He Swore He Hated Seafood, So Why Did His Lips Taste Like Oysters? - Chapter 67: Chapter 67

"Nope."
Are you kidding me? I hadn't even figured out my last marriage yet, and he wanted me to jump into another mess? No way in hell!
But seeing how bummed out Ryan looked after I shot him down, I did feel kind of bad:
"I don't even have my divorce certificate yet. Whether I'll ever get married again—it's way too early to even think about that. Plus..."
I dropped the smile and got serious:
"You're an only child. If I'd never been married before, maybe we'd have a shot. But the reality is I got married and divorced within six months. Your parents would never be okay with me."
"Who says?! They know I've had a thing for you! For years and years!"
I don't know how to respond.
If I hadn't randomly decided to prod Ryan earlier, I never would've believed it.
The guy—who'd been my sworn enemy since we were kids—actually liked me?!
My heart was all over the place, so I made up some excuse and went back to my room.
I kept thinking about How'd Ryan used to shield me whenever something dangerous happened when we were little.
How he'd absolutely trash every actor I ever had a crush on.
And how'd he look so miserable at my wedding, downing drink after drink while Blake and I said our vows.
I couldn't sleep.
The next morning, Ryan and I got on the plane home.
Neither of us brought up what happened the night before. After landing in Manhattan, we went our separate ways.
When Dad got back, he told me about what had happened to the Blakes while I was away.
"That Amber girl got send to the countryside by Blake's mom. I heard she was crying and carrying on outside their gate for ages the day she left, but nobody paid her any mind."
Even with Blake's dad and Blake working together, their company was still going downhill.
Stock prices kept dropping. Shareholders were pissed and demanding answers from Blake.
Blake stepped down as chairman and started over from the bottom.
He was almost living at the office now, never going home.
The only time he went back to the family house was the day they kicked Amber out.
But while she was bawling her eyes out, he just stood inside the doorway, watching with no emotion.
Marcus sent me that photo. He also sent a voice message:
"Your ex sure is ruthless. Good thing you woke up early and didn't waste more time on that jerk."
Three and a half years. I'd given Blake everything I had.
If I'd known it would end like this, I wish I'd never met him.
On the day we were picking up our divorce certificate, Blake showed up a little late.
After a month apart, that whole 'stay away from me' vibe he had going was even stronger.
But when he saw me, his expression did soften a bit.
"Victoria, looks like you've been doing pretty well."
I looked well—healthy and glowing.
He looked hell—exhausted and hadn't even bothered shaving properly.
The contrast was pretty obvious.
I smiled and walked into city hall first.
After we got the papers, I just shoved them in my bag.
Blake followed behind me and quietly said, "I'm sorry."
I pretended didn't hear him, waved, and got in Ryan's car.
I have no idea what changed his mind.
After we went home separately that day, he disappeared for a few days.
Yesterday he suddenly showed up at our place with a bunch of expensive supplements, telling Dad he wanted to marry me.
After the whole Blake disaster, Dad was way more careful about my love life.
Even though he'd watched Ryan grow up, he wasn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat. Just said it was completely up to me.
It was like Ryan had suddenly found his groove.
"I'm gonna court you for real this time, and I won't give up until you marry me!"
I know how stubborn he can be.
I didn't say no. Just told him I'd give him a chance.
Will I actually end up marrying Ryan? Honestly, I'm not sure.
But this time, I'm for sure gonna love myself more.
I come first, no matter what.