The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"Do you have a crush on someone?" Candice asked Archibald this question just as the first dish was served, catching him off guard.

Archibald felt a pang in his chest. How was he supposed to answer that?

As he hesitated, Candice's smile grew even wider. "I already know the answer. You do, and you really like her, don't you?"

Her eyes sparkled mischievously, making Archibald's heart race and his cheeks flush.

Before he could say anything, she chuckled and continued, "It's written all over your face, it's so obvious!"

Really?

Archibald wished he could find a mirror to see his own expression. Had his feelings for Emily grown that deep?

How could that be?

They had only known each other for a few months.

Besides, Celeste's words always echoed in his mind like a warning bell, reminding him of the reality of their situation.

With a sigh, Archibald couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.

Seeing this, Candice put down her spoon, wiped the mushroom soup from her lips, and asked again, "Why the sigh? Isn't it a good thing to have someone you like?"

Archibald gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "Liking someone is great, but you also have to consider reality. Ms. Gonzalez, you know what I mean, right?"

Reality?

Candice paused, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

Kids from families like theirs couldn't afford to ignore reality.

Friendships had to be realistic, relationships had to be realistic, and marriages even more so.

She had heard this countless times growing up. Being a rich girl wasn't all it was cracked up to be, it wasn't free at all.

But Candice didn't have such worries for now, because the person she liked was a perfect match for her.

"So, the person you like isn't rich?"

Just then, the waiter brought another dish, catching Candice's blunt question. He paused, glancing at her with a twisted, strange expression.

Archibald noticed this.

Candice rarely spoke so directly.

Archibald didn't answer because he didn't want to make Emily a topic of casual conversation. He respected Emily too much to let her become gossip fodder.noveldrama

So, Archibald just gave a few bitter smiles.

Seeing the topic was going nowhere, Candice switched to talking about herself. "As for me, I don't have such worries, but I do have love troubles!

"Mr. Lancaster, since there's no chance for us, let's consider this meal as a way to make friends. Maybe you can give me some advice? Help me pursue the one I love?

"This way, our friendship will deepen!"

Candice was indeed very talkative.

But she wasn't a naive, foolish rich girl.

Archibald always thought she was smart, with a unique charm that was hard to resist. "Alright, tell me about it. I'm all ears and happy to help," he replied with a smile. Candice covered her mouth and laughed.

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Archibald was so gentlemanly and polite, unlike those foreign friends who only wanted

to party and drink. She appreciated him, but he wasn't her type.

Men who were so proper they were almost boring weren't her type at all.

"I first met the guy I like on the court!"

Archibald couldn't help but interject. "You like playing sports too?"

Archibald thought to himself, 'She's really different, smoking and playing sports, like a tomboy.'

Candice's eyes lit up at the mention of sports. "Please, I'm a pro."

Later, Archibald learned that Candice played badminton.

And the man she liked played basketball.

"I twisted my ankle, and he appeared like a knight in shining armor, gave me some medicine and a bottle of water. He told me to be careful playing sports and to take care of my ankle!"

And then? She fell in love just like that?

Seeing Candice's starry-eyed expression, Archibald thought, maybe that's how love works?

He liked Emily for no reason, suddenly and inexplicably.

"You probably know this guy, right? I think you do. You've been in Emerald City long enough to have met him." Suddenly, Candice asked, picking up her knife and fork to cut her steak.

She continued, "I came back this time to find him! But I haven't had the time, and now I'm stuck on a blind date. What bad luck, but I don't blame you!"

Hearing this, Archibald smiled. "Is he from here? I always thought you were talking about a foreigner."

Candice shook her head and laughed. "He's from Emerald City."

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She picked up her knife and fork again, cutting her steak, then said to Archibald, "His name is..."

Archibald watched her, waiting for the answer. But when he heard the name, he couldn't believe how much it shook him.

"Michael Smith." She looked up at Archibald after saying the name.

Him again.

That name hit Archibald like a bolt of lightning, striking deep into his memory.

Their dinner suddenly seemed ridiculous.

Was this a meal between two people who couldn't have the ones they loved?

Archibald was a very melancholic person, and his thoughts made the situation seem even more tragic.

"Judging by your reaction, you know him, right?"

Candice was very perceptive.

Seeing Archibald's face change, then force a smile, she immediately knew she was right. She leaned in closer.

"Ah! Great! Now you can take me to find him, right? Archibald, it's my luck to become friends with you. Don't you think it's fate that I met him?"

Seeing Candice getting more excited, almost jumping up, nearly spilling the remaining mushroom soup, Archibald felt both surprised and speechless.

Did Candice not know Michael had been married? What would she think if she knew he had a child?

Taking a deep breath, Archibald suddenly felt how small Emerald City was. He sighed helplessly.

Sure enough, seeing his reaction, Candice guessed something. She calmed down, her smile fading, replaced by probing questions.

"Do you have a misunderstanding with him? Is your relationship not good? It's okay. I can ask my dad to help contact him. I only know he's the CEO of Smith Corporation!"