Chapter 254

Rachel turned and said to William, “Honestly, there’s no need to go through all this trouble. We’re already together now, so it’s…”

What she really meant was there was no need for William to keep putting on this act. His performance didn’t come across as romantic at all. If anything, it felt nauseating.

But William just chuckled and affectionately ruffled her hair. “Silly girl, how could it be trouble? I want us to look back on these memories when we’re old and gray. It’ll be something worth remembering.”

Rachel couldn’t help the bitter sarcasm rising in her chest as she looked at William’s face. He still looked as gentle and affectionate as always, looking at her with patient, loving eyes. But to her, it all felt unfamiliar now.

She wanted to ask him, when he said ‘old and gray,’ wasn’t he really thinking of Samantha? Someday, they would grow old together and watch videos like this, reminiscing about their love story.

Since William seemed so committed to his little show, she didn’t bother trying to talk him out of it anymore. “Sure, whatever makes you happy.”

“Now then, Mrs. Lewis, you’ve got time to have dinner with me, haven’t you? And that gift you got me, can I open it tonight?” The way he said ‘Mrs. Lewis,’ his voice deep and hoarse, carried a tenderness that could melt anyone’s heart.

Rachel couldn’t help but think that if she hadn’t already known about him and Samantha, she might’ve been completely fooled by all this. This whole honey-coated performance he tailored just for her? She used to be helplessly drawn in, but not anymore.

Standing off to the side, Cecilia felt like an awkward third wheel and quietly slipped away.

When Rachel came back to her senses, she realized Cecilia had already vanished. She let out a long sigh. She’d been hoping to use Cecilia’s presence as an excuse to politely turn William down. But now, it seemed there was no escaping it.

Fine. She’d just treat it as their final dinner together before parting ways.

“Let’s go.”

Just as they were about to leave, William paused, “What about the roses?”

Rachel pursed her lips. She had hoped he wouldn’t notice. After all, red roses symbolized love, and whatever love they had between them was long gone and replaced by nothing but lies.

Holding that bouquet made her feel like she was mocking herself. She had discreetly left it on the dining table earlier while William was distracted putting away the USB drive.

She paused for a moment and said, “Uhh, it’s kind of awkward carrying them around. Why don’t we just treat them as a housewarming gift for Cecilia? The place could use a fresh scent anyway.”

William frowned. “If you want to give her a gift, we can buy something else. I picked those out for you.”

Rachel genuinely felt uncomfortable carrying them around. They felt like a joke to her.

She slipped her arms around William’s waist and looked up with a sweet, playful expression. “You can buy me another bouquet next time, okay? My hands hurt lately, and it’s tiring to carry things. Just let Cecilia have them. She’s never even received flowers before.”

William was caught off guard; Rachel rarely acted this way. She was always quiet and not the type to express much emotion. She preferred doing things for others in silence.

Her sudden change in tone and the way she clung to him like this was irresistible. He softened immediately. “Alright, alright. Whatever you say. Let’s consider it a gift for her then.”

Only then did Rachel finally let out a sigh of relief. She stepped back from his arms and stood up straight. “Let’s go.”

William drove them to the restaurant, Rachel glanced at her watch; time had flown. It was already past seven in the evening.

Pop!

When they arrived, she had barely stepped inside when a shower of confetti rained down on her.

Rachel flinched in surprise.

The restaurant had been redecorated. Her favorite flowers were everywhere. It was a pleasant sight. William had even arranged for a violinist and a pianist to perform.

As she walked in, the soft, familiar tune began to play.

It was their song from college, the one they had both loved.