Chapter 265
People want what they can’t have, to the point where they might obsess over it,” Me. Ashford said. “And the more out of reach the object of their desire is, the crazier that obsession becomes.
“However, once they attain it, that desired item turns into something as plain as bread , regardless of how perfect it had initially seemed.”
He elaborated, “So, Noah’s perfect impression of you will completely change if you start dating him. And eventually, he’ll fall out of love with you and realize he can live without you.”
I found myself at a loss for words yet again. After a long pause, I said, “ I only see Noah as a brother.”
The Noah I knew now was very different. I had met him when he was 13 years old, while he was still short and small. I had instantly regarded him as a little brother, and that impression remained deeply ingrained in my mind.
To me, he was closer than my own family. Plus, I had no desire to date right now. And even if I did, I definitely wouldn’t be able to develop any romantic feelings for him.
“I know, but that doesn’t mean you can’t date him,” Mr. Ashford countered.
Then, he added, “Noah has decent looks and is young and strong. Just treat him like a boy toy and have a little fun. You won’t lose anything by doing so.”
Istared wordlessly at him.
Unperturbed, he continued, “Just think of it as you doing something good for him as repayment for him saving your life. If Noah hadn’t requested me to send so many people to search that snowy remote mountain , your dead body would probably still be there right now.”
Mr. Ashford had a point, but it didn’t change how I felt about Noah
How could I possibly date Noah, especially when he seemed to be suggesting that I should play with Noah’s feelings?
I genuinely didn’t know how to respond to everything he had said.
“I don’t want to interfere too much , so just think it over,” he added when I didn’t say anything.
Despite Mr. Ashford’s words, there was an underlying threat in his tone.
After another prolonged moment, I replied, “I’m sorry, Mr. Ashford, but I don’t intend on dating anyone right now, especially Noah. Plus, I take relationships seriously, and despite my age, I view them in an old–fashioned manner. Thus, I can’t do what you just suggested–I can’t just casually play around.”
I had more to say, but he suddenly leaned in closer. His masculine body closed in on me, and I could feel his hot breath on my-
face.
“Really now? Does that mean you’re still thinking about your ex–husband?” Mr. Ashford interrogated.
I couldn’t help thinking of Timothy when he mentioned Irvin.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about Irvin now, and I also didn’t know whether or not I wanted to be with him. He had died just when I regained my memories of him. And when I was about to totally move on from him, his doppelganger had appeared, making me think he was still alive.
My mind was in chaos–I honestly didn’t know what I wanted anymore.
“Did you think your ex–husband had come back to life when you saw Timothy Hardwell earlier today? Did his image make your heart beat again?” Mr. Asford questioned.
My head snapped up in surprise at his words. However, I didn’t realize he had closed the distance between us. So, our noses were almost touching when I raised my head.
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I was so startled by our proximity that I instinctively scrambled backward and tried to get out of my seat. However , I was so frantic that I lost my balance and started to fall backward.
Before I could hit the floor, Mr. Ashford caught me with his strong arm. Then, he pulled me firmly into his embrace.
His intense, masculine musk instantly enveloped me, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. I had never been so close to another man before.
Snapping out of my daze, I pushed him away and put some distance between tis.
Mr. Ashford scoffed. “What are you so scared of? It’s not like I’m going to eat you.”
Then, he smirked and added, “Relax. I’m not interested in a woman that my nephew likes.”