Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO SAW BEAUTY DIFFERENTLY
Gideon never asked me to date him while my divorce was pending.
He didn't send extravagant gifts.
Didn't make dramatic declarations.
Didn't use his position to pressure me.
Instead, he remained professional.
Respectful.
And quietly supportive.
One afternoon, I received an offer from another financial firm.
A senior leadership position.
Excellent salary.
Significant responsibility.
I stared at the letter.
Then went to Gideon's office.
He looked up.
“Vivian.”
I smiled.
“Do you have a minute?”
“Of course.”
I handed him the offer.
He read it.
Then smiled.
“Congratulations.”
I blinked.
“That's it?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What were you expecting?”
I laughed softly.
“I don't know.”
Gideon leaned back.
“It's an excellent opportunity.”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
“Will you take it?”
I hesitated.
“I think so.”
He smiled.
“Then you should.”
I stared.
“You're not going to ask me to stay?”
His expression softened.
“Vivian, I want you to choose what's best for your life.”
My eyes filled.
He continued.
“Not what's convenient for mine.”
Three months later, I accepted the new position.
I left Ashford Meridian Partners with Gideon's full support.
On my final day, he walked me to the elevator.
“Vivian.”
I turned.
“Yes?”
He hesitated.
“Would you have dinner with me sometime?”
My breath caught.
“As colleagues?”
He smiled.
“No.”
I stared.
Then laughed softly.
“Gideon Ashford, are you asking me on a date?”
He nodded.
“Yes.”
I looked at him.
For the first time, there was no professional hierarchy between us.
No obligation.
No pressure.
Just a man asking a woman to dinner.
I smiled.
“I'd like that.”
Gideon's expression softened.
“Good.”
Our first date was at a small Italian restaurant.
No photographers.
No business associates.
No luxury spectacle.
Just pasta.
Wine.
And conversation.
Gideon asked about my childhood.
My favorite books.
My brother.
My dreams.
He never once asked me to hide my scars.
When we walked outside, he offered his coat.
I smiled.
“I'm not cold.”
He laughed.
“Then I'll stop trying to be impressive.”
May you like
I took his hand.
“You don't have to try.”
