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“But your ex…”

“I also knew back then,” he explains. “The problem was not that I was naïve or didn’t see the problem. The issue lay elsewhere. I wanted so desperately to help Emil, even when I knew he was using me.”

Emil.So that’s his name.

“If someone close to you willingly reaches out their hand, it’s okay to take it. If it helps, I promise you I won’t repeat the same mistakes I once made,” Aden adds.

“I think I am completely and utterly in love with you,” I mutter.

Aden raises his brows.

“Oh fuck! Did I just say that out loud?! What’s going on in my head? You probably fucked my brains out last night. Forget I said that.”

“I won’t forget,” Aden says. “Also, you must realize why I offer this to you. I wouldn’t do that for just any person.”

He hasn’t said it, but does it mean he is falling for me too?

“So, I assume it’s a yes. You’ll take me up on my offer?” he asks.

I nod. “Thank you.”

Aden looks equal parts relieved and happy. “I will immediately set you up with a lawyer.” A pause. “So, Wednesday evening?”

“Yes, and since I work so much this week, I will be free on the weekend. That’s rare!”

Aden’s face falls slightly.

“Is something wrong? Are you busy during the weekend?”

“You were there yourself when Oliver cornered me. I have to visit home next weekend,” Aden says.

“Oh shit, right!”

His whole expression is closed off again, but by now, I have figured it’s a self-preservation thing. “I can’t believe I couldn’t manage to get out of it, but it’s my mother’s birthday.”

“If you need help, I’d happily join you,” I offer, before chuckling. “It was just a joke; in case you are freaking out now.”

Aden stares at me.

“I was just goofing around,” I mutter. “I know it’s way too early for you to introduce me to anyone. Let alone your family!”

“But you would?”

“Huh?”

“If I asked you to come with me, you would?”

My eyes widen. “Are you serious?”

“The question is rather: Were you?”

“Aden, if you invited me to come with you, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” I say.

“Are you sure? You know how strained my relationship with them is.”

I don’t have any money to give, but I certainly have my heart and support to give. And I definitely will do that. “I am coming with you next weekend. Make sure your mom expects one more person.”

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