Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 110

Chapter 34

Two months later, Daphne's life gradually returned to its former calm and order, like the thaw of spring.

During this time, Jonathan kept Daphne constantly by his side, refusing to let her out of his sight again. Daphne resumed her role as Jonathan's secretary, frequently traveling and attending meetings, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Yet, ever since Matthew's startling words two months ago, a storm of questions had been brewing in her heart. Whenever she tried to delve deeper, a searing pain shot through her head, as though her brain were being electrocuted, forcing her to abandon her thoughts. "Daphne, we have a client meeting today. Get ready," Jonathan's sudden call interrupted her daydreaming in the office.

"Got it, Mr. Walker," Daphne replied playfully, a professional smile quickly gracing her lips. She glanced at Matthew's office across the way and gave him a cheeky wink.

On the drive to the meeting, the atmosphere in the car was lighthearted.

"Hey, Jonathan, don't you think I'm the most versatile secretary in the entire company? Driver, babysitter, crisis manager -you name it! Don't you think my salary should be doubled?" she joked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Jonathan, unable to resist her charm, chuckled. "Fine, fine. If it makes you happy, doubling your salary isn't out of the question."

Their casual banter carried them all the way to the upscale hotel where their meeting was scheduled.

As they stepped into the elevator, Daphne followed closely behind Jonathan, maintaining her composed, professional demeanor. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a fleeting figure caught her eye.

It was just a glimpse, but it stirred something deep within her.

"Calvin? What's he doing here?" she thought, a wave of unease rippling through her.

But logic quickly intervened -this man looked nothing like Calvin.

"What's wrong?" Jonathan asked, noticing her distracted look.

"Nothing, just thought I saw someone I knew," Daphne replied with an awkward smile, suddenly remembering Matthew was nearby.

Once the elevator doors opened, they proceeded to the private room for their meeting. Despite her best efforts to stay focused, Daphne couldn't shake the lingering unease from earlier.

The negotiations went smoothly, and on the drive back home, Jonathan noticed Daphne's preoccupied demeanor.

"Daphne, is something bothering you? You've been looking distracted all day," he asked gently.

Daphne sighed softly and offered a harmless excuse, "Probably just tired from the afternoon. I'll be fine after some rest."

"Are you sure? You're not feeling unwell, are you?" Jonathan's concern was evident in his eyes.

"I'm fine. Really. Just need to rest," Daphne reassured him, forcing a faint smile.

Jonathan touched her forehead to check for a fever, and, finding nothing amiss, finally relaxed.

Back home, Daphne sat on the edge of her bed, lost in thought.

Calvin's image had begun surfacing in her mind unexpectedly since the incident, leaving her both confused and curious.

Her reverie was interrupted by a notification on her phone-a message from Matthew.

"Daphne, can you come downstairs? I'd like to see you."

Since their last meeting at the hospital, Daphne hadn't seen or heard from Matthew and assumed he had disappeared from her life for good. Yet, here he was, reaching out to her again. Remembering Matthew's Cryptic words that day, Daphne felt an overwhelming need for answers. With Jonathan occupied in his room, she quietly slipped downstairs.

Under the moonlight, Matthew's figure appeared particularly solitary. Daphne approached cautiously, her voice soft. "You were looking for me?"

Matthew turned to face her, and Daphne was taken aback.

In just two months, he seemed to have aged considerably. His unshaven stubble gave him a rugged, world-weary appearance.

"Daphne, long time no see," he said, his voice tinged with an unfamiliar melancholy.