Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 214

Chapter 214: Marriage

Claire arrived at JB Enterprise just before closing time, stepping out of the elevator with a small smile. The office was quieter now, the usual bustle of employees reduced to a few lingering workers finishing up their tasks.

She had been thinking about Christopher all day—wondering how he was, if he had eaten, if he was still drowning in work.

The past few weeks had been hectic for him, and she knew he needed something to lighten his mood. So, she had made the decision to surprise him.

When she reached his office, and saw that his secretary had left for the day, she didn’t bother knocking. Instead, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Christopher was behind his desk, rubbing his temples. His tie was loosened, and his suit jacket was draped over the back of his chair. The sight made her heart ache a little—he looked exhausted.

“Wow,” Claire said, leaning against the doorway with a teasing smile. “Rough day?”

At the sound of her voice, Christopher’s head shot up. His eyes widened in surprise, then softened almost instantly. A slow, genuine smile spread across his face, brightening his tired features.

She hadn’t told him she was coming but then, seeing her just seemed to brighten up his mood. She had been the medicine he didn’t know he needed.

“Claire?” He stood up, his voice tinged with disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d surprise you.” She walked toward him, her heart warming at the way he looked at her. “Looks like I succeeded.”

Christopher chuckled, shaking his head. “You definitely did. And not a moment too soon. I was just about to call it a day.”

“Well, I’m here now,” she said, resting a hand on his desk. “And I think you need a break.”

His lips curled into a smirk. “Are you reading my mind?”

She tilted her head playfully. “Maybe. So, how about dinner? My treat.”

Christopher placed a hand over his heart, feigning shock. “You? Treating me to dinner? I must be special,” he teased.

Claire rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “Very special.”

Christopher grabbed his suit jacket, shrugging it on. “I’ll take you up on that, but only if I get to pick the place.”

“Deal.”

Claire waited for him to finish up and immediately he was done, they both stepped out of the office hand in hand.

They took Chris’s car since Chris had called his driver to come pick up Clair’s car and return it.

They ended up at an elegant yet cozy restaurant with warm lighting and soft music playing in the background. It was the kind of place that felt private, like the rest of the world didn’t exist for a while.

As they settled into their seats, Claire noticed how much more relaxed Christopher looked. The stress from earlier had melted away, replaced with something softer. She liked seeing him like this—at ease, and happy.

Perhaps, she’d have to do gestures like this more often. Now she knew why Chris’s mother had called to plead with her to always make sure Christopher wasn’t overworking himself.

Thinking about it, a smile escaped her lips. Who would’ve thought that she’d have such close relationship with not just Elizabeth but Nicole too after all that transpired between them?

“You should surprise me more often,” he said as he picked up the menu, almost as though he was reading her mind.

Claire smirked. “Maybe I will.”

After ordering, Claire leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. “So, tell me, Mr. CEO. What’s been stressing you out today?”

Christopher sighed, rolling his shoulders. “Work, as usual. But seeing you helps. You have no idea how much.”

Claire smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Their food arrived, and as they ate, they talked about lighter things—random stories, funny moments, and anything that made them laugh.

Claire found herself watching him closely—the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the way his voice lowered when he spoke about something serious, the way he looked at her as if she was the only person in the room.

He asked about Margaret and how she was coping. Seeing how concerned he was, Claire couldn’t help the happiness that enveloped her, knowing Chris not only loved her but everything that concerned her.

She wasn’t sure when it had happened, but somewhere along the way, he had become her safe place.

Christopher leaned back in his seat, swirling his drink in his hand. “So,” he said casually, “what do you think about marriage?”

Claire blinked, caught off guard by the question. She definitely hadn’t expected that.

“Marriage?” she asked back.

He nodded. “Yeah. I mean, you’ve seen Emma and Alex. Do you think you’d ever want something like that?” he asked again with a shrug, letting her know it wasn’t so serious a conversation as she thought.

Claire exhaled softly, setting her fork down. She hadn’t expected this conversation, but she wasn’t afraid of it either. She met his gaze, her voice quieter now when she saw how relaxed he was too.

“Well, after everything I went through,” she admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t ever be able to love again… or be loved.” She paused, searching for the right words to better explain what she was thinking inside. “But then, you came along. And slowly, you crumbled all my walls.” A small, heartfelt smile touched her lips. “So why wouldn’t I want to marry you, Chris? You effortlessly made me believe in love and that it was made for everyone.”

Christopher’s breath hitched slightly. His fingers curled around his glass, but his attention was solely on her.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, almost to himself. “I’ve always thought so, but right now… you’re glowing.” His voice dropped a little, turning softer, more intimate. “I’m sure you’d make a very beautiful bride.”

Claire’s heart skipped a beat. There was something in his eyes—something intense, something deep.

She tilted her head slightly. “Why are you asking about marriage, though? Want to get married now?”

A playful smirk ghosted over his lips, but his gaze held sincerity. “I just wanted to be sure I wouldn’t have to fight to change your mind again. You know, like I did when I got you to date me.”

Claire let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You’re so silly.”

Christopher grinned. “But you love me anyway.”

She looked at him, her chest swelling with warmth. “Yeah,” she whispered. “I do.”

Their hands found each other on the table, fingers intertwining naturally. They continued their meal, talking about other things, laughing, sharing stolen glances.

But in Christopher’s mind, one thought had already taken root.

He was going to marry Claire and soon too, he just had to figure out the perfect way to ask her.