Forsaking the Years of Longing
Forsaking Billionaire 94

Chapter 18

Daphne gazed at the man in front of her. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity about him, one that made her heart tremble lightly. "Friends?" she asked softly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"Yes, friends," Matthew replied, his eyes steady yet warm, as if he could see into her very thoughts.

"But only if we keep this friendship a secret from your brother."

Daphne frowned slightly, her curiosity about this "strange man"

growing, though she couldn't explain why she instinctively felt he me antnoharm.

"Well then, hello. I'm Daphne."

Her gentle smile was like the soft sunlight of spring, instantly warming Matthew's heart.

Matthew was captivated by that smile, as if it transported him back to the tender moments of their past.

"Hello, I'm Matthew," he replied softly, his heart heavy with bittersweet emotions. That smile- it had been far too long since he'd seen it.

After the event ended, Daphne was busy exchanging business cards and receiving invitations from attendees. She bid Matthew a brief goodbye before hurrying off with her colleagues. Outside, Matthew's assistant, catching sight of Daphne, whispered in shock, "Mr. Roberts, isn't that your wife?"

Matthew's expression grew complicated, and he nodded slightly, emotions swirling in his heart.

"Starting over.. even as friends.. might be okay," he murmured to himself, as if trying to reassure himself.

On the drive back to the office, Daphne's chatty coworker, Maia, sidled up to her with a mischievous grin. "Daphne, that was Matthew Roberts- the CEO of Roberts Group!

How do you know him?"

Daphne chuckled lightly, her tone casual.

"Oh, I just met him today. I didn't even know he was the CEO of Roberts Group until you told me." Maia's eyes widened in awe.

"Wow! Daphne, you have incredible luck! I need to stick close to you - maybe I'll end up with a rich husband, too!" In the days that followed, Daphne began receiving daily deliveries of flowers at her desk-different varieties each time. The bouquets came with no note or name attached, like silent expressions of affection from a mysterious admirer. Though Daphne repeatedly declined them, the flowers always appeared without fail, as if prearranged.

Zoey, one of her coworkers, teased her one day.

"Roses are romantic,' huh? Daphne, this is next-level romance!

Are you secretly dating someone?"

Daphne shook her head awkwardly, sighing in exasperation.

"Not at all. I don't even know who's sending them."

Maia chimed in, grinning.

"A secret admirer this devoted? Daphne, you're seriously blessed!"

Daphne sat at her desk, filled with a mix of curiosity and confusion. She mentally ran through possible suspects but couldn't pinpoint the identity of her mysterious admirer.

After a busy day, as the golden hues of sunset painted her way home, Daphne realized it was Friday-her long-awaited weekend was finally beginning.

She left the office feeling light, pondering what to treat herself to for dinner when a Rolls-Royce Phantom suddenly stopped in front of her.

Startled, Daphne's heart skipped a beat as the luxurious car came to a halt.

As she prepared to walk around it, the window rolled down, revealing a man dressed impeccably, wearing sunglasses.

"Get in," the man said calmly.

"You are..."

Before she could finish, the man smoothly removed his sunglasses, his familiar smile curving at the corners of his lips.

It was Matthew.

As if drawn by some invisible force, Daphne opened the door and slid into the car.

"Where to?" she asked, turning to him with her sparkling, doe- like eyes.

Matthew leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them until their breaths mingled.

His deep, bright eyes fixed on hers, carrying a dangerous charm, as if he might kiss her the very next second.

"Little girl, you don't even know where you're going, and yet you're daring enough to get in a stranger's car?" he teased with a sly grin.