?


    Debra frowned. "What''s this?"


    "It''s what I owe you," Juan replied, unwilling to reveal more.


    Debra opened the box to find a diamond ring inside.


    When she married Juan, there was no wedding ceremony or ring. He had imed to be too busy, and they had only obtained their marriage certificate. Yet tonight, Juan was giving her a ring, and she couldn''t help but question his motives.


    "Why give me a ring now?"


    "I neglected your feelings before. I hope you can give me a chance."


    His words surprised her, but she soon regained her senses.


    "Is this about my family?"


    Behind her was the Frazier family, who held a major stake in the Nichols Group''s new za. Thepetition from the McKinney Group''smercial street posed a significant threat, and Juan couldn''t afford a divorce at this crucial time.


    Her words unnerved Juan, and he grasped her arm. "Why do you always think I have ulterior motives? Can''t it just be because..."


    His voice trailed off. "Because I like you?"


    Debra was stunned. Juan tightened his grip and added, "Why are you always trying to push me away? Before, you were afraid of me. Now, you''re so cold."


    "Do you really want to know?"


    "Yes. You were not like this before."


    She used to follow him like a shadow, always eager to please him. But since the auction, everything had changed. He couldn''t understand what he had done wrong, but he knew that the affection in her eyes had disappeared.


    "What was I like before? Always following you? Asking you what you like every day? Trying hard to please you, even imitating others'' styles?"


    Juan was lost for words. Debra continued, "Do you truly like that version of me?"Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    "..."


    "Admit it. You never liked that version of me. Do you remember how much you despised me? Now you say you like me, but it''s merely possessiveness at work when you realize I suddenly don''t like you anymore."


    He wanted to argue, but her words left him defenseless.


    "Back then, I gave you a sense of superiority, but that wasn''t the real me. You loathed me, and I don''t like you anymore. It''s that simple."


    "So, even if I regret it and say I like you now, it''s all pointless?"


    "There''s no use crying over spilled milk," she said firmly, shaking off his hand. "The old me won''te back, and I will never fall for you again."


    The pain was evident in Juan''s eyes. "Not even a little?"


    Debra''s tone was piercingly resolute. ''Absolutely not."