11 Chapter 11
Hope Elementary School was a place he only visited after learning I had gone there.
That elementary school was founded with his funding, and
although he allocated money to it every year, he had never
personally
8ited.
The injured kitten by the roadside was also something his assistant found while patrolling around, deliberately taking a long detour to bring a stray cat with minor injuries to our pet hospital.
Every time he made contact with me, it was with a purpose.
He hoped that my gaze would linger on him, even if just once.
When I learned all of this, my first reaction wasn’t joy, but fear. What had I done to deserve someone I’d only met once thinking of me for so many years?
Ethan and I grew up together, and I worked hard to maintain our relationship, but our marriage still failed.
I asked myself, do I really have the confidence to start a new relationship?
Brent didn’t pressure me. He said he’d give me time, that he was willing to wait.
Another birthday came around, and I had planned to go home alone after work to celebrate by myself.
”
But as I left the pet hospital, I saw Brent already waiting for me at
the entrance.
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11 Chapter 11
He was leaning against the hood of his car, taking a phone call. His striking looks drew whispers from passersby, but he seemed
oblivious.
Yet the moment I approached, he looked up, as if equipped with a radar.
“Mm–hmm.”
With that, he ended the call.
“Shall we have dinner together?“I stared at him suspiciously. Could he know it was my birthday today?
But he seemed to be just inviting me to an ordinary meal. I was about to refuse.
“I’ve already made the reservation. Miss Carlisle won’t turn me down, will she? Can’t friends have a simple dinner together?”
He gazed at me with a hurt expression, as if I had committed some terrible crime.
Resigned, I had no choice but to agree.
It was a private estate. Several cars were parked in the yard, but not a single guest was in sight.
We walked into a room. As soon as the lights came on, there was a pop, and streamers flew through the air. All the staff from my veterinary clinic were there.
A five–tiered cake was wheeled in.
“Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~”
As the celebratory song rang out, Brent placed a diamond tiara on
