Chapter 17
“Calista, what brings you here today?”
While she hesitated, Henry pulled her inside. “It’s freezing out here–let’s talk inside.”
He poured her a cup of hot tea as she sat down.
“Henry… I think we should keep our distance from now on.”
Henry froze mid–motion. Without looking up, he asked quietly, “Why?”
Something in his tone made Calista’s heart clench.
“There are rumors,” she took a deep breath, “about us dating.”
Henry’s head snapped up, his expression wounded. “You don’t want to date me?”
Caught off guard by his response, Calista rushed to explain. “No, it’s not that. I… I overheard you saying you have feelings for someone. I don’t want these rumors causing problems for
you.”
“After all-” she gave a bitter laugh, “back home, the rumors about Ken and me went on so long they made me believe impossible things. It gets messy.”
her
Pain flickered in Henry’s eyes at Ken’s name, but he understood concerns.
“Calista,” he cut in, “my feelings for you have nothing to do with Ken.”
She stared at him, startled. “What?”
Still dripping from his shower, Henry gripped her hands tightly. “Calista, you’re the one I’ve always loved. Marry me.”
Her heart thundered in her chest. Never had she imagined Henry harbored feelings for her.
“Giving Up My First Love For Secret Research: Second Chance at Happiness
{
His family rivaled Uncle Johnson’s in influence. Since childhood, he’d been exceptional–the aream of countless women in their city. Yet here he sat, carefully sharing years of hidden
Heelings.
Tve loved you since we were kids,” he said, his voice tinged with a quiet sadness. “But Ken was always there to protect you, and you can only notice him. No matter how hard I tried, I knew I’d never reach your heart.”
Calista remembered suddenly–the bruise on Ken’s face when she first woke up.
Henry laughed sadly. “I told myself if you two loved each other, I had to step aside, regardless my feelings. That’s why I agreed to join the research base.”
His eyes met hers. “Then fate played its cruel joke. Ken chose Viola, and somehow I found you here again.” He took her hand. “This time, I won’t let go. Please, marry me?”
Calista sat stunned. Henry’s confession left her reeling.
As she tried to process his words, he produced a gold ring adorned with roses.
The gesture touched something deep within her.
C
