Forsaking the Years of Longing

Chapter 12 In that moment, my mind went blank, completely unable to process what Callan had just said.

His gaze was sincere, his demeanor composed and polite.

But I couldn't help laughing.

I'd heard rumors that, like Jason, Callan was also being pressured by his family to marry. However, unlike Jason, Callan wasn't the type to obediently accept an arranged marriage.

This revelation, though, caught me off guard.

"You're saying this to me now because of my status, aren't you?"

To be honest, I couldn't bring myself to trust him.

Callan hesitated for a moment, then shook his head with a tinge of regret.

"I figured saying this under the current circumstances might cause a misunderstanding."

He pursed his lips before his expression turned serious. "But to be truthful, that's partially true."

"So you've known about my identity for a while, even back when I was still by Jason's side?"

Callan nodded without hesitation.

Just as I suspected.

It made sense. Why else would Callan go out of his way to clear my name and even dig up Emily's recording of stolen trade secrets to send to me? Businessmen like him don't act out of kindness-they always have motives. Still, his honesty made my brows furrow even more.

To be honest, I don't particularly like people who are overly calculating.

But I couldn't deny my admiration for Callan's sharpness and capability.

"As far as know, Mr. Callan is someone who values the idea of romantic freedom. So what happened? Have you now decided to abandon those principles to secure your position?"

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Callan chuckled. "Wasn't Miss Howard once a firm believer in love as well? Yet it seems now we've both come to the same conclusion, haven't we?" "Love is trash. Profit is king."

He looked at me, his expression layered, as if deliberately suppressing certain emotions, leaving only a calm, shrewd façade.

"My family's pressure is relentless, and I truly do need a wife.

That's why I've come to you, Miss Howard. After all, at this point, the only one who matches you is me, Callan."

"We could agree to a contract marriage, limited to two years. I know you've always wanted to expand into other industries, and that happens to be my area of expertise. We could collaborate perfectly, and after two years, whether we continue or not will be entirely up to you." noveldrama

He wasn't wrong. His offer was tempting, but I still turned him down.

The moment Callan heard my decision, his expression turned az little crestfallen, and a fleeting, unreadable glimmer passed through his eyes. Unfortunately, I didn't catch it.

I simply assumed he was regretting the missed value of a marriage alliance with me.

Though the topic ended unresolved, the meal as a whole was rather pleasant.

In the end, Callan stood, offering me a polite nod and smile.

"Even though I've been turned down, I hope Miss Howard will reconsider."