Chasing the Unexpected

When Oliver leaned in earlier, Nyla’s instinct was to pull away. Her body couldn’t lie–she didn’t feel anything for him.

Realizing this, she was flooded with guilt.

Oliver had been good to her and had helped her a lot, but she couldn’t develop romantic feelings for him.

Gratitude was just that–gratitude. It couldn’t evolve into love.

After the movie, she planned to clarify things with Oliver. Since she had confirmed she didn’t have feelings for him, there was no point in dragging it out. The longer it continued, the more it would hurt Oliver.

After making up her mind, Nyla’s heart gradually settled. She felt less anxious, though the guilt still weighed heavily.

As they left the theater, Oliver turned to Damon with irritation. “Mr. Sumner, how much longer are you going to follow us?”

He had never seen anyone as shameless as Damon. Why was he crashing their date?

Damon didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed and raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Raynor, I have to go this way too to get my car.”

Oliver stepped back. “Fine, I’ll let you go first.”

Damon turned to Nyla, who had been quietly looking down. “The movie’s over, and your date is done, right? Shouldn’t you go pick up Buddy?”

Nyla looked up. “Buddy stays with you tonight. I’ll pick him up tomorrow.”

Damon’s expression immediately darkened. “What did you say?”

He stared at her, tension mounting.

He hadn’t expected her to leave Mason with him.

Was she planning to spend the night with Oliver? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

“No! I have something to do tonight and can’t take care of Buddy!” he snapped.

Nyla gave him a puzzled look. “%2

not shouldn’t matter.”

Lydia usually the one taking care of Buddy? Whether you’re busy or

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“Lydia has something to do as well,” Damon said stiffly, leaving no room for discussion.

After hesitating for a moment, Nyla relented. “Fine, I’ll be there to pick up Buddy before midnight.”

Noticing it was already close to 10:00 p.m., Damon finally nodded begrudgingly. “Okay.”

Seeing that Damon hadn’t left yet, Nyla frowned. “Mr. Sumner, Oliver and I have things to discuss. Can you go ahead?”

“Sure, but don’t forget to pick up Buddy. No later than midnight. If you’re not there, I’ll have the driver bring

him back,” Damon warned.

“Got it,” Nyla replied absentmindedly, not in the mood to argue further as she focused on how to approach Oliver.

Once Damon left, Nyla gestured toward a nearby café. Shall we sit in there for a bit?”

“Sure,” Oliver agreed.

147 till trying

Once they were seated, Nyla was to figure out what to say when Oliver spoke first. “Nyla, let’s break up.”

Nyla’s head snapped up in disbelief. “Oliver, I-”

Oliver gave a wry smile, interrupting her, “Honestly, I sensed your hesitation during the movie. You tried to suppress it, but after knowing you for five years, I can read you like a book.

“When I saw the hesitation and guilt in your eyes just now, I guessed what you were going to say. Since I initiated our relationship, I think it’s only fair that I be the one to end it.”

A wave of bitterness washed over Nyla, and her eyes began to fill with tears.

“Oliver, I’m so sorry…” she whispered.

“No need to apologize. It’s not your fault you couldn’t love me,” Oliver said softly.