Chapter 252


    I couldn’t catch every word, but the message he tried to convey was crystal clear. A long–dormant


    part of my heart nearly sumbed once again. My nails dug into my palms.


    The slight pain brought back a sliver of sanity. “Is it dry now?”


    Bryant’s fingertips moved meticulously through my hair several times. “Yeah, pretty much done.”


    The sound of the hairdryer ceased, leaving the room in silence.


    Inodded “Um, thanks.”


    Then, unexpectedly, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, his lips brushing my ear as he


    cautiously and ambiguously ventured. “Did you hear any of what I said?”


    For someone as distinguished as him, this might have been the first time he had sincerely


    apologized to someone. Unlike the casual, thoughtless “sorry” from the past, he did lower his guard


    this time.


    I wanted to give in, but fear held me back, the fear of getting burned again, of repeating past


    mistakes.


    With a heavy heart, guided by reason, I responded, “I heard you. But, Bryant, some choices, once


    made, can’t be undone. There’s no turning back.”


    I had loved him for eight years. But I wanted to love myself a little more.


    It seemed my words slowly extinguished the innate pride men carry, inch by inch.


    He paused, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed, his voice hoarse, “Okay.”


    “About today…“Ignoring the tightness in my chest, I gently freed myself from his hold and turned to


    look at him. “Thank you. I’m fine now. You can go.”


    His gaze lingered on me with reluctance. “So, that’s it? You’re done with me?”


    His direct stare made me uneasy. What else do you want?”


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    “I was thinking… maybe I could cook dinner as a way to apologize.”


    Fine, go ahead! With those words, I brushed past him and dove into my work, hoping to distract


    myself.


    When Bryant started cooking, he nced at the documents on my desk. “Selling the house to start


    your own business?”


    “Yeah.” He was bound to figure it out eventually, and there was no point in hiding it. “But it seems


    tough to sell. The agent mentioned that everyone seemed pleased upon viewing, but then we’d


    hear nothing back.”


    It was puzzling indeed. The house was in a prime location and had a greatyout. Plus, I had taken


    good care of it. It was almost as good as new, Logically, it shouldn’t have been hard to sell.


    Bryant touched his nose, looking away. “So, why did you return the money I transferred to you?”


    “I didn’t want things to getplicated between us. You should focus on the Ferguson Group.” I


    was straightforward, “Besides, Christine is looking for investors. It could be an opportunity.”


    “Fine then.” He seemed contemtive before turning to cook with groceries he had picked up from


    the table.


    Thanks to Margaret’s blessing, he could cook well. Soon, the delicious aroma filled the air. A spread


    of spicy food graced the table in less than an hour.


    I was surprised. “All spicy?”


    Bryant never cooked spicy food since he didn’t eat it himself.


    He untied his apron, his gaze soft on me. “It’s not just about you amodating me. I can learn to


    amodate you, too.”


    I was momentarily speechless, not sure what to say. Since Bryant wanted it, I let him be. I had been


    too shocked and scared earlier to feel hungry, but then, seeing all my favorite dishes, my appetite


    returned with a vengeance.


    Midway through the meal, I noticed Bryant’s face flushed and sweat beading on his nose from the


    spice. “Have some soup. You don’t have to force yourself.”


    He took arge gulp of water. “And the past three ye


    “Not at all,” I shook my head.


    years, were they apromise for you?”


    It thought what it was like to love someone was to be content with sharing every meal with him.