When love cost me You

m. She was graceful, intelligent, and had a quiet strength that drew him in. At first, thei

ntagious, and how she carried herself with confidence yet remained humble. Unlike the women he

h her, the more certain he

feeling th

e way she laughed a little longer at his jokes. Yet, there was als

the study, swirling the coffee in his

things official with L

rk, studying his son with a knowing expr

rked. "You

Not at all. Lilian is a fine young woman. Hardworking, resp

hings I like about h

Raymond. A relationship-especially one in the same workplace-requires commitment. She's a

't know yet. But I do k

ing. "Then do it right. Be clear with your intentions.

t need any mo

ade up h

ound Lilian in the school g

een thinking hard about

a seat beside her. "I h

ked in surp

like you. More than just a friend or colleague. And I don't want

ed at him. Then, slowly, a

ious?" she

er

weighing her options. But when she met

ve something to tal

d. "I'll take

e, side by side, Raymond felt a s

just the

ust friends-but something about the situation felt heavier than it should. Maybe because, deep down, she had

ipping through a book absentmindedly. He glance

You look like you ha

exhaled

his book do

rcing herself to meet his gaze. "Ray

ut his face gave away nothing. "Oh,"

llowed. "I

a beat o

her a small, unreadable smile. "That

th her, but she chose to ignore it. She ha

" she sa

again, but she noticed h

, sitting across from Annie. She had always been a good

ring her tea. "What'

a hand through his hair. "Lilian

brow. "And how do y

laugh. "Like an idiot. Like I sh

r chair, watching him c

," Dennis muttered. "

u knew this could happen.

ad time," he a

"Love doesn't wait, De

, feeling the weight of her

five years but she knows exact

e listened to

ll open up

e it's

tched,Annie's husband drove off