Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 502

Rebecca hesitated before she spoke. “I’m really busy with work, and I have to focus on my classes soon. I just don’t have the time.”

Aaron let out a breath, looking almost relieved. “That’s alright. I’m busy too. It doesn’t bother me.”

Rebecca felt a headache coming on. She blamed herself for not being more straightforward. After a pause, she tried again. “Honestly, I’m not ready for a new relationship. You might’ve seen those stories online about me and my ex. Things ended pretty badly.”

Aaron nodded, his tone gentle. “It’s okay. We all have a past. I get it.”

“I’m sorry. I hope you find someone who’s right for you.”

Aaron’s smile turned stiff. He could tell Rebecca wasn’t interested. Just then, the waiter brought out a table full of dim sum and tea. Aaron focused on eating, not saying another word about the date.

When they finished, Rebecca stood up, ready to pay. Before she could move, Aaron shot out of his seat like a startled rabbit and made it to the register first. He paid in record time.

Rebecca could only shake her head, pulling out her phone to transfer him the money. Aaron waved her off. “No, really, it’s fine.”

He fidgeted, his ears turning red. “Um… would you mind if we exchanged numbers? I promise, I won’t bother you or anything.”

Rebecca glanced down, let out a soft sigh, and nodded. “Okay.”

They added each other and then left the restaurant together, parting ways at the door. Aaron had barely walked a few steps when his phone buzzed. He checked it. Rebecca had sent him money for breakfast. He sighed, put his phone away, and kept walking.

Rebecca did the same, slipping her phone into her bag. The morning was bright, the air crisp and fresh. She closed her eyes for a moment, stretching her arms out to the sky, feeling a rare sense of peace.

She started heading home, but stopped short when she heard movement ahead. A man turned to face her, and for a second, she forgot how to breathe.

It’s Paul. She hadn’t seen him in ages. He looked thinner, his features more defined, his whole vibe a little older, a little more worn down than before.

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