Hello 152

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on October 17, 2024

Chapter 152

“No, no, he doesn’t care about being loved by everyone. He only wants the people he loves to love him back.”

Ron’s words kept replaying in my head as I left the office.

For some reason, my curiosity about this mysterious CEO was starting to get the best of me. What did he even look like? What kind of person was he?

It was weird that the company files had nothing on him. Was he hiding something sketchy?

Or maybe, like one of those billionaire romance heroes, he was crazy private–so much so that he dodged photos and stayed out of the public eye completely?

These questions swirled around my mind as I drove toward Inkwell Atelier, the boutique with all the fancy hand lettering supplies. By the time I got there, I was still trying to figure out who this elusive CEO really

was.

I parked the car but didn’t get out right away. Instead, grabbed my phone and called Hayden.

Of course, no answer–he was probably busy. So, I opened up the chat app and shot him a message: [Can you come with me to the Johnston residence tonight? Is that cool for you?]

Since he didn’t pick up, I wasn’t expecting a quick response to the message either. After sending it, I slipped my phone back into my bag and finally headed into Inkwell Atelier.

“Ms. Kay, great to see yo

u!” Mr. Parker, the shop owner, greeted me the second I stepped through the door.

I’d been a regular here for years. Every year, I ordered a custom set of hand lettering supplies, and yeah, they weren’t exactly cheap.

In Kehlmark, hand lettering was considered an art form, especially among the upper class, admired for its elegance.

Matthew loved hand lettering and painting. He went through tons of ink and brushes every year, so getting him this kind of gift was always a safe bet–I knew he’d actually use it.

“Mr. Parker, do you have any new premium sets this year?” I asked, the same question I asked every time, just to make small talk while I browsed the shelves.

“Of course, of course! But don’t waste your time with those, you’re not gonna like them. The best ones are over here,” he said, motioning me over.

Even though he said that, I still took my time scanning through everything, mostly out of habit. Eventually, I followed him to the section he was pointing to.

And there it was–a stunning set of emerald green supplies that instantly grabbed my attention. “Let me check this one out.”

“Sure!” Mr. Parker carefully lifted the set off the shelf. This is the latest release, just came in.”

He was complimenting my taste in the subtlest way.

Chapter 152

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I took a closer look. The craftsmanship was top–tier, the materials were exactly what I had in mind. Without hesitation, I made my decision. “I’ll take this one, Mr. Parker.”

But instead of the usual easygoing smile and quick agreement, he paused. I glanced up and noticed a troubled look on his face..

“Ms. Kay… this set has already been reserved by someone else.”

Ah, of course. That explained it. There was only one set.

For a second, disappointment flickered through me….

But honestly, life’s full of them, right?

Unrequited love? Disappointment. Wanting something you can’t have? Yeah, another one. Seasons changing, time slipping away–it’s all tinged with regret. Even kings probably wished for a little more time at the end of their reign.

I let the thought go, ready to move on. Just as I put the set back on the shelf, I heard footsteps at the shop’s entrance.

“Take your time. I’ll go attend to the other customer,” Mr. Parker said.

“Yeah, sure,” I replied, not thinking much of it. But from the corner of my eye, I saw him grab the set I’d been eyeing and head toward the door.

I turned back to the shelves, trying to focus on the other options, sifting through the remaining sets. “Mr. Parker, has my order arrived yet?” Tanya’s voice suddenly broke through my concentration, making me freeze.