As soon as she said that, a mix of emotions washed over everyone. The smiles on our faces all turned a little bitter.

“So, it’s true then? Men really are all bad news?” one of the women said.

“It’s just not fair,” another woman complained. “Men get to mess around all they want, but women have to play by the rules. And when a marriage falls apart, it’s always the woman’s fault. Will we women ever get a fair shake?”

It seemed like no one had a perfect answer to this major question in life.

At lunchtime, the student who was treating us looked pretty important. He grinned and said, “Actually, I’m not the one picking up the tab tonight. Turns out, someone mysterious is treating us.”

“He’s the major shareholder of this Manor Hotel. Most of you probably don’t know him, but just call him Mr. Jennings, that’ll do,” he added.

I was chatting with someone when I heard the name Jennings. My mind just short-circuited for a moment.

Premium wine was brought into the restaurant, its aroma filling the air. Everyone toasted and savored their drinks.

As the lunch dishes were being served, a tall figure stepped inside.

I already knew who it was without even looking.

“Mr. Jennings, it’s an honor to be invited by you,” the middle-aged student who’d handled the arrangements said, stepping forward with excitement to shake Edward’s hand.

It hit me then–Edward was the one who’d invited all of us here today.

After the greetings, Edward took a seat and started talking about how things run at the Manor Hotel. A few of the hotel’s senior managers were there with him.

The whole conversation was in English, and Edward’s English was so smooth, totally native-level. His deep, magnetic voice was like some kind of invisible charm–every word he spoke seemed to draw me in, whether I wanted it or not.

“Why am I getting distracted?” I wondered, catching myself zoning out.

Edward hadn’t even glanced my way since he walked in. He was busy chatting with everyone but me.

So naturally, everyone just figured he was here to get to know the hotel management crowd, make things easier for his business empire.

Lunch was buzzing with chatter, and after two glasses of wine, I found an excuse to slip out for some air.

I’d heard there was a gorgeous garden and vineyard behind the Manor Hotel.

Alone, I wandered over to take in the view.

On my way, I saw plenty of hotel guests with their kids, snapping photos for their socials and making memories.

People from every corner of the globe, all kinds of faces and skin tones, mingled together.

Watching all this, I couldn’t help but feel restless inside.

With so many people in the world, love still comes down to just two souls crossing paths.

‘Does it really take five hundred years of fate just to end up together on the same boat?’ I wondered to myself.

If it takes five hundred years just to cross paths, does it take ten thousand years to end up as husband and wife?’ I couldn’t help but wonder.

My mind was wandering all over the place, and honestly, I was being way too melodramatic.

Maybe that’s just how it is–even if you claim you’re done with love and feelings, there’s always that one person whose shadow lingers in your heart, no matter what you say.

Standing by the garden, I watched a little stone fish fountain, its mouth constantly shooting out streams of water.

It was lively and kind of cute.

I took out my phone and shot a quick video.

Suddenly, I heard Edward’s voice behind me. “Sorry, I should’ve given you a heads up.”

I didn’t turn around. My voice was calm as I said, “Mr. Jennings, you’re bold and well-connected–no wonder you’re such a powerhouse in the business world.”

Noticing how formal I was being, Edward took a step closer. “Are you still upset about last night?”

I turned around to look at him.

Today, Edward was wearing an iron-gray suit with a matching vest and a crisp white shirt underneath. He looked all business, but there was no hiding that masculine charm.

Every gesture, every movement, radiated a presence that was impossible to ignore.

“I’m not mad,” I said coolly. “Go take care of your business.”

Edward looked a little taken aback by how distant I was acting all of a sudden.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, worry in his voice.