“It’s just,” I smiled, “you probably don’t know
this, but in romance novels, CEOS always have
stomach problems.”
“Irregular meals,” he explained patiently.
“Sometimes I want to eat on time, but I’m alone
at home, so I often just eat at the office,
whenever I can.”
“What other ailments do CEOS have in novels?”
he asked suddenly.
“Uh…” I was taken aback. “They also tend to
<
11:01
suffer from insomnia.”
411
“I don’t have that,” he said, considering. “I sleep very well.”
“I don’t snore or steal the covers.”
“Oh, me neither,” I blurted out, immediately
regretting it. What was I saying…?
“That’s good.” He didn’t seem to notice my embarrassment. “Any other questions?”
I shook my head quickly. “No.”
“So, Ms. Sterling, your only requirements for a
partner are good health and no insomnia?” he
asked, amused.
“Of course not,” I said. “He also has to be rich.”
But that box was already checked.
He laughed again.
<
“Do you have any questions for me?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No. I’m quite satisfied.”
I paused.
“Mr. Lancaster, you should know a few things about me. I was in the entertainment industry. There are some…unflattering things about me
online…”
“The wrap party incident?” he picked up his
glass of water. “I’m aware.”
He saw my surprised expression and smiled.
“Ms. Sterling, you don’t think I’d come to a blind
date without doing my research, do you? Due
diligence is a basic requirement for a
businessman.”
“So…you don’t mind?”
“If that’s all it is, it’s just part of your past. I
11:01
don’t mind, and you shouldn’t dwell on it
either.”
“What if it’s not just that?”
“Oh?” He set down his water glass, his gaze curious.
I thought for a moment, then decided to tell him about Jason.
“I don’t want to lie to you, but I was in a
relationship for four years, and we broke up two weeks ago. I haven’t completely moved on yet. I know we’re entering into a marriage of
convenience, and we might divorce in a few
years, but I felt I should tell you.”
A brief silence hung in the air. Alex steepled his
fingers, resting his chin on them, and looked at
me, his expression unreadable.
“Ms. Sterling, firstly, the Lancaster family has a
<
11:01
((+
4
tradition of lifelong marriages, going back to my great–grandfather. I’m not particularly keen on breaking that record.”
I blinked.
“Secondly, everyone has a past. You’re not a robot. It’s perfectly normal that you haven’t fully moved on. I don’t mind.”
“So…you have a past too?” I couldn’t help but ask.
He smiled. “As a normal man of my age, it’s normal to have had people I cared about.”
Had… Of course. If he were still involved with
someone, he wouldn’t be here on a blind date with me.
“Do you have any regrets?”
“Perhaps I did, once. But not anymore.”
<
“Don’t worry,” he said. “New experiences and
time heal many things.”
I nodded. “Yes, they do.”
All the memories of Jason, the sweet and the
bitter, would eventually fade with time. One day, I might also talk about my past love as calmly as the man sitting across from me.
We chatted for a while longer. Alex was intelligent and mature, and the best thing about
talking to someone like him was that any topic felt comfortable.
“You like reading novels?” he asked, as we
discussed our hobbies.
“Just to pass the time when I’m bored.”
“Besides what you mentioned earlier, are there
any other common tropes?” he seemed
genuinely interested.
“Most are pretty typical. Like in this one I’m reading, the heroine is hurt by the hero, and then this really nice, rich, and gentle second male lead appears…”
“A nice, rich, and gentle second male lead?” He raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Are you hinting at something, Ms. Sterling?”
“Oh, no…”
“Rich, I can manage. But gentle is a matter of personality. And…” he paused, a playful smile spreading across his face, “strictly speaking, I wouldn’t say I’m a particularly good person.”
Our marriage was settled. The Lancaster family quickly sent people to handle the wedding
preparations.
I got a call from Jason on the weekend.
<
“What do you want?”
There was a long silence before he spoke, his
voice muffled. “You left some things at the
apartment.”
“Throw them away.”
“Amy!” His voice was sharp with urgency, “I was
wrong, okay?”
“Ms. Sterling, would you like to come over and
have your wedding dress fitted?” a voice from
the bridal shop called out.
There was another silence on the other end of
the line.
“Are you filming?” he asked.
I paused.
“Jason, we broke up.”
“Where are you?”
“Jason, I’m back in Seattle. I’m not acting
anymore. Please don’t contact me again.”
“Seattle? Why are you trying on a wedding
dress there? For a friend?”
I didn’t answer. He paused, then said, “I was
away filming a show the night you left. I just got
back. Where are you in Seattle? I’ll come find
you…”
“Jason.” I interrupted him.
