Nathan nodded with a smile. “Yeah, most of the time. My cousin drops by and stays for a few days every now and then.”

I nodded, cradling my coffee cup. I blew away the floating bits before taking a sip. The

aroma was light and pleasant.

(23)

With just the two of us alone, the air was thick with tension, almost electric with unspoken

feelings.

No matter what we said, nothing could cut through the intimacy wrapping around us. I glanced up at Nathan.

He was staring at me, completely lost. In his eyes, I caught a glimpse of a lonely beast that

had been waiting in the dark for ages, cautious, nervous, but burning with longing.

I knew Nathan had been in love with me for years. Even just my shadow had found a place

in his heart.

For some reason, a trace of sadness flickered in Nathan’s eyes. He dropped his head, his fingers running along the armrest, as if trying to steady his emotions.

But he still couldn’t pull himself together. When he looked at me again, his eyes were

rimmed red, like he was on the verge of tears.

“Victoria… I…” Nathan’s voice went hoarse, and then he gave a self–deprecating laugh. “I

never thought… you’d actually show up at my place.”

I took a sip of my coffee and let out a little laugh. “Why the long face? We’re friends now,

you know.”

said, “Turns out, if you hold onto

really does

laugh. “You know that saying if you keep picturing something, it’ll probably come

kind of thing never seems

darker, his fingers interlaced as emotion flickered across his face.

1/3

22

Chapter 273

Jared? He didn’t feel the same

པ ཛཱ, 69%

hard to

ended up being resented.”

gaze overflowing with sympathy. “That’s because you wanted his approval so badly, you forgot to appreciate yourself.”

push too hard, things

you planning to do next?” Nathan

relief, his tone much lighter

remembered he’d asked me about that before, and back

throw myself into work.

stress about what’s ahead,” I replied, giving a slightly different answer this time. The more I dwelt on

anxious I got.

me for a few seconds before saying, “Seeing you so unaffected

my

out, so there’s no way I’m letting any negativity stick

me.”

nodded. After a brief pause, he asked, “Victoria, would you want to grab dinner with me

said, “Of course. I actually want to get out

that stock thing you mentioned last time, do you still

asked.

you for

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