Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla) novel Chapter 898

That meant Herman's love life was destined to be difficult.

James had told him to be more proactive, but Herman knew that simply wouldn't work.

With a strong, independent woman who had no interest in romantic relationships, suddenly pursuing her would only lead to one outcome. He would be rejected immediately.

When someone had been single for a long time, even the sudden appearance of a new person in their life could feel intrusive, let alone starting a relationship. Just showing up could already feel like a disturbance.

Herman was a steady, cautious man. He preferred stability in everything.

So all these years, he had kept his feelings for Blake to himself.

No one knew.

Not even Blake.

In truth, he didn't dare let her find out.

Herman was highly self-controlled and experienced. He never revealed his emotions, so he hid it well.

But if things continued like this, nothing would ever come of it.

Fortunately, fate had been somewhat kind to him.

Herman and Blake were coworkers. One time, by chance, they attended a work dinner together and drank a bit too much. Somewhere between tipsy and drunk, things went further than expected.

That had happened one or two years ago.

When they woke up, there was no dramatic conflict or emotional fallout.

Two stable adults simply took a moment to accept what had happened. Then they sat there smoking, the atmosphere strangely calm.

Herman still remembered that although he had been thrilled inside, he forced himself not to show any emotion.

"Do you see other women outside of this?" Blake had asked.

"No," Herman had replied.

Blake studied him. He was a seasoned operator, and she knew better than to take his words at face value. At most, she believed part of it. "Then we can meet up when we're both free?" she asked.

Herman had gone quiet for two seconds, then smiled. "If I said no, that would just be pretending."

And just like that, they became regular partners in a purely physical arrangement.

Herman never brought up feelings or responsibility.

Blake reacted exactly as he had expected. She had no intention of turning it into anything emotional. She only cared about whether the arrangement worked in practice.

If it worked, they continued. If not, they stopped.

She was that straightforward.

Like a kite without a string, Blake didn't tie herself to anyone. No one could hold her down.

Everything about the way she carried herself only made Herman more drawn to her.

No one knew about their relationship.

And no one could know.

If it came to light, it would fall apart instantly.

After they became regular partners, whenever Blake called, Herman would go to her. When it was over, he would leave on his own.

Blake never asked him to stay the night.

She didn't have feelings for Herman, but they had known each other for years. Talking casually like this was normal for them. She added, "Are you jealous? Thinking about dating?"

"I don't know," Herman said.

"If you want to date, then we should stop meeting like this," Blake said. There wasn't a trace of regret in her tone.

Herman felt the sting of that. She really was ruthless.

And yet, the way she was so decisive only made her more attractive to him.

Maybe he really was drawn to this kind of pain.

"Blake."

Herman was a very composed man, almost as imposing as Draven. When he said her name, there was a quiet intensity to him. Blake's gaze deepened slightly.

Herman didn't notice. He simply asked, "If I leave, will you find someone who works better with you than I do?"

Blake stepped closer and looked him over. "Losing you would be a shame, but I wouldn't stand in the way of you finding what you want," she said.

Cold-hearted woman.

Even he, after two years of this, felt reluctant to let go. But Blake showed no attachment at all.

It hurt, but at the same time, it pulled him in even more.

He took her hand and pressed a light kiss to her fingers. "One more time," he said.

The next day, they saw each other at the company and worked together as usual.

Blake was distant and indifferent again.