"What about Yasmin, why don't you marry her then?"
This was the simplest way to stop his father from coming after him every time about marrying Lucille. Moreover, Yasmin was his most beloved out of all of the women, the only one who treated him differently.
Franklin, who sat at the top of the business world, not only had inestimable assets, but also had incredible power. No matter whether it was a famous lady or a beautiful girl from a lowly family, they all chase after him.
He had never lacked women. Those who wanted to get closer to him, those who wanted to pay him back their debts, and those who wanted fame and fortune, all flocked to him.
Although he accepted all who came, he also had principles. That was why he never made any promises to any woman regarding marriage, but just give them money and sensual satisfaction.
That was why Carter mentioned Yasmin's name. Not only did Franklin made her his first girlfriend, he also doted on her in every way.
"I know my feelings for Yasmin, but she is not suitable to be my life partner." To Franklin, marriage was sacred and unique, so he would not easily make a promise to a woman he did not love deeply.
Having lost his mother when he was young, he had seen all the disputes within the wealthy families and had long lost the desire to love anyone from these caucus.
He could pamper Yasmin in every way and treat her differently, but he could not give her the marriage that all the women yearn for.
Having grown up together, Carter obviously knew the pain in Franklin's heart, and he comforted him by saying. "Maybe you just haven't met the person you love yet. When the time comes, you'll definitely have a lover who can accompany you for the rest of your life, living as happy as a perfect couple. If it's not too late then."
Franklin, who heard this, lowered his eyes and said in a sad tone. "I've lost the desire to be happy long time ago. There will never be such a day."
He was uncertain and unwilling to have any expectations. Striving for career could bring unexpected success, but being obsessed with emotions could only make him emotionally tired and hurt.
"Well, you can't be too sure. Who knows what will happen in the future?"
"Well, it's getting late, Carter. You must be tired of the day's hassles. Why don't you go home and give yourself a good rest." Franklin didn't want to listen to his preaching anymore and implied him to leave.
Carter was a bit surprised, but shrugged it off. Even if his friend really wanted him to leave, he would have to finish his glass of wine.
So, he ignored Franklin and sipped the wine in the glass slowly, showing no intention of leaving.
Franklin didn't really want to drive him away, but he was tired of talking about marriage and love life.
***
After returning home, Ava took a look at Martin's bedroom. Seeing that he was sleeping soundly, she closed the door and walked back to her bedroom.
Soon afterwards, she took a shower, hoping to wash away the bad luck of the whole day. When she came out, she lay down on the bed, worn out, not moving at all.
Just when Ava was feeling sleepy, the chiming sound of a message on her phone came to her hearing. So she got up and took out her phone to check.
Seeing that it was Tristan's number, Ava woke up a little from her sleepiness and opened her messages to check.
"I don't know if you're asleep or not, but I hope I've not disturbed you. After I finished work, I was thinking about you. So I couldn't help myself but send you this message."
Ava smiled, and sent a reply.
"Not yet asleep. I am really happy to see your message. How's your stay in UK?"
Tristan, who was far away in England, saw the reply and his gray eyes suddenly brightened up. A wide smile appeared on his face.
"Life is busy here but fulfilling. However, I feel a little bored during my spare time."
In America, he could visit Ava anytime, and he could also go out and chat with his friends, and he wouldn't feel lonely.
However, when he came to this foreign country, besides working, he would just stay in his apartment, resting or reading books. Otherwise, he would have to go out to see the monumental sceneries, which were getting boring to him now.
"Hey, you are in a very charming country with so many historical sites and famous places to see. You should really try to enjoy yourself more, you know."
Suddenly wanting to hear her voice, Tristan pressed the talk button instead. Without her, no matter how good a place was, it would never be as good as home.
The three years he spent with her on campus were wonderful and unforgettable. But here, he couldn't feel happy at all, just appreciating the famous sights by himself.
"Hi Ava, I miss you. Without you, life here is nothing. I love you."
Hearing the voice coming from the other side of the world, Ava's calm heart began to beat faster and she didn't know how to respond.
Tristan waited for a long time but Ava didn't reply. He tightened the grip of his hand holding the phone. Did he scare her with what he said?
Everyone in the school knew about his feelings for her, but she never responded and he never pointed it out. Confessing his feelings to her in person, he was afraid that she would be embarrassed and might not respond, so he used this method.
As expected, she had no romantic feelings for him. When he was feeling depressed, he heard a chiming sound. He lowered his eyes to read the reply message.
"Tristan, you are the dream I have always been pursuing, a dream that is forever out of my reach."
For the first time, Ava did not hold back, but addressed him directly. Although it was written in letters instead of spoken words, it made Tristan very happy. However, the last words extinguished all the excitement in his heart.
She still refused, using gentle words to refuse.
At this moment, Tristan felt extremely saddened. If he hadn't been so eager to confess his love for her, wouldn't he still have hope about the future? Now, what reason would he have to see her again?
On the other side, Ava had already shed tears on her pillow. She didn't dare to give Tristan hope, for fear of hurting him in the end.
It was better to suffer a short pain than a long one, at least it wouldn't hurt as deeply.