After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 38

Catherine finally let herself relax, a quiet sigh slipping out as she took a sip of tea.

Across from her, Lawrence glanced up. “When do you want to have the wedding?”

She nearly choked on her tea. The wedding... Right, she had totally forgotten that getting married actually meant having a wedding.

But with things so tense at home, she knew Nestor wouldn’t be on board with anything right now. She looked at Lawrence, a little desperate. “Can we hold off on the wedding for a bit? I want to wait until my dad cools down.”

Lawrence nodded, not missing a beat. “Of course, there’s no rush.” He reached over and put some food on her plate. “We can talk about it later.”

His easy acceptance warmed her heart. For the first time all night, she started to actually enjoy her meal.

As they ate, she found herself telling him about developing Resonance AI—all the excitement and the heartbreak. She even told him about losing the original prototype on a USB drive, and how Shirley had probably taken it.

“You built it five years ago? Why didn’t you ever release it?” Lawrence asked, genuinely curious.

Catherine poked at her soup, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “I was too young. I thought love was the most important thing. I didn’t want Waldo to feel pressured by my achievements, so I hid Resonance AI. I was actually planning to give it to him as an engagement gift.”

She looked up and laughed softly. “But honestly, I should thank him. If he hadn’t left me, I might never have realized my own worth. And I wouldn’t have met you.”

Lawrence listened quietly, his gaze warm and steady. “You should never have to hide your talent for anyone. From now on, just be yourself.”

Her eyes stung a little, but not from sadness. The heaviness she’d been carrying around finally lifted. “You’re right. I’m going to prove to everyone that Catherine Blair is not the family failure.”

Lawrence leaned in, a spark in his eyes. “Tomorrow, let’s go pick out wedding rings.”

She blinked in surprise, then grinned. “Sure. I’m starting my new job soon, so it’s about time I had a ring to show I’m married.”

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