Filed to story: The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion
It wasn’t until Danika’s figure disappeared that Eustace got back in his car again, but he’d returned to his usual self by then, without the impulsive look from earlier.
Nevertheless, if one looked closely, one could still seethe glimmer of joy he couldn’t hide in his eyes.
In her bedroom, Danika lay on the big bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.
That kiss was like a mark engraved in her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, the moment would automatically replay itself, and she could still feel the warmth of Eustace’s lips on hers.
Danika felt like Eustace had bewitched her. She told herself that wouldn’t do! And so, she quickly shifted her attention. She sat up, leaned against the headboard, and called Stephanie.
The phone rang for a long time before Stephanie answered, “Miss Zellweger, why are you calling so late? Is there something wrong?”
Since Danika took over the Zellwegers’ business, Stephanie liked to call her Miss Zellweger, saying it sounded more imposing. Danika sneered at it, but she couldn’t be bothered to argue with her.
“I just missed you and wanted to call and ask about your recent situation,” Danika said.
Unfortunately, Stephanie wasn’t a fool. “Missed me? Are you sure there’s nothing else going on? Come clean. What happened?” she asked suspiciously.
Stephanie found it impossible for Danika to call her in the middle of the night so suddenly for no reason.
Brain Fog
Danika was already feeling upset and restless in the first place. Since Stephanie asked, she decided to tell her everything, hoping that she could help analyze Eustace’s behavior.
After she listened to Danika pouring out everything that was troubling her, Stephanie’s mouth opened wide in shock. It was so wide, an egg could easily fit in.
“Danika, shouldn’t you be analyzing yourself now?” She couldn’t understand why Danika didn’t notice she was behaving abnormally too.
Upon hearing that, Danika paused, seemingly coming back to her senses.
“Eustace forcefully kissed you, and you’re not scolding him; instead, you’re analyzing his mind? Danika, are you having brain fog?” Stephanie was speechless, not knowing what else to say.
There was a brief moment of silence where Danika was embarrassed and didn’t know how to respond either. “I was too stunned to react at the time.”
“Then what about now? Have you snapped out of it yet?” Stephanie asked, feeling like Danika hadn’t just failed to react but had actually acquiesced.
What did that mean? It could only mean that in her heart, Danika hadn’t let go of Eustace.
Danika remained silent. She was aware of her problem.
After some time, Stephanie sighed and said, “It’s no wonder people always say the first love is the most unforgettable. Eustace is your first love, so it’s normal that you can’t forget him, especially since he’s still pursuing you.”
Danika continued to remain silent.
“I wonder if you were his first love?” Stephanie suddenly asked.
Danika didn’t know what came over her when she answered, “I guess so. I haven’t heard of him having an ex-girlfriend.”
“He didn’t? What about the woman with the surname Blue or something you guys argued about before? You even suspected that Eustace was using you as her substitute.”
Stephanie found it quite unbelievable that Danika had forgotten about it.
With her reminder, Danika finally remembered that name.
Quinn Blue, the girl Eustace once liked.
She didn’t say anything, so Stephanie was a little worried. “I was just casually mentioning it. After all, he likes you now, and the past is in the past. Besides, he definitely doesn’t see you as a replacement for the other girl.”
Eustace explained himself to her after that incident. Danika understood to some extent that in the end, they didn’t end up together, just like she and Evan.
They both liked someone whom they didn’t end up together with in the end.
The only difference might be that when Danika liked Evan, she was still a child and didn’t understand what love was, but when Eustace liked Quinn, he was already an adult and understood love.
Danika wasn’t exactly sure what was the difference between the two kinds of love, but she instinctively thought there was definitely something different between them.
“The most important thing now is whether you like him.” Stephanie’s tone became serious. She felt that determining that was more important than anything else.
In fact, Danika had been asking herself the question repeatedly.
“I don’t know,” she finally answered.
Stephanie held her forehead speechlessly as she thought, “You still don’t know? It’s written all over your face that you like him!”
If Danika didn’t like him, she would have kicked Eustace away when he tried to kiss her earlier. But Stephanie didn’t say it out loud so explicitly. After all, Danika had to think it through herself and come to her own realization about her feelings.
“If you don’t know, then think about it carefully. Think about it before you meet him again. Don’t see him before you have an answer yourself. Give yourself space to think independently.” Stephanie believed that with Danika’s current situation, she might get confused as soon as she saw Eustace, and she wouldn’t be able to come up with a clear answer.
Danika thought what Stephanie said made sense, so she agreed, “Okay. I will think it through.” “Go get some sleep. It’s getting late.”
“Okay, good night.’
I Can’t Give You What You Want
It was a Saturday the next day.
The sound of her phone ringing woke Danika up from her sleep. She reached out a hand from under the covers and answered the call.
“Hello? Who is it…Oh, it’s you, Evan…Where did you say you were?” Danika sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. If she didn’t hear him wrongly just now, it seemed like Evan was saying he was right outside Zellweger Castle. Danika came to her senses after a while. “Alright, I’ll send the butler to pick you up.”
She hung up the phone and rubbed her temples. Although she had fallen asleep quickly after talking to Stephanie on the phone last night, she didn’t sleep well. It was because she had a dream about Eustace that was quite inappropriate, and it annoyed her.
With no time to think too much, she got up from bed, freshened up, and walked out of her bedroom. She noticed Evan sitting in the living room downstairs right away.
“Evan, why did you come so early?” Danika was puzzled and quickly walked downstairs toward him.
It had been a few days since she last saw Evan, and she wanted to make it clear to him that she had no other intentions, hoping that he would give up. However, seeing
Evan showing up at Zellweger Castle again, Danika felt that she might have been too naive.
Upon seeing Danika, Evan immediately noticed the dark circles under her eyes and asked, concerned, ‘What’s wrong? Did you not sleep well?”
“Yeah.” Danika nodded, not wanting to discuss this topic. “Have you had breakfast? I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare something.”
“Not yet. I’m here to have breakfast with you,” Evan said with a smile. He didn’t know what Danika and Luke talked about yesterday or whether Danika had any contact with Eustace after he left. He was worried and decided to come over early in the morning to check on Danika and increase his sense of presence around her.
Danika wouldn’t have known that he was thinking about all those things. After instructing the butler, she sat across from Evan.
“Are you getting used to your work?’ Danika asked.
Evan nodded. “It’s alright, but there’s still a lot to learn, and I need to keep working hard.”
“Don’t be so modest, Evan. Although I haven’t been involved in the company’s affairs much, the managers often praise you for being excellent. I know you’re very capable.” Though Danika didn’t go to the company, she still needed to be aware of the situation at Zellweger Inc. The managers would report to her every week. In several of the reports, she’d seen praises for Evan’s work, so she knew he was skilled and competent.
Hearing her compliment, Evan felt a little embarrassed. “They’re just exaggerating it. I’m not that capable.”
Seeing him deny it, Danika didn’t continue the topic. “Evan, what are your plans for the future?”
“What are you trying to say, Danika?” Evan was not stupid. The fact that Danika asked so many questions could only mean she had something else she wanted to say.
In fact, he could already guess what Danika wanted to say; it was nothing new.
Hearing his question, Danika felt a little helpless. “Forget it. It’s nothing that I haven’t said before. You won’t listen to me even if I tell you about it.”
“If you don’t want me to work in Zellweger Inc, I don’t necessarily have to keep working there,” Evan replied.
Danika quickly waved her hand when she heard him say that, indicating that she didn’t mean it that way. “Our company is very fortunate to have an employee like you. I’m just afraid that it might affect your life plans.”
“Do you really have no intention of giving me a chance?” Evan smiled bitterly as he could easily understand the meaning behind Danika’s words.
Since they had reached this point in the conversation, Danika had no choice but to speak frankly, “Evan, I only see you as a brother, just like Gilbert and Zack. So, I don’t want you to change your life plans because of me. I can’t give you what you want.”
Nothing You Need to Apologize For
After Danika finished speaking, the living room fell into complete silence, which made her somewhat worried. In fact, that wasn’t the first time she’d said such things. From the very beginning, when Evan decided to join Zellweger Inc, she’d made herself clear. It was simple: she didn’t like him.
“Evan, I’m sorry, I…”
“Why apologize? There’s nothing you need to apologize for. I’ve just been too naive about everything,” Evan said with a bitter smile. He sighed lightly and continued,
“When Gilbert contacted me and asked me to return to the country, I didn’t hesitate much because he and I had the same idea. We both thought that when you confessed to me back then, it must have meant you liked me, so I believed I could win you back when I returned.”
“Evan-“
“But we both forgot that everyone has their own mind and personal thoughts. Your thoughts shouldn’t be manipulated by anyone, nor will they be manipulated in any way,” Evan interrupted what she was about to say and prattled on himself.
Danika pursed her lips, feeling complex emotions upon hearing what he had to say.
Just when Danika thought that he was going to give up because of what he’d just said, Evan’s words took a sudden turn as he confessed to her,” Danika, I’ve been thinking about you all these years. When Gilbert found me and told me about the mistreatment you received from Eustace, you don’t know how sad I was to hear it. So, I didn’t hesitate much when I agreed to come back. It’s because I want you to be happy. Before you have a boyfriend, give me a chance, okay?”
His tone was gentle, suggesting that he wouldn’t continue to pester her if she really rejected him. Faced with his humble request, Danika couldn’t bring herself to say “No.”
They locked eyes for a moment, then Danika hardened her heart and said,” Evan, there’s no need for that. I—“
“Do you have someone you like now?” Evan asked bluntly.
Danika was at a loss for words and didn’t answer.
“Since you don’t, why does it matter if I like you? Don’t I have the right to like you on my own?” In fact, he didn’t need Danika’s permission. Evan didn’t care who Danika liked now. Even if she liked Eustace, he wouldn’t easily give up before they got married.
