17
After Benjamin finished speaking, Jasmine was momentarily stunned, then shook her head.“Benjamin, don’t blame yourself. It has nothing to do with you. Even if it wasn’t Rosalie, it would have been someone else.”
Adrian’s heart was too big, capable of holding her and others simultaneously. His love wasn’t pure, wasn’t lasting.
“It’s alright that you don’t blame yourself. Don’t call me Benjamin Shaw anymore. Call me Ben,” Benjamin said, trying to sound lighthearted. “I’m quitting law. I’ve decided to join you in your philanthropic endeavors. I’ll be your assistant.”
“You don’t need to do this. I’m fine,” Jasmine declined.
“I know you’re fine. I just want to learn from you and contribute,” Benjamin said, feigning ignorance of her refusal. He smiled, taking the textbook from her hands and continuing the lesson for the children.
Benjamin stayed in the village, spending most of his time helping with the construction and teaching the children.
His care for Jasmine was meticulous, anticipating her needs. While maintaining a safe distance, he showered her with affection.
The villagers could see his affection for her. Granny Beth often urged Jasmine to accept him.
Jasmine was troubled.
One evening, as the sun set, Jasmine climbed onto a platform to watch the sunset.
Benjamin appeared beside her, offering her a peeled apple.
“Try it. It’s sweet.”
“Thank you,” Jasmine took the apple but didn’t eat it, gazing at the sky ablaze with color.
“Ben, are you really happy staying here?” she asked softly.
“Yes,” Benjamin nodded.“I’m happy wherever you are.
“I know your feelings, but I can’t love
again, I’m not capable of it. Don’t waste your time on me out of guilt,” she returned the apple.“I found a worm in an apple the other day. I won’t eat them anymore.”
“Jasmine, life is long. I believe you’ll eventually move on, believe in love again. If you don’t like apples, there are other fruits,” Benjamin insisted. He wasn’t motivated by guilt; he genuinely loved Jasmine.
He’d loved her since he first saw her five years ago.
He’d deliberately joined Thornton Industries as a lawyer, doing everything he could to be near her.
No matter how long it took, he would wait.
Even if he spent a lifetime as just a friend, as long as she was safe and happy, he would be content,
The sun set, the twilight swallowed by darkness. Jasmine remained silent, quietly getting up and leaving.
Oh well, if he can’t be persuaded, then so be it. He’ll eventually come around.
Meanwhile, Adrian never gave up searching for Jasmine. Every time he followed a lead, he’d find she’d bought tickets to another location, She was deliberately avoiding him.
Adrian’s anxiety grew, his temperament worsening. Several times during business meetings, he lost his temper, costing the company millions. The shareholders protested, demanding a change in CEO and for Adrian to personally cover the losses.
The shareholders cornered him in his office.
“Mr. Thorne, the company has suffered significant losses. We’re not accepting that.”
“If you’re letting personal feelings affect your work, you should consider stepping down.”
“The company doesn’t belong to you alone. You must also consider our interests. We’ve already informed Mrs. Thorne. If you persist, we’ll sell
our shares and withdraw our investment.”
07.18
ཤོག་ ོག་ཆོག་བློ་བད
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Adrian didn’t react to their threats, completely ignoring them.
At that moment, his assistant rushed in, out of breath.“Mr. Thorne, we have a lead on Mrs. Thorne!”
