The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 165

hapter 118- An “LLove You”-1

Chapter 118: An “I Love You”-1

Ethan

I am leaning against the car when I see her leave the building. And everything else. matter.

My gaze locks on her immediately, following every step she takes, the way she holds her the way her hair moves in the gentle afternoon wind.

I smile without realizing it. As always.

She looks… Fine, but there’s something. I can’t say what exactly. Just… something.

I straighten up as soon as her approaches, circle the car, and open the door for her.

“Miss,” I say with a half-smile.

She smiles too, that smile of hers that… it disarms me.

“Thank you,” she replies.

I get in, close the door and circle the car, climbing into the driver’s seat.

The engine starts, and the silence between us is not uncomfortable… but it is not the same as other times.

What’s more… content.

I turn my face a little towards her as I move forward.

“How did it go today?” I ask.

I usually ask that question, always.

But today… I do it with a little more attention.

She looks out the window.

“Good,” she replies.

Simple and short. Too short.

I frown slightly, almost imperceptibly.

“Well?” I repeat with a slight smile. “That sounds like it didn’t go so well.”

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Chacter 118 An TLove You”-1

She lets out a small laugh, but doesn’t look at me.

“No, really… It was good. Meetings, company stuff.”

I nod slowly, but I don’t insist. Not yet.

My fingers gently tap the steering wheel as I drive.

“Anything interesting?” I ask, as if I don’t want to press.

She hesitates for a second.

I notice it.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” she finally says.

And there it is, that little space. That little one… filter. I know her.

I know when she omits something, not because she wants to lie… but because she does not want to give it importance. I clench my jaw slightly, but I relax my expression immediately.

I’m not going to push, not now.

I look straight ahead.

“I’m glad,” I answer simply.

And it’s true.

I’m glad it wasn’t a bad day. But something inside me… I just can’t quite believe it.

I look away from her for a second.

She continues to look out the window, thoughtful. Quiet on the outside… but with something moving inside.

I reach out my hand and place it on her, which rests nearby. I squeeze it gently.

“If you ever want to tell me,” I say quietly, “you know you can.”

I don’t look at her when I say it.

I give her space, but I leave the door open. Always.

I feel how her fingers react under mine, move, settle. And then… She also holds my hand strongly, softly, warmly and although she doesn’t say anything else… That tells me enough.

For now.

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Chapter 118: An I Love You”

The restaurant is quiet, warm light, low voices.

The sound of glasses and cutlery mixing with soft music in the background.

Nothing exaggerated, nothing invasive.

I look at her in front of me as the waiter walks away after taking the order.

Her hands are on the table, relaxed… Her expression is softer than it was a while ago.

More present, and I like that.

I lean back in my chair, still staring at her.

“I like to see you like this,” I say.

She looks up.

“So how?”

I smile slightly.

“Relax.”

She grimaces slightly, as if she’s not entirely convinced… but she does not dispute it.

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