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404words
For over two years,from my junior year in college until after I started working. Five years older,he was already CEO of his family’s conglomerate when I was a junior.
When he showed up to audit my ethics class, I was shocked—he seemed so idle. Later,he came to my school almost daily, even waiting outside when I tutored.
I found it unrealistic,thinking TV always makes CEOs seem so busy, but it must be a lie.
At my graduation,he made a grand entrance in a Maybach,holding a huge bouquet of yellow roses,striding toward me.
Grace, clutching red roses for me, stomped off in anger. After the ceremony,she dragged me to dinner, effectively blocking Nathan’s chance.
Since his bold appearance,other potential suitors my age backed off, no longer asking me out.
I relished the sudden peace.
After starting work,my supervisor suddenly reassigned me to the president’s office as an assistant.
What?
Our fifty-person internet startup’s boss wore cartoon tees and flip-flops daily.What president?
Confused,I followed the supervisor,only to see Nathan’s face behind the door.
He’d bought the company.
When the supervisor left,he pulled me close.
“I’m quitting.”
“Why are you so hard to woo?”
We spoke simultaneously.
I wasn’t used to kindness,except from Grace.
I feared kindness would be retracted , except from her.
I did quit.
As an orphan,I always analyzed people’s intentions.
I knew weekend volunteers’questions about my life were mostly to pass the time while earning credits.
I could always spot insincerity. But with Nathan,I couldn’t tell how much was genuine.
Or maybe,he had a glimmer of sincerity.
That scared me off.
I was used to falseness,not sincerity.
Growing up with Grace in the orphanage,enduring scorn and bullying, we weathered it all together.
I was accustomed to life's damp misery. Bright sunlight made me squint uncomfortably.
But Nathan grew more persistent with each setback.
After I quit,he exploded.
“Claire,is your heart made of stone?I’ve chased you for over two years.Can’t you feel how much I love you?”
I was relieved he got mad.
His constant gentleness felt too good to be true.
But after venting,he trotted back like a loyal dog,tail wagging.
“Claire,another winter’s here.Can I win you this winter?Or maybe next?”
“Claire,stop overworking just to avoid me.”
“Claire,why doesn’t Grace like me or support us?I’m tall,handsome,practically a celebrity…”
…
Christmas night,I worked late till past ten.Downstairs,he wasn’t waiting.
I sighed in relief.
But two steps later,I spotted him in the snow.
