Chasing the Unexpected

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Valarie raised an eyebrow, about to speak when her gaze suddenly fell on someone not far ahead.

A hint of surprise flickered in her eyes. She hadn’t expected to run into Brandon at a blind date.

Their eyes met briefly, but Brandon quickly averted his gaze and acted as if he hadn’t seen her. He turned to leave.

Valarie’s expression remained unchanged as she redirected her focus to Benjamin across from her, who was still nitpicking everything.

“Mr. Comstock, I think we’re not a good match. Let’s end this here. Goodbye,” Valarie said as she stood up to leave.

Benjamin blocked her way, saying with a hint of condescension, “Ms. Weir, I believe that, aside from your spending habits, everything else about you is still tolerable.”

After all, Valarie was beautiful and fit his idea of innocence, so he felt generally satisfied with her. If she could just listen to him a bit more after they started dating, spending money on her wouldn’t be an issue.

Valarie smiled. “Mr. Comstock, I can’t change my habits. If you can’t accept that, then we really aren’t suitable for each other. I hope you find someone more fitting for you soon.”

With that, she brushed past him and left.

Back in her car, as she was about to start the engine, she received a call from Phoebe.

“Valarie, did something happen on your blind date today? The woman who introduced Benjamin called me and said he complained about your personality and wasn’t interested in you,” Phoebe explained.

Valarie hadn’t expected Benjamin to call so soon and disparage her immediately after she left. Despite that, this worked out–it saved her the trouble of explaining.

“Yeah, I’m just not good enough for him,” she replied.

There was a brief silence on the line before Phoebe’s worried voice broke through. “Today’s date was supposed to be with the best family background. If this doesn’t work out, the next ones will probably be worse.”

Valarie frowned, her tone irritated. “Mom, I’m not a product to be evaluated! A blind date shouldn’t be just about family background. Isn’t my happiness important?”

She had already compromised by agreeing to go on this blind date, but Phoebe’s words made her feel like a commodity rather than the daughter they had raised for over 20 years.

Realizing she had misspoken, Phoebe quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Valarie. I misspoke. Don’t be angry.”

Valarie rubbed her forehead in frustration. “I get it. I need to drive now. Talk later.”

After hanging up, she tossed her phone onto the passenger seat and pulled out a cigarette.

She hadn’t smoked much before, but after Nyla fell into the sea five years ago, she found herself relying on cigarettes to ease her anxiety.

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As she took a couple of puffs, someone suddenly knocked on her window. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Turning her head, she met Brandon’s cold gaze.

She extinguished the cigarette and lowered the window halfway. “Mr. Sumner, what’s up?”

Brandon looked at her lightly made–up face, his expression darkening. “You rejected me just to go on a date with that loser?”

Valarie frowned, about to respond, but Brandon continued. “Forget it. It doesn’t matter anymore. Here’s the contract for the recent project we’re collaborating on. I’ve already signed it. Please deliver it to.the Weir Group.”

After handing her the contract, he turned and walked away.

Valarie glanced at the document in her hands, a complex emotion passing through her eyes.

This was probably for the best. They should have completely severed ties a long time ago. Continuing like this would only lead to entanglement and hurt for both of them.