When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

Marian's expression tensed briefly, then she smiled. "Long time no see."

With that, they both tipped their heads back and drank in one go.

Aaron's gaze lingered on her once more. Seeing her calm demeanor, he moved on to the next table. Zoe took a seat and examined Marian closely, then stroked her chin and sighed, "You really have let go."

Marian smiled again, her back straightening slightly. At just the right moment, she caught a glimpse of Aaron's sharply contoured side profile, lit by the dim lights in the private room, accentuating how striking it was. She used to be enchanted by that face.

"He spent six years in the U.S. Maybe he's already married with kids by now. His child could be several years old," she remarked, half to herself.

Zoe recalled something. "True enough—he did chase after his so-called 'white moonlight' in the States. Six whole years. With that mesmerizing face and the financial power of the Fu family, he could have snagged any 'white moonlight' he wanted. Even a total queen would probably fling herself at him."

Soon, the reunion drew to a close. Zoe suggested going to the mall next door for some shopping, then grabbing afternoon tea, but everyone declined. Marian did the same. "Let's meet up another day. We all live in Xicheng—plenty of time."

So the group got up and said their goodbyes.

Zoe offered to drive Marian home, but Marian pointed to her phone. "I have to go back to the office—it's not on your way. You drive ahead, and I'll take the subway."

"What kind of sweatshop is your company? Send me the full name later so I can steer clear," Zoe grumbled.

"Sigh, like I have a choice? It's all about the money," Marian replied.

Working overtime every day just for a bit of silver, exhausted in both body and mind.

Zoe's thoughts drifted to the only capitalist at this gathering, and she spat out her disdain. "These damn capitalists—if I ever get the chance to rule over them, I'd stick a slate on their heads and make them plod in circles like donkeys."

She'd definitely reserve the heaviest slate for Aaron!

They stood by the elevator, bantering. Then Marian turned around and noticed Aaron standing right behind them. The mirth vanished, replaced by awkwardness.

Zoe also froze for a moment, but quickly pretended she hadn't seen him.

A soft "ding" signaled the elevator's arrival. Zoe, Marian, and Aaron stepped in, one after another.

The air, already thin in the elevator, felt even thinner now. Marian found it hard to breathe during that prolonged minute. Thankfully, they reached the first floor soon enough. Marian stepped out and waved at the two still inside. "Zoe, I'm off. Bye. Uh… bye, Aaron."

Zoe nodded vigorously, while Aaron simply gave a faint "Mm." Then at B1, each went their separate ways to retrieve their cars.

Marian, directionally challenged, tried returning to the subway station the way she'd come, only to discover she'd taken a wrong turn onto a side road.

Confused, she was squinting at her phone's GPS when a car horn sounded behind her.

It was the same Cullinan she'd spotted earlier.

Marian stepped aside, assuming the driver needed to pass.

Unexpectedly, the Cullinan stopped. The window rolled down, revealing the calm, striking face of Aaron in the back seat.

"Headed back to the office?" he asked.

Marian's body tensed, not expecting Aaron to be the owner of that car. She suddenly felt flustered, recalling how she'd stepped aside earlier like some fool—he might think she did that on purpose for him. So embarrassing.

Aaron, patient, waited. "Hmm?"

Marian nodded, "Yes, going back for some work."

He gestured. "Get in. I'll drop you off."

Marian shook her head, starting forward on foot. "No need. The subway station is just ahead—very convenient."

The driver asked Aaron, "Mr. Fu, should we follow her?"

Aaron rubbed his temples. "Forget it. Let's go."

"Understood." The driver pressed the accelerator, and the Cullinan sped away.

Marian exhaled in relief once the car disappeared from view. Only after she boarded the subway did she truly calm down.

She touched her cheek, annoyed at her own reaction. Why would she worry about Aaron misunderstanding her, of all things?

He was a CEO now—he probably didn't have time for trivial notions.

Before she even got off the subway, a message popped up in the project group chat: "All project team members, online meeting immediately! Attendance is mandatory!"