Chapter 12: Crush

Theodore wanted to pull his hand back, but for some reason, he hesitated. There was an odd desire to make this moment last a little longer, perhaps much longer.

“Mr. J, where are you going?” Summer raised her voice and asked again.

Lost in thought, Theodore finally snapped out of it. He glanced at the street sign and blurted out on impulse, “Take me to Victory District on Chestnut.”

Summer replied loudly, “Got it! It’s not far, just up ahead!”

Mr. J is probably just like me—a poor soul.

Victory District on Chestnut Lane is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, mostly populated by migrant workers. Mr. J, despite his well-dressed appearance, likely wore only a uniform. His private life must be much harder than it seems. Why else would he visit the Sullivan Medical Clinic?

Summer composed herself, and soon they were speeding toward Victory District.

“We’re here,” Summer said, stopping the electric scooter with one foot on the ground, turning back toward Theodore.

Theodore slowly dismounted and took in the unfamiliar surroundings. Reluctantly, he handed the helmet back to Summer.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

“You helped me, and I helped you—fair’s fair,” Summer replied cheerfully, flashing him a smile as she took the helmet. “Bye now, see you around!”

With that, she turned and zipped away on her scooter, the sound of its engine fading into the distance. Theodore stood there for a long time, smiling as he watched her disappear.

Dr. Norton, she’s really something else, huh? He looked around, imagining for a moment what life would be like if his fiancée were Summer. Life after marriage would definitely be interesting, right?

Wait. What was he thinking? He must be losing it. He already had a fiancée. And despite his resistance, he had no choice but to marry her.

Just thinking about his fiancée soured Theodore’s mood. His phone rang. Samuel’s urgent voice came through, “Mr. Jackman, where are you?”

“I’m at…” Theodore paused, glancing at the old, dilapidated sign of the neighborhood. “…Victory District.”

Samuel sounded puzzled and asked, “Victory District? Where’s that? What are you doing there?”

“Ahem! I’ll send you my location,” Theodore replied, hanging up and shaking his head in disbelief.

Chapter 12: Crush

He thought he must be losing his mind, following Dr. Norton all the way here.

Half an hour later, Samuel arrived. As soon as he saw the surroundings, he couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Jackman, are you meeting some girl here for a date or something?”

The word ‘date’ immediately brought Summer’s face and her slender waist to Theodore’s mind. His palms started to heat up, as if they still held the scent of Summer.

“Shut up!” Theodore instinctively clenched his fists and glared at Samuel.

Samuel shrank back and obediently shut his mouth. He quickly opened the car door for Theodore.

As Theodore got into the car, he glanced one last time in the direction where Summer had ridden off, and there was a hint of joy in his eyes.

Later that evening, Theodore returned home unusually early from work. For some reason, he found himself eager to see Summer again. Being around someone as lively as her seemed to make even his dull, monotonous life more bearable.

Theodore walked into the house, his steps lighter than usual. Suddenly, as he passed the front courtyard, he caught the faint sound of voices from the bamboo grove.

“…Jackmans…gifts…not cheap…all mine…guarantee no mistakes…”

The voice was low, and Theodore could only catch bits and pieces. But those few words were enough. It had to be the fiancée he had never met. No one else would be so audacious.

A cold smirk tugged at his lips. So bold! Not only were the gifts from Archie not enough for her, she wanted to control his fortune too? Dream on!

He had almost convinced himself that, despite her flaws, marrying Yelena might be tolerable because she could help him deal with his father and stepmother. He never imagined her ambitions would be so grand—she wanted to control the entire family!

A woman like that? She could stay far, far away from him. As soon as Archie returned, he’d cancel the engagement immediately.

Seething with anger, Theodore stormed away.

Meanwhile, Summer was speaking cautiously into her phone. “I have to tell you, yesterday was a close call! I didn’t expect to run into one of my clients at the Jackmans’ Manor. It took everything I had to keep the quiet.”

Bryce chuckled and said, “Alright, alright, you’ve been through a lot. Consider the gifts from Archie as compensation for your troubles.”

“You said it! No take-backs!” Summer replied with a laugh. “The gifts from the Jackmans aren’t cheap. Since you said that… I won’t hold back! Those gifts are mine now! But don’t worry; I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly. No mistakes.”