Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 197 He Likes You

Erin didn’t expect Roman would be so straightforward to point that out. She looked at him and said,

“Roman, I didn’t expect you to see it

too.”

Roman glanced at her and continued to gaze at the photo of Holly and Simon. He had a wise look in

his eyes as he continued. “I’ve been in the entertainment industry for so many years. I’ve seen a fair

share of people from all walks of life. My intuition tells me that someone like Simon is either completely

heartless or utterly devoted to one person. He’s a person who has an extreme disposition. Perhaps

what I’m saying is a bit arbitrary, but in my opinion. Holly is definitely not the type he would be faithfully

devoted to. Sometimes you don’t need to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. The look in one’s

eyes says it all.”

Paulo fell silent at Roman’s words. He looked at Roman again, recalling how he’d burned himself

without hesitation for Erin’s sake. Suddenly, Paulo realized something: Roman had feelings for Erin.

Would someone go so far as to inflict harm on themselves for a normal friend? Behind his crazy

actions, it seemed his emotions ran deep.

“To be honest, I don’t see any sign of affection in Simon’s eyes in this photo. But Holly is my good

friend, and she has told me more than once that she really likes Simon. If Simon has a change of heart

toward Holly in the future, perhaps this relationship is worth Holly’s time, after all.” Erin wanted to

believe in Holly’s choice. As a friend, she could only support Holly.

After all, Holly was no longer a youthful girl with many years to decide. As an adult, she had the right to

choose her own partner. Of course, she would have to bear the consequences of her choices, no

matter if they were good or bad.

Roman could sense a faint worry in Erin’s words. He simply said, “Time will tell everything. I hope my

intuition is wrong.”

With a sigh, Erin shifted her gaze to Paulo and calmly asked, “Paulo, when are Holly and Simon getting

married? Have they already been engaged? Who told you about this?”

Paulo shook his head and replied, “I don’t know when they’ll get married, but I heard the engagement

was quite hastily. They got engaged during a trip together. Your mother was the one who told me all

about this. During the time you were missing and after your mother moved

to the city. Holly often visited her. Your mother also said that when Holly had nothing to do, she would

drag Simon along to find you. It was said that Simon was initially very proactive, but as time went by

and there was no news of you, he gave up. Later on, he went abroad.”

Erin and Roman listened quietly. Paulo continued, “When Gaston passed away, Simon didn’t get to see

his grandfather one last time, so he felt guilty and remorseful about that. Two months ago, he

completely moved back to the country from abroad. Since he got engaged to

Holly, they have been living in the city. However, according to your mother, they haven’t started living

together yet, and Holly was quite

upset about it and confided in your mother.”

After Paulo finished speaking, Erin fell silent for a while. Honestly, she really missed Holly, and she was

also grateful that Holly often took

the time to visit Cherry. She was truly a good friend.

In her heart, Erin prayed that Simon and Holly could be happy together for a lifetime.

Just like her, Holly had also experienced her husband’s infidelity in the past. Erin hoped that such a

betrayal would not be repeated with

Simon this time.

“Erin, do you want to know the current situation of your three other friends?” Paulo casually asked.

“Are you talking about Sean, Matthew, and Caleb?” Erin looked up at him and asked.

Paulo nodded. “Yes, it’s exactly those three. Sean is still the same, serving in the military. I heard he

still has a year and a half left before he leaves the army. As for Matthew, he was recently spotted

overseas and his photo was uploaded on Twitter. Take a look for yourself.”

He swiped the photo on his phone, and a picture of Matthew with a ponytail and stubble all over his

face appeared on the wall. The location seemed to be a bar, and he was sitting on a high stool, holding

an electric guitar. It looked as if he was performing.

The previous Matthew had the appearance of a charming and devilish rock star when he dabbled in

rock music; the present him had transformed into a relatively modest bar singer. The way he dressed

was quite casual, similar to what male celebrities wore when they were spotted on the streets.

After learning about Matthew’s current situation, Erin felt a wave of emotion. Matthew had been framed

in a drug abuse scandal, Evidence was found in his villa during the police search, so he was deemed

guilty. The whole incident caused quite a stir, and shortly after Matthew was released from prison, he

chose to go abroad.

before leaving due to public pressure. Matthew never returned and continued to travel through small

Eupathean countries, showing the locals a photo of Erin wherever he went, asking if they had seen her.

Matthew searched for Erin in his own unique way. Initially, when Erin found out, she’d almost contacted

him. However, when she thought about her current disfigured lace, she ultimately decided not to get in

touch with him.

Still Matthew’s persistence touched Erin deeply. She kept this feeling of appreciation in her heart and

turned all the care and concern from her friends into her own strength while facing her current

difficulties.

Judging from her changes throughout the past two weeks, Erin had indeed become strong and

optimistic.

“What about Caleb? Is he still the design director at Frost Corporation?” Erin asked.

Paulo replied. “Yes, he’s still in Frost Corporation. Up until now, he still insists on visiting your mother.

Every time he goes, he buys her a lot of health supplements. Your mother said that Caleb seems to be

in a romantic relationship, and his girlfriend seems to be the younger

sister of Chandler’s friend.”

Suddenly, Paulo cackled a little before saying, “Erin, get ready for some drama with this next piece of

news. Your stepfather, Grayson, and your aunt, Charlotte, got married three days ago. It seems they

found romance at an advanced age. They have moved to the city to live with your cousin. Your cousin,

May, is a wealthy businessman’s kept woman. She is now a minor actress, and I heard the

businessman is planning to buy her a supporting role.”

Erin narrowed her eyes coldly and disdainfully said, “I knew Grayson was a leopard that could never

change its spots! A man who cheats one will cheat countless times.”

Her angry gaze made Paulo and Roman exchange a glance, and they both thought of Erin’s scumbag

ex–husband, lan.

Paulo changed the topic and continued. “Your cousin seems to be close with a famous actress called

Megan. They are known to be close friends in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, they frequently

interact on Twitter, eager to let everyone know that they are the best of

friends.”

Erin smirked and remained silent.

Roman said, “It’s good that you can still enjoy some peace in the Garden of Eden. On the other hand,

the relationships in your family are getting more and more complicated.”

Erin’s gaze became somewhat lackadaisical as she casually said, “Well, I’m already immune to

surprises like these. My own life has been convoluted enough. Even if others‘ lives are like something

out of a movie script, nothing fazes me anymore. Speaking of scripts, I should

consider writing one myself-

“Are you really going to start writing scripts? Well, if you write a script, I’ll definitely invest in it!”

Paulo’s interest was suddenly piqued. He’d been investing mainly in medical projects, but upon hearing

Erin’s desire to write a script, he suddenly wanted to collaborate with her. If they collaborated, he could

maintain contact with her and their relationship wouldn’t be solely

one of doctor and patient.

Even Roman chimed in to show support, “Erin, if you really write a script, make sure to give me a small

role in your movie-”

“Haha! I can’t imagine you being an extra, Roman. You’re hilarious! But I’ll remember what you both

said. Suddenly, I feel like my life in the Garden of Eden is going to become quite busy. But it’s so

exciting! Paulo, I’m counting on you for my face. Roman, you’d better recover quickly because if I do

write a movie script, you’ll definitely be the leading man in it.”

Her words were resolute and filled with passion and confidence. The sparkles in her eyes were

dazzling, leaving Paulo and Roman dazed

and unable to respond for a while.

“What’s wrong with you two? Are you regretting what you offered earlier?” Erin smiled with a hint of

teasing.

Paulo suddenly extended his right hand with a captivating smile and said, “Erin, if you can write a script

that I approve of, forget about one billion, I’ll invest five billion in you!”

His words startled Erin, who immediately stood up and grabbed Paulo’s right hand with both of hers.

Excitedly, she exclaimed somewhat crudely. “Damn! This is the first time in my life I’ve seen someone

make an investment so generously right away. Paulo, I know you’re wealthy, but I never expected you

would… No, this isn’t right. You’re not making a fool out of me, are you?”

you think a mere five billion is an amount worth mentioning to him? He has made you a promise, so he

won’t go back on his word. If he did that, he would be undermining his own credibility.”

Paulo withdrew his hand from Erin’s grasp, crossed his arms, and looked at Roman with a sneaky glint

in his eyes. He said, “I never expected the critically acclaimed actor would behave like this! You really

will say anything for the woman you like!”

His counterattack immediately made both Roman and Erin freeze up.

Paulo spoke in a clear tone and an articulate manner. Hence, they both heard him clearly.

At that moment. Erin was gazing at Roman, while Roman had a tense expression on his face that was

also laced with anxiety and worry. He began to stammer, “E–Erin, don’t listen to him… H–He’s just

talking nonsense!”

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