“Was it just a coincidence?”
“Absolutely.”
Bianca smiled faintly. “Okay, I’ll believe you this time.”
“Bianca,” Dave suddenly spoke softly, looking deeply into her eyes. “I have feelings for you. I can only see myself with you. I might not be wealthy, but I can earn enough to take care of a family. If you’re with me, I’ll make sure you have a happy life.”
Right now, Dave couldn’t tell Bianca who he really was. He wanted to protect her from the fights among rich people.
Once he was powerful and handled the secret schemes in his family, he intended to tell her everything.
His dream was for her to be his wife, joining hands with him to stand at the pinnacle of success.
He was willing to lie or hide things to keep her safe.
He just hoped she wouldn’t be mad when he finally explained everything.
Bianca looked at Dave, impressed by his honest words. “That’s quite a direct confession, but… I like it.”
After a moment’s pause, Dave leaned in and kissed her, gently guiding her onto the soft bed.
His lips moved softly across her cheek, then down to her earlobe and slender neck, lingering over the unique red diamond necklace she wore.
This teardrop-shaped red diamond, the only one of its kind, had cost Dave two hundred million at an international auction. It symbolized that she was his most cherished possession.
Indeed, she was his most precious treasure.
Their kiss intensified with passion, and Dave felt his heart racing with desire. He boldly moved to lift her skirt, but Bianca suddenly felt uneasy and gently pushed him away.
Biting her lip, she said with a hint of discomfort, “Not today…”
Dave looked concerned. “What’s wrong?”
“I think… I might be on my period.”
Dave’s expression briefly showed concern, and he quickly backed off.
Bianca sat up and realized she was out of sanitary pads. She searched around but remembered she had forgotten to buy more.
Seeing her discomfort, Dave chuckled and said, “I’ll go get some for you. Just wait here.”
“What?” Bianca hesitated, unsure about asking for Dave’s help. But when he insisted, she felt touched and shyly replied, “Okay, thanks…”
Dave moved closer and gently tapped her nose. “No need to thank me. I’m here for you now, right? If you need anything, just let me know.”
Bianca knew he was right, but adjusting to their new relationship was still a bit overwhelming. She nodded slightly in agreement.
Dave left the room with determined steps.
It was late, and many stores were closed. He went to a 24-hour convenience store and stood in front of the sanitary pad aisle, feeling unsure while looking at the variety of choices.
He had never bought such things before.
Which pack should he pick…
Maybe he should grab one of each brand?
The store assistant noticed Dave’s dilemma and approached him with a smile. “Is this your first time buying sanitary pads for your girlfriend?”
Dave simply nodded.
“Most guys come here for condoms at this hour, but you’re the first one I’ve seen buying pads. You’re really unique!” the assistant said, picking up various packs from the shelf. “Let me show you these.”
She explained the pros and cons of each brand and the different sizes available.
Dave listened carefully and followed her advice, selecting the most comfortable brand. Worried it might not be enough for Bianca, he bought several packs.
“Thank you,” Dave said gratefully after paying his bill, then left the store.
The saleslady watched him go, impressed by his considerate nature. She thought how lucky his girlfriend must be.
She even wished she could introduce her own daughter to such a man, but she knew he was already taken.
‘Good men,’ she sighed inwardly, ‘always seemed to belong to someone else.’
With a shake of her head and a touch of envy, she returned to her duties.
Meanwhile, Dave walked back with a bag of sanitary pads in hand. Suddenly, a black sports car pulled up beside him, its engine roaring.
Michael, behind the wheel, rolled down the window, looking at Dave with surprise.
“Dave? What are you doing out here so late?”
Dave, hand casually in his pocket, narrowed his eyes at Michael. “Michael, shouldn’t you be busy with matters at Hayes Group? Why are you still in Edenfield?”
Michael chuckled, got out of the car, and strolled over to Dave. He lit a cigarette and leaned against his car. “I’m not going back to Blosa for the time being.”
Dave frowned. “Is this about Sophia?”
Michael’s expression hardened at the mention of Sophia’s name. He took a drag from his cigarette, blowing out smoke rings.
Turning towards Dave, Michael smirked coldly. “No, it’s not about Sophia. The Hayes Group’s plans in Blosa hit a roadblock. My mother sent me to Edenfield to learn from your experience in expanding overseas. Would you be willing to mentor me?”
Dave noticed the smirk didn’t quite reach Michael’s eyes. It was clear he was hiding something.
Michael’s father had died when he was young, leaving his mother to lead the Hayes clan. She was a tough figure, managing the family’s extensive business empire on her own. The Hayes family had numerous branches, and she wielded power with strong-arm tactics.
It wasn’t until Michael became an adult that his mother handed him control of the family business.
“Is your mother still keeping an eye on your authority?” Dave asked casually.
Michael sighed, blowing out smoke. “She just can’t let go. Sometimes, she still wants to oversee the company’s progress.”
Dave chose not to mention Michael’s hidden agenda. Raising an eyebrow, he replied, “I’m a businessman, and I don’t work for free. If you want my guidance, there’s a price to pay.”
“You think I can’t afford it?” Michael took another drag of his cigarette and glanced at Dave. “By the way, why aren’t you relaxing in your mansion tonight? What brings you out here?”
“I came to buy something.”
“What?” Michael almost dropped his cigarette. His eyes widened in surprise. “You’re the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group. If you need something, just order it, and someone will bring it to you. Why bother going out by yourself?”
As Michael spoke, he noticed the black bag in Dave’s hand.
Inside it were several packs of sanitary pads, almost spilling out. Michael caught sight of a pink edge sticking out and suddenly began coughing, choking on his cigarette smoke.
Could he be wrong? Michael couldn’t believe Dave was buying women’s sanitary pads himself. It seemed more unbelievable to him than someone saying the world would end tomorrow.
“Uh… Dave, why… Why are you buying this?”