Nathan fell silent. He wondered if he had just wasted his breath as it seemed like Edward still didn’t
believe him.
Inside the elevator, Edward’s expression remained dark.
He didn’t think it mattered that Macie had exined to Nathan back then. After all, she hadn’t said it directly to him. Instead, she had told Nathan not to tell him.
Edward felt that Macie could have just called him and cleared the situation up herself if she genuinely
thought that he had wronged her.
He had already given her multiple chances to step down from her stubbornness. Would it kill her to take
the initiative even once?
Frustrated, Edward drove to the restaurant where he had made a reservation.
Sharon had arrived early and was flipping through the menu.
Although they had argued in the morning, Edward had agreed to have lunch with her without much
hesitation.
Sharon took it as a sign that they had no significant issues. She believed that if she kept pushing, she
would reignite the love he once had for her in their college days.
A few tables away, in the booth at an angle from hers, a familiar voice called out, “Julian.” (1
Julian instinctively turned around.
When he saw the woman who looked just as pure and beautiful as ever, he stood up, unable to take his eyes off her, a smile forming on his lips.
Some people, who were once breathtaking, would remain breathtaking no matter how much time passed.
“Wee back, Macie.” Julian extended his hand, and Macie shook it.
“Oh wow. I guess I’m invisible now,” Alice teased, grinning.
“How could that be? You’re just as stunning as ever. If I didn’t notice you, I’d have to get my eyes checked. “Julian chuckled, shaking Alice’s hand as well.
“What a smooth talker. And yet, you never managed to use that charm to win over the woman you liked,”
Alice quipped, raising a brow.
Julian instinctively nced at Macie before smiling and saying, “That just means I wasn’t good enough. I’ll have to try harder.”
+15 <b>BONUS </b>
Macie slid into the booth with Alice beside her, and the three of them began ordering food while chatting
casually.
“It’s been two years, Macie. You seem much calmer now. Your whole demeanor has changed,” Julianmented, his smile faint.
Macie looked up, her expression serene. “And you, Julian, have grown more mature. You’re truly a leader among young professionals.”
“That’s just my work grinding me down. Are you indirectly saying that I look worn out without hurting my feelings?” he joked.
“Not at all. You’ve simply shed the youthful look of a student. Your presence is now moreposed and <fn36d5> For original chapters go to find[?]ovel</fn36d5>
refined,” Macie replied.
“You two haven’t seen each other in two years, and you’re already tradingpliments.” Aliceughed.
“Then let’s talk about something else. Macie, which countries have you visited over the past two years<b>? </b>Anywhere special?” Julian asked.
<b>“</b>Yes, May! Do you have pictures? Show me!” Alice added excitedly.
Macie froze momentarily, realizing that she had walked into a trap of her own making. One lie required a
hundred more to cover up.
“I was mainly in Nordwynn and the surrounding areas. Life there was peaceful and simple,” she fabricated, then quickly changed the subject. “Julian, how has yourpany been doing these past two
years? I haven’t kept up.”
Julian sighed, feigning disappointment. “Macie, you really haven’t been paying attention at all. Have you forgotten that you’re a shareholder? Weren’t you even worried that I’d run off with your money<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Macie chuckled. “How could I? I trust your character and ability. Besides, I just returned and already
received my share of a property.”
“Julian’spany is doing great. They keep producing hit games. Even my dad is envious. He asked me if we could somehow acquire his entirepany along with him,” Alice saidughingly.
“Please thank Mr. Hart for his generous interest. If I ever hit a rough patch, I’ll personallye knocking on your door,” Julian replied with a light chuckle. (1)