The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 384

Chester's mouth was practically dry from talking so much, but he finally caught a glimmer of hesitation in Suzie's eyes. He pushed forward immediately.

"I know we haven't known each other long, but I can tell you're a driven, ambitious woman. Let's put aside the fact that I want to pursue you, or whether or not you'd ever marry me. I mean, if you wanted, we could go get a marriage license tomorrow and I could take care of you, so you'd never have to work another day in your life..."

His voice abruptly died in his throat as Suzie shot him an absolute death glare.

Chester coughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right, getting off-track. Sorry. Back to business. Look... you're raising three kids on your own. Food, clothes, school—that's a heavy burden. If you take your career to the next level, wouldn't that give them an even better life? Don't you agree?"

Having made his ultimate point, Chester finally fell silent, watching her intently.

Suzie remained quiet. Her fingers tightened around the invitation card, her mind racing.

In the past, her clients had come to her either through word-of-mouth or because of Timefly Studio's prestigious backing. Hayden had always promoted her under her alias, 'S-Dream'. Aside from her colleagues, no one knew her real identity. Out of respect for her privacy, Hayden had even put strict non-disclosure clauses in everyone's contracts. Whenever she did photoshoots, she wore heavy disguises, looking nothing like her true self.

But now, she was leaving the studio. Without their name backing her, she would either lose her client base entirely or be forced to step into the public eye.

She had hidden herself all those years to avoid Jamie Baylor. But now? She had no real reason to hide anymore.

Thrilled, Chester immediately seized the opening. "Great! If you decide to go, I'll take you dress shopping tomorrow afternoon?"

"No need. I have something to wear."

"Oh, so you do attend these kinds of things often," he teased.

Suzie shot him a look. "No. I just buy nice things when I see them. If that's all, you can go now. I'll text you tomorrow."