Hilliard tenderly gripped her shoulders, ensuring their eyes met.
âDr@per is not a good man.
I helped you sever that engagement.
Now you have the freedom to choose who to marry.
Isnât that a positive outcome?â
His words ignited Jenniferâs anger.
âHilliard, you sent those officers to bring Dr@per to my house so he could belittle me before my family.
You are mocking me, right? You are trying to prove that no one will marry me but you, and that I am a cheap woman!â
Tears welled up her eyes as she vented.
At work, she had always put up an act of a tough woman to protect herself from bullies.
This built her resilience and made her this very strong character.
However, the events of the afternoon, especially Dr@perâs humiliation in Hilliardâs presence, had crushed her spirit.
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With great care, Hilliard wiped her tears away with a tissue, being mindful not to smudge her makeup as he had before.
Cyrus had taught him the art of being a thoughtful lover.
He had advised that speaking sweet words sincerely would make a woman happy, regardless of the words chosen.
Hilliard tried to recall some of the sweet phrases Cyrus had taught him.
But anxiety overwhelmed Hilliard.
This prevented him from remembering them.
He wanted to comfort her, but he could only manage to say, âJennifer, I⦠I didnât mean thatâ¦â
Jennifer fixed her unwavering gaze on him and demanded, âThen what did you mean?â
âI⦠I didnât mean anything.
I justâ¦â
Jennifer was at a loss for words.
What sort of explanation was that?
âWell, if you didnât mean anything, then tell me precisely what youâre trying to say,â she pressed, seeking clarity.
Hilliardâs anxiety left him utterly speechless.
He gaped at Jennifer and wasnât able to muster a single word.
Jennifer, watching his bewildered expression, couldnât help but break into laughter.
Hilliard was somewhat embarrassed but he seized the opportunity to speak since she was in a better mood.
âJennifer, Iâve never been in love so Iâm the least experienced in matters of the heart.
I also donât know how to say endearing words to a woman.
But this time, I genuinely want to win you back, and Iâll never mock you.
You came all the way from Forden to Gliethien and even followed me to Stastle just to be with me.
For an entire year, you refused your fatherâs wishes to return home and learn to run the Turner Group, all because of me.
â
He paused and then continued with emotion and sincerity, âThis time, Iâm willing to make concessions for you.
If youâre not ready for an engagement, I can wait as long as it takes until you change your mind.
â