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.

first, the way things started between us wasn't great. It was full of calculations and ulterior motives. I thought once everything ended, our relationship would too. But to my surprise... I ended up liking him," Maria said as if opening up for the first time. Herman listened, but deep down,

smiled, though there was a tinge of bitterness. "It wasn't pure from the beginning, so

or some kind of manipulation, the feelings were

surprised by how he viewed it

hadn't expected him to approach it from

"So, do you think a relationship

question. "That depends on you. If you want to develop it, then be honest and lay everything out. Don't keep it bottled up, and then figure out

a relationship? I find that

"I really haven't. But ve witnessed it-my parents are the best example. They've already written the playbook, so Tiana and I don't need to overthink it. We just follow

words, Maria's eyes lit up with interest.

welcome at my house

his again. "Thanks for talking to me about all

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