Brandon had clearly accepted his past. Without keeping things from Lindsay, he said, "Laney and I were high school classmates, always taking the top two spots in our grade. Either she took first and I took second, or I took first and she took second. But we weren’t in the sa class. We didn’t know each other well. Later on, we both got into Rosemont University. I studied computer science, and she studied dicine. After attending a few class reunions and so events together, we got to know each other better, and gradually, we beca close."
Lindsay looked up at him and said, "It’s hard to imagine soone like you being in a relationship."
Brandon smiled. "I’ve always thought that being in a relationship would affect the speed at which I pursued my goals. It never occurred to that I’d get into a relationship that early. But back then, we admired each other, and we had so many things in common to talk about. Over ti, we just naturally got together, skipping even the confession part. We even made plans to study in Uroterin after graduation and start a business together when we ca back."
Lindsay raised her eyebrows. "That sounds great. Why did you break up later?"
Brandon poured himself half a glass of wine and said indifferently, "When we were about to graduate from university, Laney received a full scholarship from a prestigious university in Uroterin. The Randolph family was thrilled and threw a grand birthday party for her 22nd birthday, which I was invited to. At the party, a scion approved by the Randolph family publicly confessed his feelings to Laney. The Randolph family and everyone at the party encouraged them to get together. But Laney rejected him and publicly announced that she already had a boyfriend — ."
Lindsay put down her knife and fork and looked at him intently.
Brandon did not look hurt or regretful at all, appearing so indifferent that it was as if he was talking about soone else’s story. "Laney’s declaration shocked everyone. Everybody at the party looked at as if I was a scamr who managed to fool a princess. Laney’s parents and brother were mad, openly calling a social climber trying to ride a horse I couldn’t even saddle. They also hurled many other insults. Many people recorded the whole thing and posted it online, and it caused a sensation."
Lindsay was silent for a few seconds before asking, "What about Laney? How did she react back then?"
Brandon said, "She kept crying, begging her parents and brother not to say those things about . But the more she did that, the angrier her family beca, thinking that it was who led her astray. She was firm in her stance, so I certainly couldn’t betray her. I publicly stated that I wouldn’t break up with her."
As he spoke, he sneered, his voice filled with mockery. "It was like sothing straight out of a lodramatic novel. The Randolph family ordered the security guards to chase out. After I left their ho, I still said I wouldn’t break up with Laney, so the Randolph family ordered the security guards to beat up."
"The most disgusting part was that it started to drizzle in a way that felt overly dramatic. A group of security guards beat up in the rain. I couldn’t beat them and was stepped on by them. A crowd stood around, laughing and taking pictures. They even threatened , saying that if I dared to pester Laney in the future, they would harm my family. They warned to be sensible."
"So, like the male lead in a lodramatic novel, I shouted in the rain, saying, ’Fortunes flip, so don’t get too smug when you’re doing well, and don’t bully a young man when he’s poor.’
"I even publicly swore that it was over between Laney and , and we would have no further interactions in this life. Later on, Laney went to Uroterin to study, and I went to Aeloria to study. We had no more contact."
After listening quietly, Lindsay asked, "Do you hate Laney and the Randolph family?"
Brandon smiled. "In the beginning, I hated them to the bone. Later, I got busy with school, working part-ti, struggling to make ends et, and didn’t even have ti to recall this experience. Gradually, I just forgot about it. Then, when I occasionally thought about it, I realized that getting angry or even thinking about revenge for those people and things was just a waste of my ti."
"You’re right." Lindsay nodded appreciatively. "You’re talented, ambitious, and in the pri of your life. If you don’t focus your ti and energy on your career, but instead keep thinking about getting revenge on people who don’t matter, you’re killing your dreams."
Brandon raised his glass. "That’s right. I’ve long thought it through. Career is a man’s best lover."
Lindsay smiled again and lowered her head to eat her pasta.
Brandon just watched her eat.
Ten minutes later, Lindsay put down her knife and fork, finished the wine in her glass, and picked up a napkin to gently wipe the corners of her mouth. Only then did she look up at him and say seriously, "I ant it sincerely when I said I’m your girlfriend earlier."
Brandon was dumbfounded. "Huh?"
Lindsay placed her hand on the back of his hand and got straight to the point. "I’ve liked and admired you for a long ti. Otherwise, why would I have stayed by your side for the past four years and even started a business with you after graduation?" She then chuckled. "Everyone can tell that I like you. I thought you’d have long since sensed it."
Brandon was genuinely surprised. He said helplessly, "I’m sorry. I know you’ve been very kind to . You’ve never left . We’ve gone through thick and thin together. If it weren’t for you these past few years in Aeloria, I don’t know if I could have made it to the end. But I’ve always seen you as my best friend. I’ve never considered the possibility of a romantic relationship—"
Lindsay interrupted him. "Is there a woman you’re interested in right now?"
Brandon shook his head. "Nope."
"Then please consider carefully," Lindsay said. "We’ve known each other for so long. You know what kind of person I am. I’ll never joke about feelings. So, please take your ti to think about it from now on. Give a reply when you’ve thought it through."
Facing her calm and serious gaze, Brandon could not bring himself to say the words "thank you" or "sorry" on the spot. It seed like he didn’t want to say that either...
"I’m full. It’s ti to go back and work overti." While Brandon was in a daze, Lindsay gracefully retracted her hand, paid the bill, and stood up. "If you need a girlfriend for social events or business gatherings, feel free to reach out. Don’t worry. As long as you clearly reject , I won’t misunderstand, won’t cling to you, and certainly won’t hold any grudges."
Then, she stood up and walked away confidently and gracefully.
Looking at her back, Brandon was stunned for a few seconds. Then, he said hurriedly, "You’ve had so drinks. No driving."
With her back facing him, Lindsay waved. "I’ve been out all day. I’m exhausted. I’ll take a nap in the car before heading back to the office."
Brandon watched her back, his cold gaze taking on a hint of tenderness.
He thought, "What qualities do I have to deserve such an outstanding person like Lindsay to have feelings for for so long?"
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