Gazing deeply into her eyes, Raphael inquired, âLike we are?â
Detecting a hint of inquiry in Raphaelâs eyes, Olivia recognized the maturity that came with the passing years.
She understood his unspoken question about the potential between them.
She understood his unspoken question about the potential between them.
After a brief contemplation, Olivia replied honestly, âNot quite so.
â
A flicker of disappointment crossed Raphaelâs face.
After a pause, he inquired softly, âHow is Leyla?â
âSheâs doing well,â Olivia replied.
In the solitude of the moment, Raphaelâs voice took on a hushed tone as he broached a sensitive topic.
âOlivia, if you havenât found anyone suitable, maybe you could consider me.
Even if itâs without love, at least we could.
.
â
He hesitated, unable to articulate his thoughts.
âs BunnyBookery
Once spoken, such words couldnât be retrieved, like spilled water.
After a moment of contemplation, Olivia responded earnestly, âRaphael, I donât want to deceive you.
At the same time, I also want to stay true to myself.
â
Raphael understood what she meant.
Respecting her decision, Raphael ceased his persuasion.
They stood together in silence.
Olivia shared something about the little girl, while Raphael updated her on the current situation of some of their college classmates.
They used to love each other, but now they just talked about the past Like old friends.
One had moved forward.
The other, however, might find the memories indelible.
Olivia tilted her head slightly, offering a smile.
âI heard you recently went on a blind date.
Did you meet someone promising?â
Raphael paused contemplatively for nearly two minutes.
Meeting her gaze, he replied slowly, âThereâs a woman who recently returned from studying abroad.
She hails from a family dipping in the textiles industry, and sheâs in her early thirties.
Her personality is quite nice.
It might work out.
â
Olivia wasnât surprised in the least.
Given Raphaelâs handsome face and successful career, finding a suitable partner was effortless.
She sighed, expressing surprise that he hadnât ended up with Sharon in the end.
Nevertheless, she offered her congratulations.
Suddenly, Raphael posed a question.
âOlivia, if Dylan werenât in the picture, could there have been something between us?â
Olivia was momentarily taken aback.
She hadnât anticipated Raphael bringing up Dylan once again.
As she snapped back to reality, she gazed out into the dark night.
Her voice barely above a whisper, she uttered, âRaphael, when youâre married and have a child, you wonât ask about such things again.
â