Chapter 8 The Billionaire's Virgin Bride VIII

Lauren

This evening has a magical quality about it. To tell you the truth, I almost feel as if I'm dreaming. I had no notion that I would be dining in the most romantic or costly restaurant in the city. I had no idea. I face Tyler as I turn around. I had no idea that the Prince who had me completely enchanted would be so cold and uninvolved in our relationship.

Is it even appropriate to refer to him as that? That he is not interested in romantic relationships has been made very plain by him. But...why am I the one?

The plates we used for supper have been replaced with dessert and coffee. Once more, the topic of conversation is restricted to the cuisine or the establishment where it is being consumed. After we have finished eating and our plates have been whisked away once more, I ponder about what he said earlier.

It's strange that he has such little faith in romantic relationships. I don't think I've ever come across somebody who didn't believe in love; in fact, I had no concept that such a thing was even a possibility.

What transpired in his life that caused him to react in such a manner? Even though I am aware that I shouldn't, I nevertheless go ahead and ask him. Not only does this make me curious, but it also makes my heart hurt for him. Everyone has a second half that is also wonderful and deserving of affection.

Before the check arrives, I work up the nerve to ask, "What's the deal? What exactly did you mean when you asked me earlier. Why do you not believe in love?"

He stops moving for a split second before letting out a long sigh. He takes me by surprise by buying another bottle of wine in the middle of our conversation. Our glasses have been replenished. Before beginning to speak, he takes a few deep sips from his beverage.

"It all started with my high school sweetheart," he adds. "She was my first love, and the two of us were inseparable and madly in love." We even attended college together. Those years spent just with one another were some of the most amazing of their lives. It seemed as if the first day of the rest of our life had already arrived."

I choose to keep my mouth shut and just listen, despite the fact that Tyler's gloomy expression causes the corners of his lips to turn down, signaling that things were not that bright for very long.

"It had been almost two weeks since we had last class at our institution. Though I'd been mulling over this concept for quite some time, it didn't occur to me to act on it until now. I knew without a doubt that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I was out of other options, so I thought the night before our graduation would be the perfect time to pop the question. It seemed like the perfect way to start our new life together ahead of us. I had everything with me, including the engagement ring. Because I was so excited, I just couldn't wait to tell someone about it. Therefore, I went to pay a visit to the dormitory of my very best friend "He stops talking long enough to take a few sips of his wine.

The pit of my stomach is churning with dread as I have a sneaking hunch that I know where this is going to head.

"When I get at his dorm room, I knock on the door and then walk in. That was just the way we were, we always managed to walk into each other's spaces unexpectedly. In addition to that, he never bothered to lock his door."

He plainly is psyching himself up for the upcoming portion of the narrative as he takes another sip of wine.

"When I stepped in, they were talking to each other. Naked. That is something I will never forget. I quickly turned around and walked away from them, so I don't even know if they tried to apologize. That photograph of the two of them together is etched indelibly into my mind.

As he continues to speak, he is looking away from me and will drink the glass of wine when he is done.

I am mortified to find that I am crying and quickly wipe my eyes with a tissue. Hearing his story has caused so much pain in my heart for him.

"I understand what it's like to have someone cheat on you. I notice that I'm repeating "it's happened to me twice" quite frequently.

I can see the surprise on his face. "Really?"

Consequently, I will carry on talking. "But in all honesty, it wasn't a very big issue. Neither of these relationships was a real commitment. I feel a bit guilty speaking these things, but the way he is gazing at me encourages me to keep going. "And that wasn't even my best friend, either. I can't image that sort of treachery on top of everything else."

"Like I stated before, I've gone on dates and been in relationships in the past, but they were never really serious. Perhaps it is the reason why things between them never worked out. I have no idea. Even after we broke up, one of my exes and I have maintained our friendship. Recently, I assisted him in making preparations for his wedding to his new boyfriend. I respond with a chuckle that betrays my embarrassment.

The man's mouth drops open as he serves us each another glass of wine. Both of us take a gulp of this. I can see that he is attempting to comprehend everything that has been said during our talk. Incredulous, he questions your ability to have such a positive outlook in light of what has just been stated.

As I respond, a smile crosses my face. "When I was growing up, I witnessed a lot of love. How could I possibly deny its validity? Although my grandfather had passed away before I was born, my grandma always spoke of him in a way that made it quite evident that he was her soulmate. In addition to this, my parents were always together. Although it may be naive or wishful thinking, I truly feel that there is someone out there who is meant to be with each and every one of us.

Our talk is cut short when the waiter swings by with our check and puts an end to it.

"Shall we?" While paying the bill, Tyler inquires of me.

As we leave the restaurant, he helps me out by opening the door for me once more. Even if he has resumed his silence, the fact that I now know a little bit more about him makes me pleased.

As we make our way to his vehicle, the thought occurs to me that I don't want the night to come to an end. I ask this question just before we get to the car: "Do you mind if we take a little detour?"

We came to a stop, and he looked at me with a surprised eyebrow raised the entire time. "That's no problem. What were you thinking?"

I offer a suggestion and say, "I know a little garden down the street from here where we can continue walking."

We move in the opposite direction on the sidewalk once he gives us the signal with a nod. I feel a flutter of excitement throughout my body. It comes as a surprise to me that I've chosen to act so brazenly, but I just couldn't help myself. Despite the fact that he can be scary at times, I enjoy spending time with him. I am aware that what I just said could sound ridiculous, but just thinking about it makes tonight seem like it might be more interesting.

I really hope that the walk won't bother him. Nonetheless, it would appear that he is taking pleasure in it. I'm racking my brain for more topics that we could discuss with one other. At least I have a better understanding of why he does not believe in love. I can't

Just try to fathom how painful that must have been.

However, various people will have different responses to it. I learned a valuable lesson from the fact that I was cheated on. I believe that his reaction was to bury himself in his work in order to numb himself to the situation and all of his feelings.