Chapter 8
The dinner was pleasant, and Simon Fraser offered to drive me home afterward.
1
Before I went upstairs, Simon smiled warmly and looked at me. “Miss Grayson, I wonder if we might meet again sometime.”
It was hard to refuse an invitation from such an exceptional man, so I naturally nodded.
As soon a
as I got home, I received a call from my uncle asking about my impression of Simon.
replied candidly, “He’s very impressive.”
My uncle sounded both pleased and slightly regretful. “I still have over twenty other candidates I wanted you to meet!”
Stunned, I thanked him and ended the call. Then, I remembered I had taken a photo during lunch with my uncle. Without much thought, I posted it on WhatsApp Moments and put my phone down to
take a shower.
When I came back and checked my phone, I was shocked by the flood of notifications.
My post had received dozens of comments and likes.
Most of my friends were asking about the man in the corner of the photo. Who is he? How can he be so handsome? Is he your boyfriend?
Even Lexi sent me dozens of messages, asking if I had managed to snag that “dreamy guy.”
Among the comments, one stood out–it was from Jason, a mutual friend of Austin and me.
He had commented, “Looks like Austin might finally feel the pressure now.”
Frowning, I quickly deleted his comment.
But I hadn’t expected Austin to find another number to contact me.
Afraid I might block him again, he got straight to the point. “Catherine, my mom’s eyes aren’t feeling well. Isn’t your uncle an ophthalmologist?”
I forced myself to stay calm as I listened.
A Love Left Behind: Embracing a Better Future
“Which hospital does he work at?”
After I told him honestly, he continued, “How do I make an appointment? Does he have specific consultation days? Should I use your name? Do you know the best way to get there?”
I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Are you an idiot? Can’t you check the website? Austin, what exactly do you want?
Perhaps it was my cold tone, but he fell silent for a moment before speaking hesitantly.
“Who is that man in your WhatsApp post?”
Before I could answer, he added quickly. “He’s definitely not your boyfriend! Are you going out with
en so casually? Are you that desperate? Was I not enough for you?”
I was stunned by his shamelessness.
“A man like that couldn’t possibly like you. He’s just playing with you. Don’t let him fool you. If you really need someone. I can come to you instead.”
I was speechless for three full seconds.
Was this really the boy I had known for over twenty years?
The same boy who jumped into the river to push me onto the bank, only to stubbornly insist to his mom later that he fell in accidentally, earning himself a scolding?
It felt like something broke free from my mind–the last bit of lingering affection and expectation I
had for him.
I replied coldly, “Do you think you’re the only one with something to offer? Why should I choose you? He’s more handsome, more accomplished than you, and if it’s just a fleeting moment of fun
why not?”
Since I hadn’t found a new job yet, my uncle asked me to help out at his company.
This gave me more opportunities to interact with Simon Fraser.
I was assigned as Simon Fraser’s assistant. My days were filled with work, meals, and occasional business trips and social engagements.
Spending more time with him, I realized he was not just the polished gentleman he appeared to be
on the surface.
A Love Left Behind. Embracing a Better Future
His sharp wit during client negotiations, his confident presence at the bargaining table, his
professional rigor at work, and even his occasional playful sarcasm with colleagues–all these layers came together to form a complete picture of him.
He was even more remarkable than I had imagined.
Before I knew it, I had been working by his side for a month.
That day, we had just wrapped up a major project.
My uncle wanted to treat us to dinner, but Simon shook his head with a smile as he grabbed his coat. “I’d rather not spend my off hours having dinner with the boss.”
Then he turned to me. “Catherine, are you free later?”
My uncle raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t Catherine your assistant?”
“She could be more than that.” Simon’s words carried a double meaning, and the playful glint in his eyes was a side of him I rarely saw during work.
My face flushed slightly, and under my uncle’s teasing gaze, I quickly nodded.
I genuinely wanted to enter a healthy relationship again, so taking the initiative didn’t seem like a bad thing.
A Love Left Behind: Embracing a Better Future
