Chapter 384
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Cordelia was already giddy from imagining us raising our children together in the future. She painted such a vivid picture that I couldn’t help looking forward to it too.
It was funny how people’s mindsets changed with age .
When I was younger, I believed marriage had to be rooted in love. But now , I was fine with finding someone to share a life with for practical reasons.
In fact, I had even considered artificial insemination if I couldn’t find a suitable partner. The love that I once thought was vital didn’t seem so important anymore.
Cordelia and I were opposites in this regard. I used to be single–minded when it came to romantic relationships and marriage. But now, I had grown out of that mindset and felt anyone with the right qualities would do.
Cordelia, on the other hand, used to just fool around. And now, she had found true love.
She used to just breeze through relationships for years without ever getting too attached. But now, she was totally smitten. She was only apart from her fiancé on a very short break, but she still missed him like crazy and would video call him every day.
I had seen a picture of him. He gave off a gentle, scholarly vibe and looked gentlemanly. According to Cordelia , he was also very considerate and attentive. Truthfully, he seemed like a solid choice for a life partner.
Ten days passed in a flash, and I still hadn’t found a suitable candidate. Just as I was seriously considering going for artificial insemination instead, Gideon somehow found out I was looking for someone to marry.
We had a business meeting and had just gone through the last detail of our contract. Suddenly, he looked at me very seriously and earnestly asked, “What do you think of me, Emi?”
At first, I was caught off guard. But then, I smiled and said, “I think you’re great ! ”
Even though I had turned Gideon down after he had confessed to me in the past, we had continued to work together. I also genuinely thought he was a good person.
“Then, why haven’t you considered me when you’re looking to settle down again and start a family?” he asked.
Once again, I was stunned.
He continued, “You know I’ve liked you for ten whole years now!”
As Gideon looked at me, he seemed to see the version of me from ten years ago–the one who had been standing beneath a magnolia tree.
He had only caught a glimpse of me back then. Yet, it had been enough to remain etched in his memory for a decade, and he couldn’t forget it no matter how hard he tried.
“Whether it’d be character, appearance , or intelligence–I think I measure up well in all these aspects,” he added.
And he wasn’t bragging. He truly was outstanding–a cut above the rest. Plus, Gideon did have all the qualities I was looking for.
Even so …
“I’m looking for a partner to live a mutually beneficial life–someone I can settle down and have a child with. I don’t think I’m capable of loving another man anymore,” I said.
I only wanted to get married and have a child, not fall in love and start a family. That was why I never considered Gideon. After all, I knew he had romantic feelings for me.
I couldn’t give him what he wanted, nor return his feelings. Hence , I shouldn’t waste his time. Instead, I should be looking for someone like me, who wanted to marry for practical reasons.
“You don’t have to love me. As long as we’re together, it’s enough to make me happy and content!” Gideon argued.
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Just as I was about to respond , he added, “You should know marriage isn’t as simple as you think, Emi. Finding someone who ticks all your boxes is already hard enough.
“But what if you do, and this person is a stranger you know nothing about? What if he’s the kind of person who’ll kill you just to steal all your assets? You know there’s a high chance of that happening!
“Besides , having a child isn’t as straightforward as just giving birth to one. Children need to grow up in a healthy, stable environment. Otherwise, you may as well not bring any into this world at all. They also need constant companionship as they grow . ”