Love's New Bloom

Chapter 198

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Chapter 198 Fair Competition

Roman’s awkward response made Erin feel uneasy. She thought about the burns on her face and body. Following that, her gaze visibly

dimmed.

“Paulo, you shouldn’t make jokes like that. You can clearly see what I look like right now. I’m grateful enough if I don’t scare any of you

away.”

After finishing her words, Erin slowly hobbled away with the support of her crutches. With her back turned to the two men, she said, “I’m a

little tired. It’s time for me to get some rest.”

Her intention was clear; she was telling Roman and Paulo that they could leave.

Roman stared at Paulo in silence, his eyes filled with restrained anger. However, he spoke ever so gently to Erin, “Okay, we’ll be leaving.

Rest well.”

Supporting himself with crutches as well, Roman left. Paulo, who remained standing in place, felt awkward about the turn of events.

After Roman left the ward, Paulo apologized as he looked at Erin’s retreating figure. “I’m sorry. I was just joking earlier.”

That was all he could say now. Roman would never admit to liking Erin; even if he did, it wouldn’t make her happy. So, why bother

mentioning it?

Paulo quickly realized that he’d made a mistake. Why did he have to bring up Roman’s feelings? Did he want Roman to get together with Erin? As this thought came to his mind, Paulo felt conflicted and surprised at himself. Why did he care about Roman’s relationship with

Erin?

Erin turned around and gave him a calm look. “It’s okay, I know you were just joking. I’m going to sleep now.”

She walked over and leaned her crutches against the wall. Then, she slowly lifted her foot and proceeded to lie down. Seeing that she was

indeed getting ready to lake a nap, Paulo immediately turned off the projector and disconnected the data cable from his phone.

Originally, he’d intended not to say anything more.

But after taking a few steps, he turned back around. He was a little worried that Erin might take him for the type of person who spoke

carelessly and cluelessly without much thought.

Paulo decided to go ahead and express his views. “Erin, you may be burned, but you haven’t lost your memory. You’re still the same

person you were before. What I said about Roman wasn’t purely nonsense. He was willing to burn himself for you. Do you really think he sees you only as a friend? To me, you’re also a friend, but I wouldn’t do something that foolish for you.”

Right after he said that last sentence, Paulo felt that something was off. So, he changed his wording swiftly. “What I mean is that the relationship between friends shouldn’t reach such extremes-”

Before he could finish his words, Erin suddenly chuckled and asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

How could she not see the special efforts Roman had made for her sake? She simply chose not to dig deeper into what his actions could

be implying. Wasn’t it better for certain things to be kept discreet and hidden despite everyone knowing about them?

If everything had to be expressed thoroughly, openly, and candidly to let the other party know about one’s intentions, could everyone still maintain an easy, friendly, and healthy friendship with boundaries?

In response to her question, Paulo initially wanted to say something. But he stared at her clear and twinkling eyes for some time and didn’t say anything. It was so prolonged that Erin no longer bothered to maintain eye contact with him. She simply lifted the blanket. covered herself, and lay down comfortably.

“Ha! So, you knew all along! Although you’ve only acted in one movie, you’re a natural performer, aren’t you?” Paulo commented appreciatively with a hint of a smile as he left her ward.

Staring at the ceiling. Erin was deep in contemplation. Though her mindset had completely changed, and she became more positive and energetic about life, her face still bore those hideous scars. Romantic love between men and women was something she didn’t dare to think about at the moment. It felt like something alien to her for the time being.

inflicting injury on himself to encourage Erin touched her deeply. Not only was she touched, but she was also immensely grateful and

appreciative.

Even if the whole world abandoned her, she would never forget everything Roman had done for her. She would strive for the sake of this profound friendship with Roman and work hard to return to her past sell. Even if her appearance was no longer the same, her attitude toward life would definitely improve and become better.

Erin didn’t want to be defeated by setbacks easily. Deep down in her heart, she didn’t really have the courage to die just like that. If she admitted in her heart that she couldn’t go on living and wanted to die, it would mean she had truly become a failure.

It would mean that all the obstacles she’d overcome in the past instantly were meaningless struggles. She didn’t want to admit defeat, so she would live her life well and flaunt it to Tessa and Jack, who were now nothing more than otherworldly spirits, that she was still alive and kicking. Not only was she alive, but she would also live splendidly and spectacularly!

Ten minutes later, Paulo returned to his spacious office. He’d barely sat down on his office chair before his office door opened

automatically and in came Jenny.

Paulo was holding some documents in his hand. He looked up at Jenny calmly and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Jenny replied. “Boss, Mr. Blair wants to have a talk with you.”

Paulo’s expression froze. He knew that Roman would come to find him, but he didn’t expect it to be so soon.

“Let him in.” he instructed.

Jenny nodded and replied. “Yes, Boss.”

She turned and walked out of the office. Not long after, Roman entered his office at a slow pace, leaning on his crutch with each step.

Paulo set the documents in his hand aside, stood up, and walked toward the white sofa not far away. Then, he sat down. As he patiently waited for Roman to reach and take a seat, he poured water for both of them.

Paulo took a few sips from his own glass of water. By then, Roman had already sat down not far from him, maintaining some distance from him as he seated himself on a white individual sofa.

It was evident that Paulo was still in a prickly mood.

“Are you here to settle the score with me?” Paulo put down the glass and casually examined the nails on his left hand, his expression

relaxed and insouciant.

Roman was no longer mad; his calm face was open and honest.

He looked at Paulo calmly and said, “Paulo, your behavior earlier lacked the rationality expected of a doctor. You knew very well that Erin’s appearance was an issue that shouldn’t be carelessly touched upon. Yel, you casually said those words. Are you starting to mind the fact

that I have feelings for Erin?”

A trace of coldness flashed in Paulo’s eyes as he curled his lips in a disdainful smile. “What is there for me to mind?”

“Only you yourself know if you mind or not. I don’t deny that I like Erin; I still like her even when she’s in such a state. My feelings for her have never changed. But do you know why I dare not confess to her?” Roman’s gaze was serious yet helpless.

Paulo remained silent, waiting for Roman to elaborate.

Roman sighed lightly and explained, “There are three points. Firstly, there is still an unresolved relationship between Erin and Chandler. Secondly, whether it’s from a physical or mental aspect, Erin is still in a phase of recovery. It’s not suitable for her to enter any romantic relationship at the moment, as it would only burden her psychologically. Thirdly, I won’t casually express my feelings until she has no aversion toward me because I don’t want to risk losing my right to be her friend.” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

If Erin still loved Chandler, it would be difficult for other men to have a chance with her. But now Chandler was not by her side, and he had a chance that others didn’t. Therefore, he couldn’t act rashly. Some opportunities, once lost, might never be found again.

Paulo stared into Roman’s eyes and nodded slightly in approval. “You’re wise, Roman. Your three reasons have convinced me. Therefore, I apologize for my tactlessness earlier. I can assure you that you won’t hear me talking about your feelings toward Erin anymore.”

fully understand your own feelings for Erin, I think I know what to make of it. I’ll keep your feelings for her a secret as well.”

Upon hearing his words, Paulo burst into laughter. He laughed so hard that tears streamed down his face.

“Roman, I’ve never seen someone as confident as you. Don’t worry, I won’t meddle in your affairs anymore. In any case, I’ll do my best to heal your burns. You two can do as you please.”

Paulo stood up and walked over to his desk. He was still laughing as he said in amusement, “To think you said I liked Erin. Roman, oh Roman, I think you’ve lost your marbles. I, Paulo Eastwood, am the least interested in this perplexing thing everyone calls love.”

Seeing him going back to work, Roman stood up and walked slowly toward the door.

He didn’t look at Paulo, but he stated earnestly. “Paulo, I’ll compete with you fairly. You were the one who saved Erin, and for this reason alone, one day in the future, I’ll allow you to confess your feelings for her first. I wish you good luck.”

Five minutes after Roman left, Paulo sat on his office chair idly with a huge frown. He was unable to comprehend what made Roman so sure that he liked Erin. Why would Roman say such things?

After thinking for a long time and still unable to understand it, Paulo slammed the table in frustration. “Damn Roman! What nonsensical hints are you giving me? Do you think I’ll play along to anything you say? How childish!”