Walter let out a gentle sigh.
"Your life is yours to live, but don''t wait until Simon''s cradling his kid and you''re still flying solo. Once you''ve figured things out, give me a shout. Loads of eligibledies in New York wouldn''t mind waiting for you."
As he spoke, Walter rubbed his brow a bit. "You''ve always been self-sufficient, so why stumble when ites to love?"
"Father, I''m alright as I am."
ra stood by the doorway, feeling a twinge in her heart.
Dn was the perfect catch, yet he was holding out for someone who''d never return. Was life ying a cruel joke on him?
Her heart ached as she saw the door swing open and Dn stepped out, pausing just long enough to say, "Follow me."
She quickly fell into step with him.
As they left the estate, she noticed there was no car in sight, and it was at least a thirty-minute trek to the main gate.
With no other option, she ced her hands on the back of his wheelchair, and they began their leisurely stroll toward the gate.
With the Ferguson family''s wealth, you''d think there''d be a car ready and waiting.
Her gaze drifted to his strong back.
Faced with the long walk, she felt the need to strike up a conversation.
"Mr. Dn, your dad made a valid point. You can''t wait around forever. Maybe
having someone by your side would be good for you."
"You think I''m a helpless person who needs taking care of, huh?"
"No! No, I just worry about you being lonely."
Realizing she''d crossed a line, she quickly added, "Of course, someone like you is probably used to being alone, haha."
Herughter faded when she heard him whisper, "Not used to it."
At that moment, ra felt as if a giant hand had squeezed her heart.
She wanted to console him, but words felt hollow.
His loneliness could only be mended by the one he cherished, but everyone knew she was gone.
Yet here he was, waiting for someone who''d nevere back.
ra gripped the wheelchair tightly, unable to hold back. "You know, there are so many amazing women in New York. Mr. Dn, you could really have your pick. Plenty of business marriages turn into love. You might slowly grow fond of someone, and then you''d have a partner to walk with, read with, and even travel with."
She was about to continue when he cut her off, "Is the moon pretty tonight?"
She paused, ncing up. "Uh, it''s decent."
"Hmm."
What was he getting at?
ra hesitated, biting back her words until they reached the grand
iron gate, where a car
s parked t
outside. She finally spoke, "The
.n
moon''s nice, but Mr. Dn, you''re way more captivating. When ''m around you, I can barely notice it. It''s a shame such beauty isn''t admired."
Her words were a bit quirky, but she couldn''t stand the heavy
atmosphere surrounding Dn.ne
seemed like he was bottling op all his emotions.
As soon as she finished, he chuckled softly.
ra let out a breath of relief, feeling like it was all worth it.
Dnughed for a few moments. "So, were you checking me out just now?"
As in, had she been admiring his looks?
They''de this far, so no point in denying it now.
"Absolutely! I couldn''t help but steal a few nces. Mr. Dn, you''re seriously a looker."
"Hmm."
Ah...
She suddenly didn''t know what to say next.
She never dared to think beyond admiration. Even if she appreciated his looks and demeanor, it wa
purely tonic.
Otherwise, it would feel disrespectful.
"Mr. Dn, I really think you''re a wonderful person."
She was polite and principled.
She spoke while helping him into the car, racking her brain for morepliments.
Maybe it was human nature to admire beauty; seeing someone with such a gorgeous smile would give anyone a boost.
Dn curved his lips slightly, looking out the window instead of at her.
"Do you have some kind of quota for praising me you need to hit tonight?"
ra froze, her eyes widening, surprised at his yful remark.
So Dn did have a sense of humor after all!