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Novel Catalog
Chapter 97
Catherine’s breath caught in her throat as she stood frozen, her heart racing. She stared at the pink roses in Wesley’s hand, their delicate petals reflecting the soft light of the restaurant. His words hung in the air between them, more delicate than the flowers he had offered her, yet somehow far more weighty.
Wesley had always been kind to her, offering support when she needed it most. But this? This was unexpected. She could feel the sincerity in his eyes, the tenderness of his gaze that had never been directed at her this way before. Her mind swirled, torn between her gratitude for him and the sudden, overwhelming rush of emotions his confession stirred within her.
For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. Her eyes flickered to the flowers, then back to his face, unsure of the right words to say.
“I—Wesley, I—” she started, but her voice faltered. Her thoughts were a tangled mess, unsure of where to begin. Her mind flashed to Ethan—her history with him, the way things had ended, the chaos that had followed. Then there was Shaun, and the complicated feelings she had for him, which had never fully faded despite the tension between them.
She wasn’t sure if she was ready to entertain anything new, especially with someone like Wesley. He was kind, strong, and had been a rock in a storm. But could she allow herself to fall for him when her past was still so tangled?
Wesley noticed her hesitation and his smile softened, his voice lowering to something more tender, almost apologetic. “I didn’t mean to overwhelm you,” he said gently. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. If you’re not ready for this, I understand. I’ll respect your space. But I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer.”
Catherine was touched by his words. There was no pressure in his tone, only understanding. He was giving her a choice, a chance to decide on her own terms, and that made her heart ache with appreciation.
Still, she wasn’t sure what her heart was telling her. She had spent so much time guarding it, keeping it safe after everything she had gone through. But here he was, offering her warmth and understanding, asking nothing in return but a chance to be there for her.
Taking a deep breath, Catherine finally spoke, her voice soft yet steady. “Wesley, you’ve been so good to me, and I don’t want to hurt you… I just don’t know what I’m ready for right now. My life is still a bit of a mess, and I’m not sure I’m in a place where I can give anyone—”
“I understand,” Wesley interrupted, a quiet smile playing at the corner of his lips. “You don’t have to decide anything today. I just wanted you to know. I’m here for you, Cathy, no matter what.”
His words left her breathless. There was something so reassuring in his promise—he wasn’t pushing her for an answer. Instead, he was giving her the space to make up her mind, to come to him on her own terms.
The air between them felt lighter now, and though the confession had shaken her, Catherine felt something shift in her chest. Wesley’s presence was comforting, and perhaps, just maybe, it was something she could allow herself to embrace. In time.
For now, though, they were just two people, having lunch together—nothing more, nothing less.