Spoiled by the Silver Fox

Ashley chuckled, "I'll give it my all."

Then she waved to some familiar faces.

Maximus stayed quiet throughout, not daring to utter a word.

Having let go of the past, Ashley pat Maximus on the shoulder and said, "What's eating you? That's water under the bridge. Emily, this is mom's old buddy; say hi."

Emily said, "Mom, Maximus, and I already know each other; no need for introductions."

Ashley laughed, "You cheeky monkey."

Maximus forced a smile, "Is it really over?"

Ashley firmly said, "When I say it's over, it's over. So, don't overthink it."

Maximus glanced at Gracie, "But she hasn't moved on."

Ashley sighed, "Maybe she doesn't want to let go. You need to dig deep and find that resolve you once had, see if it changes anything."

Maximus said, "I can't. It's been years; she's high up there now; I can't just barge in."This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Ashley said, "But if you never try, you'll never know. Maximus, neither of you are spring chickens anymore; no time to dilly-dally."

Maximus was torn.

After all these years, there was no one else in his heart.

Even his family's pressure to get married did no good.

Those who knew his situation all guessed he was waiting for someone to forgive him.

Stephanie saw the two chatting and dragged Gracie over, "What are you two gabbing about? Oh, Maximus! My friends Gillian and Maddie are huge fans! We wanna take a pic with you!" Maximus smiled, "No problem."

Stephanie handed her phone to Gracie, "Gracie, you take the pic!"

Gracie wanted to decline.

But she grabbed onto Stephanie as a lifeline.

Gillian and Maddie excitedly said, "And Dashiell, too, Steph!"

"Sure thing, 'll take you to take some with them later, and

snaps

s too!"

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"I want an autograph on my face!"

betongs to

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"I want one on my hand, then I won't wash it for three days!"

"I won't wash my face for three days then!"

Dashiell, hearing the girls' banter, didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Sebastian was watching from the side, his eyes never leaving Stephanie.

Dashiell glanced at him, "Miss Steph seems popular."

Sebastian replied, "Mm-hmm."

Dashiell asked, "Mr. Ingram, aren't you joining the photo op?"

Sebastian replied, "Not interested."

Dashiell chuckled, "Well, I'm off then. Hanging out with youngsters keeps you young."

The two were similar in age, with Dashiell a year or two younger than Sebastian.

But Sebastian looked way more mature in comparison.

...

Gracie looked at the familiar face in

the camera and couldn't help but

r the first time they

In fact, she fell for Maximus at first sight.

She was a newbie agent back then, yet her heart fluttered for him.

Gracie was a proud person by

vel:

nature. She wouldn't wear her heart on her sleeve even if she had feelings. Instead, she would try to spend more time with him

So, in the end, it was Maximus who made the first move. Their story might be known to the public superficially. But only they knew the details... they were once lovers. They experienced everything that an average couple would.

This was Gracie's first love, and it left a deep impression on her.