Chapter 122: Do You Want Me to Help You?
Gianna regains her composure, wiping away the sadness from her voice. "You’ve heard my story. Now it’s your turn."
Zeke frowns. "What do you mean?"
"Your turn to tell me about you and Cassidy."
Zeke shakes his head. "I’m not doing that. I didn’t force you to talk about your one-sided love just now."
"Oh, come on. Don’t be shy. I told you about mine without shame, even though it’s embarrassing."
Zeke lets out a sigh and runs a hand through his hair. Then, without a word, he finishes the last of his oolong tea in one long sip.
Zeke leaned back in his seat, letting out a breath. "It’s not the same, Gianna. You could talk about Xavier because there was never a label between you two. But Cassidy and I... we were married. What we had, what we still have is complicated. And I’m not done with her. I’m going to chase her, even if it takes everything I have. That means being careful with our story. It’s not just mine to tell."
Gianna looked at him, eyes soft with something like understanding. Then she gave him a small, sincere smile.
"You’re a good man," she said quietly. "I didn’t expect you to be the kind of guy who’s actually... considerate about his ex. I thought you’d be more reckless... selfish, maybe. But you actually care about protecting her."
Zeke didn’t respond. He remained motionless, eyes unfocused, lost in thought.
Then, a few minutes later, he finally spoke, "I need to change. So she can look at me, Gianna. I’m trying to be the kind of man who can win her heart, who she can trust, who makes her feel safe, someone she can rely on."
Gianna understood what he meant. And for a moment, she just stared at him, somewhat in disbelief. She never imagined Ezekiel Salvador, the cold and calculating man known for thinking only about profits and power, could change because of love.