After Mason was injured saving Phoenix, Mr. Reed began regularly inviting him to dinner.
Under her father’s subtle matchmaking. Mason and Phoenix quickly grew comfortable with each other.
“Professor sent me to bring you some fruit.”
Mason placed the fruit platter on the table beside Phoenix’s casel.
Phoenix nodded acknowledgment but continued painting, not pausing to rest.
Mason sat on a nearby stool, watching her work.
When Phoenix finally completed the painting and stretched, she was surprised to find Mason still sitting there.
“You’re still here?”
Mason stood and walked behind her to view the painting.
“What do you think? Is it good?”
Mason nodded approvingly. “It’s beautiful.”
Phoenix was still curious about their earlier conversation. “Did we know each other before?”
This question had been bothering her. She’d tried asking her father, but he always replied with an evasive smile. When she asked Mason directly, he typically answered with:
“If you’ve forgotten, let it be.”
This time, however, Mason broke pattern with his response.
“Have dinner with me tomorrow, and I’ll tell you.”
Phoenix knew Mason wanted to pursue her.
Though she had no interest in dating, this seemed like a good opportunity to clarify things with him.
“Alright.”
They met at an Italian restaurant Mason had chosen.
When Phoenix arrived, Mason was already waiting.
The server guided her to the table, and Mason presented her with a bouquet.
Phoenix inhaled the fragrance of the elegantly packaged jasmine. “Thank you for the flowers. I love it.”
Chapter 15
Mason pressed further: “And what about me?”
Phoenix was caught off–guard and after a long pause, began, “Mason, I think…”
Mason interrupted her, “No need to rush a rejection. This restaurant is excellent, let’s eat first.”
As a suitor, Mason was exemplary–attentive at school, respectful in conversation, never making her uncomfortable.
But Phoenix had been deeply hurt by Julian. She had given her whole heart only to have it trampled.
Thoughts of Julian made Phoenix restless. She barely touched her food but drank more than usual, becoming slightly tipsy.
Mason took away her wine glass, gently advising, “That’s enough. You’ll get drunk.”
Phoenix looked at him, alcohol loosening her tongue: “How did we know each other before? Why don’t I remember you at all?”
Mason started to answer but was interrupted when Phoenix said, “I don’t want to love again. Being hurt is too painful.”
With the mild intoxication, Phoenix’s previously suppressed emotions surfaced.
From her fragmentary words, Mason pieced together the general situation.
Mason’s eyes filled with sympathy as he watched the now–tipsy Phoenix. He gently tapped her nose, “I wish I’d confessed to you sooner. I met you first, after all.”
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