Grace Li and Tom Wilson walked over and sat down by the lake, taking in the view across the water. The themed area set up for the event, decorated with red lanterns and golden light strings, had a magical vibe that reminded Grace Li of something out of a dream.
Grace Li took out her phone and snapped a photo. Tom Wilson, sitting beside her, turned his head to look at her. He had something on his mind but wasn't sure how to say it.
"Grace Li," he finally spoke, his voice a little uncertain.
Grace Li turned to him, "What's up?"
Tom Wilson sat up a bit straighter, hands resting on his knees, but still a little tense. "Actually, there's something I've been wanting to tell you."
"What is it?"
His heart raced, but he pushed himself to speak. He knew he had to tell her how he felt, or he'd always wonder what might've happened. Maybe the romantic setting gave him the courage, but he finally said, "The first time I met you, at that tech expo last year, I really felt a connection. Honestly, I was hooked right away."
Grace Li froze for a second. She wasn't sure where this was going but responded with a smile, "When I first met you, I thought you were an incredible mechanical designer. I really respected you."
"No, no," Tom Wilson said quickly, his palms starting to sweat. "I mean, I had this feeling like—well, like something clicked between us."
Grace Li thought she had misunderstood, but hearing Tom say that made her realize he was serious. She quickly adjusted her expression, trying to keep things light. "Tom, you know I'm with Aiden, and we're really happy together."
"I know," Tom Wilson replied softly. "And that's exactly why I've kept my distance. I've never told you how I felt because, compared to Aiden, I didn't think I stood a chance. But here's the thing—I don't think Aiden's the right guy for you. He's younger, and his family doesn't really get you two being together. My family—they love you. They think you're amazing."
What Tom said was true, and Grace Li's smile turned bittersweet. "I appreciate that, Tom. But you know, when two people are together, it's about more than just backgrounds or family opinions. The most important thing is love. You and I have been great partners and friends for a long time."
"I understand," Tom Wilson said, his lips pressed together. "I'm not asking for you to leave Aiden for me. I just wanted you to know how I feel. I'm not expecting anything right now, but if things ever change with you and Aiden... I'd be here, waiting."
"Don't think that way," Grace Li said gently, with a bit of sympathy in her voice. "Tom, you're incredible. You don't need to wait around for me. There's someone out there who'll be the right match for you."
"I don't feel like I'm waiting for something impossible, Grace Li. Honestly, you're the best person I've ever met."
"Thank you." Grace Li smiled, but she felt a little awkward talking about these kinds of feelings. "But I've made my choice. I'm with Aiden. You don't need to keep waiting for me."
Tom Wilson had expected to be turned down, but hearing it out loud still stung a little. "So there's really no chance?"
"No."
After a few moments, Tom Wilson sighed. "I get it. I just had to try, but I won't bring it up again. I promise."
Grace Li smiled softly. "Thanks, Tom. You're a great guy. I'm sure the right person will come along for you."
Tom Wilson stood up, clearly disappointed, but nodded, "Take care, Grace Li."
He turned and walked off, quickly disappearing into the crowd.
A few moments later, Aiden Thompson arrived in front of Grace Li. She stood up, her face lighting up with joy. "I thought you weren't coming!"
Aiden Thompson smiled, "Grandma's house isn't too far. I snuck out after dinner."
Grace Li looked him over without hiding her admiration. To her, Aiden Thompson was the most handsome man in the world, and he was hers. "How can my boyfriend be so perfect? You look like you walked out of a fairy tale."
Aiden Thompson smiled back at her, "My girlfriend is the most beautiful one."
Grace Li grinned, but then her eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed his outfit. "This outfit isn't from Nange... Who helped you with this look?"
"I reached out to a stylist ahead of time. I sent him a photo and told him that my girlfriend would love this style. I asked if he could recreate it."
Grace Li smiled, remembering she had sent him a picture of a male model in traditional attire, thinking the look was really cool.
Aiden Thompson had noticed Tom Wilson from across the lake and seemed a bit concerned. "What did Tom Wilson say to you?"
Grace Li quickly shook her head, trying to avoid making him jealous. "Oh, nothing much."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Grace Li smirked, "Why, do you want to know?"
"He called me last month and said he wanted to pursue you."
Grace Li was shocked. "Wait, what? He called you about that?"
"Yeah." Aiden reached out, gently brushing her cheek. "So, what did you two talk about?"
Grace Li knew she couldn't hide anything from him. It was better to be honest. "He confessed to me. I didn't expect it."
"And then? What did you say?"
"I told him I was thinking of you. I made it clear that I'm with you, and that we'll always be friends."
Aiden Thompson smiled, relieved. "Thanks for sticking with me."
Grace Li smiled brightly, and in that moment, it was just the two of them.
Just then, Ryan's loud voice broke the moment. "Well, well, look who finally showed up!"
Olivia glanced around, "Where's Mr. Wilson? Haven't seen him."
Grace Li answered, "He left already."
"Oh, okay."
The new guy, Michael Garcia, couldn't help but stare at Aiden Thompson, clearly impressed. "Wow, Aiden, you're like, ridiculously good-looking. Even I'm impressed!"
"Yep, that's him," came the response.
Michael Garcia thought Aiden Thompson was ridiculously handsome—he was even a guy, and couldn't stop admiring him. He straightened up, gave a small bow, and introduced himself. "Aiden, hello! I'm the new intern at the company. My name's Michael Garcia."
Aiden Thompson smiled warmly, "No need to be so formal. Just treat me like anyone else, like you do with the rest of the team."
Ryan slapped Michael Garcia on the back with a grin, "Yeah, exactly! Aiden Thompson is super chill!"
Olivia suggested, "Now that the whole Verve Capital crew is here, how about we go check out the shadow puppetry?"
Aiden Thompson tightened his grip on Grace Li's hand and said to everyone, "You all go ahead with the puppetry. Grace Li and I have other plans."
Olivia immediately caught on, "Go ahead, we'll just leave you two alone to do your thing."
Michael Garcia scratched his head, "Guess I'm the real third wheel here, huh?"
Ryan patted him on the back, "Don't worry, you're our official photographer now. No escaping it!"
Olivia looked at the pictures Michael Garcia had taken and gave him a thumbs-up. "Exactly! Help me snap a few more cute pics later, and you'll be our hero."
Michael Garcia sighed dramatically, "Guess I'm just the designated photographer, huh?"
Grace Li suddenly had an idea and smiled at Michael. "Hey, Michael, could you take a quick group photo for us?"
"Sure thing!"
Grace Li took Aiden Thompson's hand and led him to the bridge, where they took a picture together.
As a photography enthusiast, Michael Garcia was getting more and more excited after seeing how good-looking Aiden Thompson and Grace Li made a couple. He eagerly directed them to walk across the bridge and shot a few photos from below, then captured a few more of them strolling through the park.
After Grace Li and Aiden Thompson left, Olivia grabbed Michael's DSLR and, staring at their couple's photo, sighed, "They're just perfect together. Like, they're so good-looking, they're almost unreal."
Ryan pretended to sulk, "Am I not good-looking enough?"
Olivia gave him a playful pat on the shoulder, "Don't even bother comparing yourself to Mr. Thompson. That's just setting yourself up for a bruised ego."
Michael Garcia couldn't help but laugh, while Ryan put on a mock-sad face. "You've wounded my heart. Thanks a lot."