Chapter 209: Chapter 209: What Is The Reason I Like You?
Ansel deeply regretted his actions when he visited his best friend that afternoon. Now he wanted to make things right. If Laura was truly no longer interested in him, he was determined not to pursue her again, lest their friendship be further damaged.
Now Ansel was running around the penthouse garden, searching for his dear friend. The night air was getting colder, making him increasingly worried that his friend would catch a cold if he waited too long.
After wandering around for ten minutes, he finally found his friend sitting alone in front of the fountain. He immediately ran over to her and sat down next to her.
"Laura, why are you sitting here alone? We could have met at your residence."
Laura shook her head slowly, her eyes still sparkling as she stared at her friend’s handsome face. "I just wanted some fresh air. I’ve been feeling stuffy all day."
Ansel hugged his friend lovingly, slowly stroking his back. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I just wanted to tell you what really happened."
"But, if you want to be matched, I won’t stop you."
"Actually, I don’t want to. I don’t know if I’m matched with a beautiful woman, but I’m not interested. Because I already have someone I really love." He planted his lips on his friend’s forehead deeply.
Laura’s eyes widened at the sudden special treatment from the man she loved most. Even though they’d only spent a short time together, Ansel immediately took a liking to her. Naturally, she didn’t want to miss this golden opportunity.
"Ansel, haven’t you always considered me your best friend? Why did you fall in love with me so easily?"
"Have you known since when I’ve liked you?" Ansel lifted his head right in front of his best friend’s face. "Since we first became friends."
Laura’s eyes grew even more teary upon hearing her best friend’s declaration of love. She’d always felt her best friend was very awkward, treating her like a stranger.
"But, haven’t you liked Victoria all this time? I always see you smiling at her."
"Do you know why I like Victoria so much?"
"What is the reason?"
"Because she looks so much like you. That’s why I think of her as your replacement."
"If you liked me all along, why didn’t you ever tell me how you felt?"
Ansel took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. "I was so afraid our friendship would be ruined because I said something stupid. I was incredulous that you were more interested in Matthias at the time. Whenever the three of us played together, you always wanted to talk to him."
"I was stupid back then. But I actually noticed a little bit when you were wearing a perfume I liked. Ever since I commented on it, you’ve been wearing the same one ever since."
"I don’t want any more misunderstandings. I don’t want to be matched with anyone. If you’re willing to be my girlfriend, I’d like to introduce you to my family right away."
A sweet smile spread across her face. She pressed her lips to the cheek of the man she loved so deeply. "I want to be your girlfriend. I really like you. And I especially love all the snacks you brought this afternoon."
Ansel laughed softly as he took off his jacket and wrapped it around his lover’s body. "I’m going to take you home now. It’s not good for you to stay here any longer."
Laura nodded, swinging her lover’s hand happily. "I like wearing your suit more and more."
"Do you need that suit just for you?"
"No need. I’m worried you’ll catch the flu instead."
*****
The holidays had arrived. With all her work completed on time, Victoria could now pack her belongings for a week-long business trip to Yanmang. However, before that, she and Matthias visited the extended family home to discuss important matters related to their wedding.
"By the way, aren’t you guys planning on having a wedding?" Lucretia asked with a smirk that made Victoria struggle to swallow her saliva.
Matthias gripped his wife’s hand tightly. "Actually, I’ve been planning to have a wedding soon. But I still need time to prepare with my wife."
Lucretia pursed her lips. "I was really looking forward to your wedding. You two seem so adorable as time goes by. If you don’t get married for real, what will happen to all the women who want to be your wives?"
"Mom, don’t worry. Even though many women act like Amber, I still choose my beloved wife." His lips briefly touched her cheek. "I’ve prepared a special gift for my wife, too."
"What’s certain is that I don’t want to interfere in your love life anymore. This is the result of years of hiding your relationship! I want you to get married as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Charles just laughed out loud at his daughter’s softening attitude toward her daughter in law. "Lucretia, isn’t this all your fault for opposing their marriage back then?"
"Enough! Don’t bring that up again! I don’t want to see Victoria cry again because of me."
Victoria smiled shyly as she handed her mother-in-law a paper bag. "Mom, I bought some herbal medicine for you. Don’t forget to take it later, okay?"
"You are truly kind, Victoria. If my son ever hurts you again, you must report it to me."
"By the way, I heard you guys are going on another business trip to Yanmang," Charles said as he sipped his chamomile tea.
"Yes, Grandpa. The T&H Real Estate development project has been progressing quite rapidly since the hurricane. I just wanted to ask Victoria for help with another survey."
Charles nodded. "Okay, then just think of it as a vacation. Don’t take this business trip too seriously."
Victoria held her grandfather-in-law’s hand. "Would you like to come with us? The view there is actually beautiful."
"No need. Lucretia and I happen to have business during the week. You should just enjoy yourself." Charles winked at his grandson for a moment, as if signaling.