Chapter 2

Ryan?

I heard his name before.

He was that kid every parent loved to brag about, the one they always compared their own kids to.

Smart but rebellious, Ryan chose a major completely unrelated to his family's business and went overseas to study.

After coming back, he built his own team and threw himself into research.

Despite going against the grain, Ryan ended up wildly successful.

He got patents, launched his own company, even though he could've just taken the easy way and relied on his family, he insisted on making it on his own.

Now, after nailing a Series B funding round, Ryan stood out like a legend among all those rich kids who only got ahead thanks to their families.

The word was that Ryan wasn't one for social gatherings, so what brought him to this dinner tonight?

I was still lost in thought when a friend-adding code suddenly filled my view.

When I looked up, Ryan's smile was gentle, his eyes full of warmth.

Those tender eyes threw me off for a second; my mind went totally blank. Instinctively, I picked up my phone and scanned it.

As soon as I heard the sound, his profile picture and bio popped up on my screen.

Unlike what I imagined, his profile pic was a grinning Samoyed puppy, bright and upbeat.

His bio was just five words.

It read: [You make your own luck.]

I added him to my contacts, feeling a little more curious about him.

Honestly, it was mostly because his looks had such a commanding presence; even Nathan, who usually owned the room from his spot at the head of the table, seemed completely overshadowed by him.

I lowered my voice and asked, "Aren't you friends with Nathan? How come I've never seen you around?"

Ryan looked slightly taken aback, then smiled.

Ryan replied, "We're not really close. We only hung out for a year in high school, then I went abroad.

"I haven't been too busy lately, and my parents kept nagging me to spend more time with people my age, so I showed up."

He said softly again, "Really glad to meet you."

But this time, it was different from when he came to my rescue earlier.

His voice was low and soft, almost like he was whispering right in my ear.

Only I could hear him.

A subtle, unfamiliar feeling bubbled up inside me, a little spark flickering at my heart.

Looking at his close-up, fresh, and impossibly handsome face, I suddenly forgot what I came here for tonight.

An irritated cough suddenly broke the moment.

I glanced up, catching Nathan's eyes across the table.

He crushed out his cigarette, his gaze pitch-black, practically dripping with annoyance and gloom.

He still looked as casual as ever.

But his eyes were fixed on me, intense and unwavering.

When Nathan spoke, his voice was low and a bit husky.

Nathan said, "Vera, what are you two whispering about over there?

"Why can't I hear? Am I not allowed in on the secret?"

He looked seriously annoyed; his face practically screamed he was pissed.

"And didn't you have something to say to me?" Nathan said and curled his lips into a smirk. "Go on, I'm listening."

As soon as Nathan finished speaking, the private room fell completely silent.

I had no clue what Nathan was up to.

I wasn't clueless. I could totally read the way Nathan was shutting me out and dropping hints.

He kept introducing me to other people, obviously just trying to keep me out of his hair.

He just wanted to shake off the trouble that was hovering around him since we were kids—me.

Still, I was grateful.

To spare my pride, he chose such a roundabout, gentle way to turn me down.

Now, there was no way I could bring myself to confess my feelings.

It finally hit me. Nathan really just saw me as a regular friend, nothing more.

He even thoughtfully introduced me to a guy who was, honestly, better looking than him.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel as upset about it as I thought I would.

I looked Nathan straight in the eye and said, "Thanks, Nathan. I'm more than satisfied with your recommendation.

"I'll send you a little commission for the matchmaking later. I've got somewhere to be, so I'm heading out.

Seeing his face stiffen, I gave him a polite smile. "Oh, and as a thank you for the intro, dinner's on me tonight."