Chapter 485

He walked into the men's boutique. Evan Sterling looked at a new watch and turned to Aria. "My brother loves watches. He has a huge collection." "The VP looks good with a watch on," Aria replied. His hands were elegant. Everything looked perfect on him. "What about this one?" Evan asked, holding up a watch. "It's beautiful." "Do you think it suits my brother?" "Personally, I prefer the black strap next to it," Aria said, pointing to another. "Then we'll buy this one." Evan told the sales assistant to wrap it up. "You bought it just like that? Don't you want to compare more?" Aria was surprised. "They'll inspect it. If there's a problem, we can return it." Evan smiled. "Besides, you picked this watch for my brother. It'll be fine." Aria felt embarrassed. She hadn't chosen a watch for the VP. She just thought that one suited her taste better. Evan made it sound like a gift from her. "Sister Aria, let's go look at watches." Evan linked her arm and led her to the couple's watch counter. "Sister Aria, which pair do you like better?" Evan asked. Aria hesitated. She didn't dare give advice this time. "They all look good," she said. "Sister Aria, you're being perfunctory." Evan turned to look at her. Aria's face flushed. Evan's tone and expression made it hard to refuse her. Finally, Aria pointed to one pair. "This women's model would suit you better." "I'd buy it if I had someone to wear it with. Too bad I don't have a boyfriend yet." Evan sighed. "Maybe you just haven't found the right one?" Aria asked with a smile. "My dad and brother won't let me date," Evan said. "Why?" "They say I'm too young. I'm almost twenty, and they still think it's too early. I can't even catch up with puppy love." Aria couldn't help laughing. "They're afraid you'll get hurt." "Yeah. In their eyes, every man except them is a bad guy." Aria smiled even more. That was exactly how it felt. After browsing the counters, they found a place to rest. Evan called her brother and said they were done shopping. She asked him to pick them up. Aria wanted to say not to bother the VP. She could take a taxi home. But she realized Evan had grown up with a driver. Taking her on the subway or in a taxi might not be appropriate. And Evan's home was the VP's home. It wasn't suitable for her to drop him off. So she said nothing. They drank their drinks and waited for Evan. Evan was talkative. They chatted so much that they didn't notice when Oliver arrived. Someone sat down beside them. Aria turned and saw the VP. She froze. "What were you talking about? You seemed so happy." "Brother, you're here!" Evan greeted warmly. She would never admit she had been telling Aria stories about his childhood. If he found out, he might get angry and forbid her from going out again. "Yeah." Oliver replied, but his eyes were on Aria. "VP, would you like something to drink?" Aria asked, flustered. "The same as yours," Oliver said calmly. Aria nodded and ordered a mango juice for him. "Brother, this is for you!" Evan handed him the gift bag. "What is it?" "It's your favorite style. Sister Aria picked it out," Evan added. "Is that so?" Oliver looked at Aria. Aria felt awkward. "I just thought it looked nice. She paid for it." "It doesn't matter who paid. Sister Aria chose it," Evan said with a smile. "Thank you," Oliver replied. "You're welcome." Aria felt even more embarrassed. She had only said it looked nice. She never thought it would be considered a gift for him. She didn't know how to explain. Oliver didn't say more. The mango juice arrived. He took a sip. Maybe he didn't like it, because he didn't drink any more. After a while, they paid and left. Aria thought Oliver would drop her off first, then go home with his sister. But he dropped Evan off at the Sterling Mansion first, then drove her home. On the way, he asked if she wanted to come in. Aria shook her head vigorously. Oliver didn't insist. He watched his sister go inside, then drove away. The car was quiet. Soft music played. They reached Aria's apartment. Aria unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to thank him. "Aria, I've read your file." Aria froze. Her body felt like ice, but her face burned. "What do you want me to know? That you were rebellious as a child? That you're not the real you, but a disguise?" Oliver asked. "I just don't want you to regret knowing who I am one day," Aria said, looking up. "What would I regret?" Oliver asked. "Regretting that I'm not as good as you think I am," Aria said honestly. "You mean your past is so bad you don't want to face it?" "Yes," Aria admitted. "How can you know the pleasure of a fish if you're not a fish?" Oliver asked calmly. Aria was speechless. "The problem you see might not be a problem to me," he continued. "Even if you can accept it, your family might not. VP, to be honest, I like you too. You're a good man. It's hard to resist. I'm no exception. But I don't want a relationship with no future. Even if the other person is perfect and I like him. I just want to find an ordinary man and start an ordinary family. We might struggle with money, but we'd work together for the family and the kids." "So Landon Knight is your final choice?" Oliver asked.