Chapter 50: Their Fresh Start

“Do you feel the same way towards me?”

She paused with the sudden question. He looked worried and nervous but she didn’t understand why.

“Why?”

He chuckled, “I need to know why you were doing all of these. Why try so hard to talk to me when you could’ve just run away? I don’t think you would do these to your other targets.” She looked down as he spoke.

“I feel the same way as you.”

He smiled, “That’s good to know.” She couldn’t believe that this was actually happening. Is this even real? Or is Carson getting revenge for everything that she did to him?

“If this is some kind of joke, I don’t want to be a part of it.”

He shaked his head. He could feel her drifting away and he didn’t want that to happen. He looked at her with concern. “No, Avery. This is real. I want to make this work. I know our beginning wasn’t that nice but I want to start fresh.”

She didn’t know what to respond. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing right now. After 3 months, this is what he wanted?

“But your family, they hate me and the people around you---”

He chuckled as he watched her panic. “Avery, I don’t need anyone’s permission to date someone.” She frowned, “but your dad and the image of the company.. Those matter especially now that you will become the CEO.”

He paused for a bit, “Well, people already know you. So, if we just said we got back together, they wouldn’t mind.” She looked down as she remembered what Carson’s sister told her.

“Avery, I want to do this right. I want to take you to real dates and get to know you more. I don’t want any more lies and tricks. Is that okay?” She looked at him while she analyzed his expressions. She wanted to be sure that he wasn’t lying or saying something just because he needed something from her.

“Why?”

He tilted his head with her sudden question, “What do you mean why? I love you. I’ve never felt this way towards anybody before and I don’t know.. Maybe we have this connection and for three months I realized that I didn’t want to be with anyone else but you.”

She heard those cringe lines before in series or even from Jane’s toxic boyfriends. Hearing those before made her want to puke. But this time, when she was hearing the same lines from Carson, the person she loves, it felt different.

She suddenly understood why Jane went gaga over her exes. She understood why her mom cried over her dad for years. She looked down.

“But I lied to you, I hurt you intentionally. So why?”

He nodded, he expected that she would ask these questions. “I forgive you and even if it was wrong, I somehow understood where you were coming from. You told me your past and maybe if I was in your position, I would curse love too.”

She didn’t say anything as her mind continued to wonder through his words. “Avery, let’s date. I cannot promise you that I will be the best boyfriend but give me a chance to prove to you that I am worth it.”

“But…”

He cut her off with a kiss. “No buts. Let’s date.” She lightly smiled and nodded.

Avery knew nothing about dating or relationships. Sure, she had her past targets to be considered as ex partners but this time, everything felt different. It felt real and not some game.

Carson helped her close the shop and took her home. The two of them stood by the apartment building. She looked at her hands intertwined with his. He smiled, “So I better get going. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

She looked at him and nodded. He planted a kiss on her forehead before slowly letting go of her hand. “Good night, Avery.”

“Good night, Carson.”

He smiled as he walked to his car that was parked nearby. She waited for him to leave before heading back to her room.

When she woke up the next day, she received a message from Carson. He wanted to meet her at his usual breakfast place. Avery then happily got up from bed to start her day. Her heart felt happy and warm.

Although she still couldn’t believe that everything was finally okay, she decided to put her trust in Carson. She took a bath and curled her hair. She did her usual routine to look the best. Afterwards, she wore a yellow dress with sunflowers.

She wore a yellow headband and yellow high heels. She felt like she was a blooming flower. When she went out of the apartment, her landlady handed her a bouquet of flowers. Avery smiled, she knew who sent those.

Carson’s favorite breakfast place wasn’t far and Avery was able to reach the location in 10 minutes. The ride there was quiet but nerve-wrecking. The cab played a sweet music that made her feel relaxed.

She was almost there when the rain started pouring. Avery immediately checked her bag if she bought an umbrella but she was so distracted with her outfit that she totally forgot. She could just ask the driver to park near the door so she won’t get wet.

She got her phone to text Carson that she was nearby. “Miss, do you want me to drop you here?” The driver asked as they approached the restaurant. “Yes please” She replied as she prepared herself to run.

When the cab moved closer to the restaurant, Avery hugged her bag and opened the door. She was surprised to see Carson waiting for her with an umbrella. She smiled as he helped her get out of the cab.

He closed the door and she looked at him. “You’re prepared.” He smiled and cupped her face, “This reminded me of the first time we met.”

He then softly kissed her and she kissed back. She moved away, “Silly. This was our second meeting.”

He chuckled and held her waist, keeping their close distance. “I love you, Avery.”

She looked deep into his eyes and replied, “I love you too.”