Chapter 19
Holding the photo by its edge, Savannah felt a rush of shock flood through her.
The photo was a picture of her and Rafael together. Though the resolution wasn’t high and it was clear it had been taken years ago, the image was perfectly preserved, even with the edges carefully trimmed.
in the photo, Rafael appeared slightly more youthful, the corners of his mouth lifting in a subtle smile.
When had this photo been taken?
Looking at the background and her own outfit in the photo, a vague memory slowly surfaced in
Savannah’s mind.
She vaguely recalled a young man who had been stopped outside by security guards.
Piecing the memory together carefully, it gradually became clear in her mind and slowly matched Rafael’s appearance.
It turned out she and Rafael had already met once before. Savannah suddenly recalled the receptionists‘ conversation.
First love, unattainable love, a photo.
Recalling it all sentence by sentence, Savannah became more and more alarmed the more she thought about it.
She had thought she was just a substitute for someone else’s first love, but she hadn’t expected her to be the first love herself.
Then, was there still a need to keep her distance?
Thinking this, the bathroom door behind her opened. Rafael still had water droplets on his face and his damp hair clung to his cheeks. When he saw the photo in Savannah’s hand, he hesitated for a second.
After confirming it was indeed the photo from his inner pocket, Rafael’s expression shifted. He seemed worried that Savannah might be upset and hastily tried to explain.
Sorry for keeping our photo without telling you. I really like that photo.”
When Savannah didn’t immediately respond, Rafael grew even more nervous, his words tumbling
but in a rush.
If you mind, then-
‘I don’t mind. Keep it.”
Savannah interrupted him, a playful glint in her eyes as she looked at him.
“When we were at the company earlier, you asked me if I wasn’t feeling well. I’ll answer you now, I was indeed feeling unwell.
Before Rafael could say anything, she continued, “It wasn’t physical discomfort. It was psychological. Because I heard a rumor that our President Raven had a first love he couldn’t attain and because of her, he stayed unmarried to this day, even drunkenly clutching a photo, calling out her name. And coincidentally, I look a lot like your first love.”
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4:09 am
She shook the photo slightly. “At first, I thought I was just a substitute. But now, it seems I was the first love all along?”
Rafael’s mouth parted, but no words came out. His heartbeat thundered in his chest.
He licked his dry lips, the emotion swelling inside him, pushing past all restraint.
“Yes…”
Hearing his answer, Savannah couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
She knew Rafael’s thunderous reputation in the business world, so she hadn’t expected him to be so nervous now, his fingertips trembling with uncertainty.
The stark contrast stirred something inside her, too. Stepping forward, she took his hand, her smile softening.
“Take me to try on wedding dresses tomorrow.”
Rafael gripped her hand even tighter, his gaze holding hers as though reluctant to let go.
“Okay,” he replied.
During the wedding dress fitting, Rafael displayed an unexpected patience and gentleness, completely different from the impression Savannah had of him.
For a moment, she couldn’t help but think that maybe this accidental marriage wasn’t so bad after all.
When she stepped out of the fitting room in the wedding dress, the light in Rafael’s eyes brightened noticeably.
“You look beautiful.”
Savannah smiled, about to respond, when a desperate voice suddenly cut through the air.
“Savannah!”
After days of silence, Tobias appeared, leaning against the doorway of the shop, gasping for breath.
