Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Looking at Dashiell now was like looking at a random stranger on the street. I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe, watching Kieran in his suit looking absolutely miserable behind him. The whole scene was almost amusing. But Dashiell was oblivious, talking frantically: "I went to your office, but they said you'd transferred to Austin. So I flew to Austin, but they said you were working too much overtime and they gave you time off..." "But I didn't give up. I searched multiple cities and finally found you." He looked relieved. Then he said seriously: "Aurelia, we'll never fight again. No more cold wars." "I'll do everything you've ever wanted to do. Because losing you made me realize-I love you." Dashiell studied my face, looking for any sign of joy. When he saw my blank expression, he repeated passionately: "Aurelia Sterling, I love you. I'm certain now-I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Time seemed to stop. Everything was still silent. Kieran broke the silence first. His voice was low and dark: "Dude, you have a girlfriend." I looked at Dashiell and nodded: "Maybe you should ask my boyfriend if he's okay with you confessing to me." He froze. "Boyfriend?" he asked automatically. Then I watched the color drain from Dashiell's face. He looked back and forth between Kieran and me in disbelief. His expression crumbled. "You... you two..." Dashiell backed away like he was facing some kind of monster, his face full of horror: "You're together?" I nodded calmly: "We weren't before, but thanks to you, we are now." 16:24 Dour Hublu Your Mauast Motukan Thilukina Di Don Instead of Du........ 21 10 Chapter 10 I stepped forward and took Kieran's hand: "My boyfriend breaks out every time you're mentioned. So-" I held up our intertwined hands. "Thanks." Kieran looked stunned, barely maintaining his cool composure as he said to Dashiell with a shaky voice: "Thank you." Dashiell looked completely lost when he left. I didn't understand what he had to be sad about. In our three years together, I'd shown him family photos countless times, but he'd always just glanced at them dismissively. He didn't even know my family. What right did he have to talk about love now? After landing this project, I was finally established in Austin. That morning, looking at my polished, confident reflection, I couldn't help wondering: Was I glowing from the bonus money, Austin's mild climate, being close to family, or Kieran's devotion? I put on lipstick and slipped into heels. Walking toward the sunrise, I stepped into my new future. Love is like tending a garden. realized the best gardener is always yourself. 16:24 Dear Hubby Your Biggest Mistake? Thinking I'd Rog Instead of Burn 21 90 hapter 11