Female Novel
Chapter 1099: Presence
Chapter 1099: Presence
Later, Ayan said to Horace, "Now that you're here, please keep an eye on things. In the next few days,
the old Simpson is planning to be admitted to the hospital. We're keeping it low-key for now, not
announcing it publicly to avoid any disturbance to the old Simpson's recovery. Only close friendsnovelbin
around us know about it."
In saying this, Ayan was telling Horace that he now considered him part of the team. They could
discuss and face things together.
Horace understood the implication and chuckled, "You're putting quite a bit of pressure on me."
Ayan laughed along with him, and the two chatted amicably. Horace also offered to help whenever
needed, and Ayan graciously accepted.
With Ayan's guidance and assurance, Horace became less concerned about the affairs involving
Preston. As expected, when Preston secured the project, Brody was in an excellent mood. That
afternoon, he came to Armstrong Corp, organized a meeting where he publicly praised Preston,
elevating him in front of all the executives. Preston was showered with applause.
In the evening, Brody used his connections to secure tickets for a certain event and took Preston along.
Preston only found out about it after the news broke the next day, but he didn't mind at all.
On the other side, Ayan left work and drove directly to Camille's company to pick her up. They then
headed to the Simpson's mansion together.
Driving back to the mansion, they bought some snacks for Timmy and fruits for the old Simpson. Due
to the recent busy schedule, their visits to the mansion had been infrequent.
During the drive, Camille brought up the topic of the old Simpson being hospitalized. She said,
"Grandpa will be admitted tomorrow. When we get back tonight, you should talk to him. Even though he
seems strict with you, deep down, he trusts you immensely. Some things he'll only believe if you say
them."
Ayan, one hand on the steering wheel, cast a gentle glance at Camille. He replied softly, "I know."
Camille nodded in response and then turned to Ayan, asking in a low voice, "Do you feel a lot of
pressure?"
"Yes," he didn't hide it from Camille, stating his honest feelings. He then reached over and gently held
Camille's hand, saying, "But with you around, I feel like I can handle any pressure with ease."
Camille chuckled at his words, teasing, "You and your sweet talk!"
"I'm speaking the truth."
"Sure, sure, it's the truth. Did you secretly attend some eloquence class? Why are you suddenly so
good with words?" These kinds of sweet words were never a part of their interactions before, and they
seemed completely out of character.
Ayan smiled, saying, "With so much going on at Simpson Group, I don't have time to attend any
classes. I know you might find it hard to believe whatever I say, so tell me, what should I say for you to
trust me?"
"It's not that I don't trust you. It's just hard to believe those words coming from you."
"When you see someone you like, everything comes naturally," Ayan spoke softly.
Camille pursed her lips, her gaze gently fixed on Ayan. She asked, "How long can you maintain this
liking?"
"Naturally, a lifetime."
"Really?"
"Of course."
Camille fell silent, her expression revealing a hint of complex emotions. She didn't say anything but
Ayan caught the fleeting look in her eyes.
Ayan asked, "What are you thinking?"
Camille gazed at Ayan with warmth, shaking her head lightly. "Nothing."
Naturally, Ayan didn't believe it. He knew Camille well enough that he could accurately judge whether
she had something on her mind from a single look or expression.
Still holding her hand, he spoke with a low, husky voice, "Are you thinking about what I just said? Do
you think liking can't last a lifetime?"
Camille hesitated for a moment, not expecting Ayan to ask so directly. Since he did, Camille didn't deny
it. Instead, she looked into his eyes and nodded slightly, "Yes, I have thought about it because the
person you like isn't just me, right?"
This statement left Ayan completely silent.
Past emotions couldn't be erased, something he couldn't change. For Ayan, every stage of his life was
not regretted. Good or bad, it was destined. However, Camille's question left him unsure how to
respond.
He sighed silently, his voice low and husky, "So, do you despise me now?"
"I don't despise you. I just feel that liking might not be enough to sustain a lifetime."
"Can't it?"
"Of course not."
"What about love?" Ayan glanced at her and continued, "If liking can't, love surely can, right?"
Camille's eyelashes trembled, a slight curve forming at the corner of her mouth. She spoke very softly,
"I don't know."
In reality, she just lacked a sense of security. At the same time, she didn't want to completely immerse
herself in it because she was genuinely afraid. This fear stemmed from her inner insecurities,
something she rarely showed but was deeply ingrained.
So, she kept asking Ayan about liking.
After a brief moment of silence, lasting until they were about to reach the Simpson's mansion, Ayan's
voice suddenly broke the quiet. He asked, "Cami, do you mind that I liked someone before? I might
also mind if you liked someone before. Can you tell me about it? What kind of person was he?"
Camille was momentarily stunned, her brows subconsciously furrowing. She almost forgot that Ayan
had always believed she had a deeply loved ex-boyfriend.
Camille fell into a brief silence, not sure how to answer the question.
Seeing her silence, Ayan's heart tightened, and his expression became serious. He gazed at Camille
and asked in a low, husky voice, "Why aren't you saying anything? Huh?"
Camille met his scrutiny, gently blinking as she said, "I'm not not saying anything."
"Then answer me, what kind of person was he?"
"Ayan, are you sure you want to know about this? I never inquired about your past!"
"You didn't ask, but you're aware, right?"
He asked lightly, leaving Camille speechless.
Because she was indeed aware. She had faced this topic several times, and she knew everything
about Cora.
Camille pursed her lips, and the man's voice continued in her ear, "So, can't you tell me? I'm not
implying anything; I just want to know. What kind of person could make you unforgettable for so many
years? Is he still in your heart now?"
Camille squinted slightly, a faint emotion shimmering in her eyes. In truth, she didn't know how to
broach this topic.
However, Ayan's persistent questioning made her realize that if she didn't say anything today, this
scene might repeat itself tomorrow or the day after. After a brief contemplation, she spoke in a low
voice, "He used to be a terrible person, but there have been many changes. I can only tell you that I
don't regret liking him. As for the rest, I don't want to say more, okay?"
Ayan's expression became extremely serious. His pitch-black eyes suddenly glanced at Camille, as if
he wanted to see through her.
However, Camille didn't flinch in their gaze. Instead, she met his eyes head-on.
As he was driving, he only glanced at Camille briefly. Then, with a face devoid of any emotion, he
looked ahead, and his low voice slowly echoed, "Fine."
Observing Ayan's reaction, Camille felt an indescribable taste in her heart. In fact, she was already
wavering about whether to directly tell him that the man she had liked for many years was, in fact, him.