Chapter 8 Chapter 8 288 Vouchers Other than the engagement rings, Lawrence and I never picked out anything else. "What about rings?" Austin asked. Thinking of my engagement ring in the trash bin, I shook my head again. "I'll take you to look at a few brands. Pick whatever you like," Austin said. "I've cleared my schedule for the day. I'm all yours." He steered the car deftly through the traffic. And every time he braked, he would instinctively throw out a protective arm in front of me. A faint warmth spread through my chest. That day, Austin accompanied me to choose everything-my wedding dress, our rings, my shoes, and my handbag. He did it all just like any devoted groom would. After we got back in the car, he asked, "You never asked to take wedding photos. Don't you want to?" My eyes stung from the scalding tears at that precise moment, "I do." Sensing my sobs, he stroked my head. "I know a thing or two about what happened to you. "Don't worry. I'll take care of Lawrence's secretary. "You used to be such a naughty little girl back then. Remember-you don't have to be so timid around me. "I only have one request. Be yourself." His words put my mind at ease. Lawrence always asked me to be gentle and sensible, but Austin wanted me to be myself. At the mention of that mischievous little girl I used to be, a trace of nostalgia tinged Austin's tone. It softened my heart so deeply. From that day on, he'd always come back to be with me whenever he had time. Sometimes, he'd even find a chance to come back even when he was swamped with meetings. 0.0 % 08:17 His secretary, Claire Simmons, took care of everything for me-food, clothing, even trips to the supermarket. "Austin is quite fond of you. I've never seen him take any woman so seriously. "Just relax. He and I are just friends. "My kid is already eight, and my husband, the legal manager at the company, is also one of Austin's close friends." Claire was helping me select a gown for the Chavez family banquet that evening when she said this. Honestly, I didn't want to attend it. So, my mind was elsewhere the entire time we were shopping, and I could barely focus on the choices in front of me. Claire keenly sensed my apprehension. She walked over to me with a pink gown in her hand. "Harriet, the only way out of a dilemma isn't to run away. It's to face it. "With Austin by your side, you'll never lose. You'll never be outshone." As I looked at Claire's confident, flamboyant reflection in the mirror, my heart began to pound. I had once been just like her. But my entanglement with Lawrence had slowly eroded my shine. Though I maintained a tough exterior, the deep, persistent heartache had worn me down, stripping me of my confi- dence and courage. I nodded and slipped into the pink gown. The Chavez family banquet was held at the Glory Ballroom, the most upscale venue in San Francisco. "It's been a while, Mr. Chavez." "Your tech company had such a lucrative year. Don't forget to include us in your next project!" "Absolutely. Having someone like you totally adds to the Chavez family's prestige." *** Austin's capabilities were widely recognized, so he was constantly swarmed by people eager to talk business. Not being fond of such business dealings, I retreated to a secluded corner within earshot. Several younger members of the Chavez family came to greet him, but didn't dare linger. A few recognized me, yet none dared to ask questions. "Harriet? "I knew you'd be here." 39.9 % 08:17 Just then, Lawrence's voice rang out behind me. I turned to find him standing beside Clarissa. "You blocked me, so I had Clarissa text you. I told you to come with me to today's banquet. "Since you're here, it means you're no longer mad at me, right?" Clarissa's gaze was a mix of resentment and confusion. She must have been wondering why I was here. When she saw Lawrence take my hand to coax me, her eyes reddened with fury. 88.9 % 08:17