After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back

Maria stared into Herman's eyes, noticing the sincerity and warmth in them. There wasn't a hint of deceit. She smiled and said, "Whoever you fall in love with is going to be very lucky."

Herman smiled back and clinked his glass with hers. "I think that's the least anyone deserves. Every person is an individual, free in their own right. Love shouldn't be something that traps or binds you. It should make both people better, not something that drags them into endless suffering."

"Well said!" Maria clapped her hands, downing another glass of wine.

Herman watched her, his brows knitting slowly.

After a pause, he asked, "That man earlier... you know him, don't you?"

Maria nodded, "Yes. He used to be a designer in my studio. Now, he's my business partner."

She drank a bit too quickly, and the alcohol hit her fast, a rosy blush creeping onto her cheeks.

up liking him," Maria said as if opening up for the first time. Herman listened, but deep down, he knew she didn't see

smiled, though there was a tinge of bitterness. "It wasn't pure from the beginning, so even when I realized I liked him, everything

not right," Herman said quietly. "Even if it began with motives or some kind of manipulation, the feelings were real. You

at him, surprised

expected him to approach it from

directly, "So, do you think a

and lay everything out. Don't keep it bottled up, and then figure out how

eyes slightly, gazing at him. "You've never been in a relationship? I find

already written the playbook, so

words, Maria's eyes lit up with interest. "Now you've made me want to

my house anytime," Herman

her glass with his again. "Thanks for talking to me about all this. You've helped me see