weren't you happy? If we could live like that forever, wouldn't it be wonderful?""Summer, stop avoiding it and running
When did things between them start to change?Was it because they had slipped into a routine where they were together day after day?Was it when she acted as his girlfriend for a month?Or was it during that month when they were away and had to rely on each other?Honk, honk, honk! The cars behind began to honk, urging her to move.Summer snapped out of her daze, realizing that the red light had turned green. She quickly pressed on the gas pedal.Cars on the road bustled about.In a private room of a fine dining restaurant, Aurum sat in his seat, quietly awaiting Gale's arrival.The atmosphere was quiet and elegant, and the air smelled of perfume.There were footsteps approaching the door. Aurum eagerly looked toward the door. Gale walked in with a smile, carrying a cake and a beautifully wrapped bag."Happy birthday! Sorry for making you wait. I had to grab the cake, and traffic was a bit heavy, so I'm a few minutes late." She grinned. Aurum stood up and walked toward her,
Gale immediately understood. "Ah, two of us are just as well too," Gale immediately said to smooth things over. "I realize I've never celebrated with you. Having a quiet birthday is also a special memory!" "Yeah, this will be the most unforgettable birthday for me." Gale felt his words were laden with deeper meaning. However, she brushed off her own thoughts, thinking she was being too sensitive."Come on, make a wish, blow out the candles." Gale looked at the waiter and said, "Excuse me, can you bring out the cake for me?" "Of course, madam." The waiter was about to step forward when Aurum said, "No need, I'll handle it. You can go outside." "Yes, sir. I'll be right outside. Just ring if you need anything." Gale watched as the waiter walked out. She felt the waiter could have stayed. Otherwise, she felt being alone with Aurum was a little uncomfortable. She did not come here to retaliate against Shawn and go on a date with Aurum. She really came to celebrate Aurum's birth
She smiled. "Since we've cleared things up, there's no more tension between us. Aurum, happy birthday."She dipped her finger in a bit of cream and smeared it on his face."The birthday boy needs this. Keep it on, no wiping," Gale said.He nodded with a smile. "Alright."Gale lowered her head and took a bite of cake before sitting down.She was still a little uncomfortable being so close to him. She was only used to being close to Shawn, in a proximity where she could catch a whiff of his scent.Maybe she was overthinking it. Aurum was a gentleman and would definitely not do anything inappropriate.A little physical touch was normal; it was not like they were hugging or anything.Dishes started to be served. They all looked delicious.Gale had poor appetite; she was having her period, and her lower abdomen was throbbing in pain, but out of courtesy to Aurum, she tasted every dish."Is it not to your liking? Should I order more of what you like?" Aurum asked."No, no, this is
Perhaps that was the meaning of marriage. Aurum's smile grew brighter, but the chill in his heart became heavier."As long as you're happy. I'll be content just watching you from afar," he said."You should pay more attention to the people around you. If you meet someone suitable..." "Let's talk about it later. I am not in the mood for it right now." Aurum lowered his head.Gale softly murmured, "Okay." She understood that Natalie had just died, and her picking Shawn was quite a blow to Aurum. He was a responsible person, and although he did not love Natalie, there was still some affection after so many years together. However, Aurum ended up alone. He needed some time to slowly come out of it. Such things could not be rushed. "A little drink?" Aurum looked at the wine on the table. "It's vintage. I had it flown in from France." Before Gale could answer, he had already picked it up. The dark red liquid sloshed around in the transparent glass. It was fine wine. Even som
"Well, the wine only deserves you," Aurum remarked."You're flattering me now? If I had a bit more alcohol tolerance, I might just finish it," Gale joked.Aurum responded, "If you like it, I'll send you a few bottles.""No need, no need." Gale waved her hand. "We've got quite a lot of wine at home. Don't waste the good stuff."She picked up her knife and fork, diving back into the steak before her.The medium-rare filet mignon was succulent, flavorful, with just the right chewiness.Aurum stole a glance at her, then at the bottle of red wine, his lips curling into a subtle smile.Just waiting for time to slowly pass by!Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, a sports car halted at the entrance, Shawn stepped out. He tossed the keys to the valet, his expression devoid of emotion, his demeanor imposing.The restaurant manager greeted him upon sight, "Mr. Wood, are you here for dining or… "Shawn's face remained cold as he directly inquired, "Looking for someone. Which private room
Perhaps he was in a hurry; his rushed movements as he reached for the door caused his body to lean too far toward her.Gale instinctively shifted aside. She did not want to be so physically close to Aurum.In her attempt to move, her footing faltered. "Oops!" Gale exclaimed as her body began to topple to the ground."Watch out, Gale!"Seeing this, Aurum quickly reached out to catch her.Yet Gale did not want him to assist her.She would rather fall.The set of photos of Shawn and Ivy happened because Ivy accidentally slipped, and Shawn reached out to help, which led to those intimate shots.Having learned from that, Gale could not possibly allow history to repeat itself.So, Gale wanted to evade Aurum's touch.Just then, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open from the outside. It nearly knocked Gale over. However, Gale took the opportunity to grab the door handle to steady herself. Thankfully, everything was fine. It was just a false alarm.Observing this, A