Chapter 7

Finn radiated youthful energy. His casual, athletic attire perfectly highlighted his sculpted physique. Compared to the endless procession of identical suits I saw every day, he was a breath of fresh air.

His eyelashes fluttered, and his clear eyes suddenly lit up. He nodded firmly. "Yup."

My thoughts drifted back four years, to my birthday.

Coincidentally, I had won first prize in an internet innovation competition. Liam called me, saying he'd celebrate my birthday with me.

At that time, Liam and Brittany were having problems, and Brittany had unilaterally broken up with him.

Seeing my chance, I secretly vowed to win Liam over, to make him realize how much I liked and loved him.

I wore clothes in Liam's favorite style, put on exquisite makeup, and booked a window seat at his favorite restaurant.

I even secretly worked three months of part-time jobs to buy a pair of couple's rings, engraved with Liam's and my initials.

"If I just took the initiative, would Liam agree?" I clutched the ring in my hand, my heart pounding like a drum, a mix of excitement and anxiety that left me restless.

But the weather had other plans. A summer downpour came exceptionally hard. I waited for Liam from 6 PM until 10 PM.

Finn was the one I met then.

He worked part-time at this restaurant. Near closing time, he changed out of his uniform and walked over in a black T-shirt. He looked a bit short and slender back then.

Finn patiently refilled my tea, politely asking, "Miss, your friend still hasn't arrived? Would you like me to stay with you?"

I looked at the antique clock hanging on the restaurant wall. It was nearly eleven. I shook my head, thanked him, stood up, and left.

I called Liam, but his phone went from unanswered to switched off. He didn't reply to any messages, as if he'd vanished.

The next day, Liam finally got in touch, belatedly explaining, "Brittany twisted her ankle and needs someone to take care of her." He also told me, "She's terrified of thunder; she can't be without me."

I pretended to be nonchalant, blowing my nose hard with a tissue, trying to hold back tears. "It's fine, it's fine."

…

Finn thoughtfully pulled some tissues from the box and handed them to me, his voice gentle. "Chloe, don't be sad. You have me."

His words were both intimate and sincere, making me look up at Finn, momentarily flustered.

The Finn before me now was no longer the slender, slightly frail young man I first met. He was tall and handsome, every gesture exuding elegance and politeness.

Any teenage girl who saw him would cast admiring glances.

Time seemed to stand still for several seconds.

"Finn, thank you for tonight. It's late, you should head home now." I issued the dismissal, distractedly getting up to retrieve his jacket from the hanger by the door.

As an adult, I clearly understood Finn's intentions. A chance encounter years ago, and now this meeting? How could it be a coincidence?

Maya was just playing matchmaker.

Currently, I was physically and emotionally exhausted, with no extra energy for another relationship.

Liam was like this, and Finn was no different.

Finn's composed features tightened, his bright eyes looking a little hurt. He stood up, taking his jacket from my hands, a hint of reluctance in his voice. "Are you going to be okay alone? Maybe I could…"

"No, I'll be fine. If he comes back, I'll call the police!" I cut him off before he could finish.

Finn left, but not before adding me on SnapChat.

Ten minutes later, he sent me a message: "Chloe, contact me anytime if you need anything. I'll be there."

I didn't pay much attention, nor did I reply.

The warmth between people can only withstand so much hot-and-cold indifference from one side.

If I was harsh now, Finn would probably give up quickly, right?

The next day at work, as I was putting together a presentation, Maya poked her head out like a nosy dog, whispering conspiratorially, "Chloe, about last night…"

I playfully swatted her head with my file. "Can your mind just be normal for once? You're so dirty!" I got up to print my documents.

Maya pouted, then trotted after me, still pestering. "Girl, Finn is such a great guy, are you really not interested?"

She threw up her hands, an incredulous and bewildered expression on her face.

I sighed, flashing my signature eight-tooth smile. "Girl, if you think he's so great, you go for it. If you two get married, I'll definitely give you a huge cash gift!"

You can't hit a smiling face. Maya huffed in annoyance, scoffed, and turned back to her desk.