Chapter 542: I Want To Chase The Girl I Like

A playful smile tugged at her lips. Like a kid trying not to wake a sleeping wolf, she gently slipped out of his arms. She wanted to surprise him with breakfast, something he usually did for her.

As she fried the eggs, the familiar sound of sizzling filled the kitchen. It reminded her of quiet mornings before. Cooking for him felt simple, but it was her way of showing love.

A soft smile appeared on Dave’s face as he watched her from behind. He had woken up when she got out of bed but pretended to stay asleep. He was curious, and seeing her so focused made his heart feel full.

The sunlight hit the floor while the smell of breakfast filled the room.

Bianca was setting the table, carefully placing each piece of cutlery. Just as she finished, strong arms wrapped around her.

“Why didn’t you sleep a little longer?” he whispered near her ear, then kissed her earlobe softly.

Her face turned red as she lightly pushed him away. “Breakfast is ready,” she said with a smile.

Dave pulled out a chair, his eyes full of warmth. “Smells perfect. Time to dig in.”

But just then, his phone rang, breaking the peaceful moment.

“Boss, something’s come up. You need to get to the office right away,” the voice on the other end said, tense and urgent.

Dave’s expression shifted and his jaw clenched. “I’m on my way.”

He grabbed his coat from the hanger and slipped it on without missing a beat. “Save the breakfast for me. I’ll have it when I’m back.”

Before Bianca could say anything, the door closed behind him with a loud thud.

He was gone, leaving the food untouched and a strange heaviness in Bianca’s chest.

What could’ve happened?

At the entrance of Emerald Artists Agency, Brandon stood with sunglasses covering half his face. The time he had agreed on with Diana was drawing closer, but she still hadn’t shown up.

Was she avoiding him on purpose? The thought annoyed him. He straightened his tie, feeling a little irritated. He was a business partner, after all. How could she treat him like this?

“I didn’t expect to see you hanging around outside the company, Mr. Foster,” Diana said, arms crossed, her tone sharp. “Our meeting was set for eight-thirty.”

The company usually opened at nine. Diana had asked him to come early so things wouldn’t get disrupted.

“Shouldn’t you have come to pick me up?” she added.

Diana rolled her eyes at Brandon but opened the door anyway. She didn’t really want to, but she had promised Bianca.

The office was quiet. No one else was around. Brandon took off his sunglasses and dropped the act. He pulled a contract out of his briefcase and handed it to her.

"Miss Schultz, please check the document. If everything’s fine, go ahead and sign and stamp it," he said.

Diana took the papers and read through them carefully.

As he watched her, Brandon started thinking about the past. Even though he had a bad reputation, there were times he just got caught up staring at a girl like this.

Diana felt anxious under his intense stare. She couldn’t tell if it was something in her head, something in her body, or just the memories. Brandon always made her feel uncomfortable.

But why did it still bother her so much? Diana bit her lip, trying to push her feelings aside and focus on finishing the task.

Still, her mind kept drifting. The words on the contract seemed to twist and blur, making it hard to read.

"How about this?" she said. "Leave the contract here for now. I'll sign it after Bianca reads it too. We'll send it to you later."

She planned to walk Brandon out, but he didn’t move or say a word. Confused, Diana glanced at him.

Brandon just kept smiling as his eyes still fixed on her.

"Brandon, why are you looking at me like that? Just so we're clear, this is a work matter only. If you’re thinking of anything else..."

Diana wanted to make it clear she had nothing to do with anything beyond business.

Suddenly, Brandon reached for her hand, catching her off guard. The moment their skin touched, it felt like a jolt of electricity. Old memories came rushing back.

"You... What are you doing?" Diana asked, her cheeks turning red.

Brandon's usual teasing look disappeared. He looked at her seriously and asked, "Diana, do you really hate me that much?"

Diana wanted to say it, but instead, she replied, "Should I like you?"

What she really wanted to ask was if she was even allowed to like him. They were so different. She had once liked Brandon, but he told her he hated her. He said she was the reason he ended up this way.

Their past was like a thorn buried deep. It hurts sometimes. And neither of them knew how to be honest with the other.

Brandon took a deep breath like he’d been struggling with his thoughts for a long time. He finally decided to say what had been on his mind.

"Diana, please listen. I, Brandon Foster, mean it this time. I’m serious about you."

After a brief pause, he looked at her and said softly, "I like you, Diana."

Diana was stunned. She had pictured so many different ways things might happen when she saw Brandon again. Before coming here, she felt hesitant. She knew she wasn’t ready.

She had actually come early and watched him from afar for a while. It was because she didn’t know how to face him.

Even with all the scenarios she imagined, she never expected Brandon to say something like that.

Her ears turned hot. She looked at him and asked, “What... What are you talking about?”

Right then, her mind was a mess like a storm had just hit.

Brandon held Diana's hand tighter and said, “I’m serious. I know there were misunderstandings between us. But I believe we can fix them. I believe you’ll see me differently.”

He paused, pressing his lips together. “Or... I can change it for you. Do you know why I stepped away from the spotlight? It’s because I don’t want to be an idol anymore. I want to live like a normal person. I want to chase the girl I like.”

Diana felt overwhelmed. Her heart was beating fast. She bit her lip and asked, “But... you said you hated me!”