Love's perfect match novel (Elspeth and Callum)
Chapter 734 Side Story: Efforts in Pursuing Her 16

"Our little Damian is truly kind-hearted." Yelena bent down, reached out, and tapped his nose.

Damian proudly lifted his chin. "Of course. I have to protect everyone."

"Who instilled this hero mindset in you?"

Damian scratched his head. "Ultraman."

Yelena burst into laughter.

Elspeth, Yelena, and Damian went out to eat together. Unexpectedly, after the meal, it was Federick who came to pick up Yelena.

"Long time no see."

Federick smiled slightly, naturally taking Yelena's bag from her hands.

"Long time no see. How did you two end up together again?"

Upon hearing this, Yelena immediately blushed. "No, we're not together. We're just hanging out."

"Oh? Are you interested in him now?"

Elspeth didn't quite believe that Yelena had moved on so quickly, especially considering how long she had liked Hank before.

"This is my dad's request," Yelena whispered into Elspeth's ear.

Elspeth suddenly understood and wore a mysteriously knowing smile on her face. "Well then, if that's the case, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take Damian and leave first."

Federick politely offered a suggestion, "How about we give you a ride back?"

"No need, no need. We came here in a car. You can go back on your own," Elspeth replied.

With that, Elspeth swiftly left the scene with Damian.

Soon, only the two of them were left.

"Thank you for coming to pick me up today," Yelena said.

Federick smiled. "It was Francis' request. I was just following orders."

Hearing that, Yelena quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Federick noticed her relief and a hint of desolation crossed his eyes.

"Are you in a hurry to go home now?"

Federick suddenly asked, leaving Yelena unsure how to respond. She shook her head. "I don't have anything to do today, and I'm not busy at work tomorrow, so I can go back later. Why do you ask?"

"Then would you accompany me for a walk by the lake?"

Since he had personally come to pick her up, Yelena agreed to go with him. They strolled by the lake, where the strong night wind blew by, making their clothes flutter.

Since it was a walk, there was bound to be a conversation.

"Do you still like him?"

Unexpectedly, Yelena was hit with this question right off the bat. She hesitated briefly; it was a straightforward question and she didn't know how to answer.

"It's okay, you can tell me honestly. You don't need to worry about anything else."

Yelena lowered her head, remaining silent for a while before shaking her head slowly. "I don't like him anymore. I stopped liking him a long time ago."

However, her words sounded forced.

Federick chuckled lightly, a bitter tinge in his smile. "I think you know in your heart whether you like him or not. Don't deceive yourself."

Yelena fell into silence.

"Let me ask you another question. If you were to marry me, would you be willing?"

Yelena was amused by this question. "Shouldn't you ask if I like you first? Why jump straight to marriage? You're in such a rush."

Her words were teasing, but she kept glancing at Federick's expression.

Federick chuckled inwardly with a touch of self-deprecation. Well, I know you won't like me.

"You answer first. Why do you have so many questions?"

Caught off guard by his abruptness, Yelena pouted, somewhat aggrieved. "Fine, fine. I'll stop asking you questions."

"Would you agree then?"

Yelena's eyes flickered. "I think, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't agree, because I don't want to get married at all."

This sentence subtly conveyed that her disagreement wasn't because he wasn't good enough, but because she had no intention of getting married. It was a delicate way of maintaining Federick's dignity.

Federick had anticipated her response. He smiled faintly, his demeanor softening like melting snow. "I never expected you to be so eloquent."

"Of course. Don't you know who I am?"

Yelena lifted her foot and kicked a stone, sending it rolling down the steps and into the lake. "I'm not saying this to brag, but there's simply no one who's worthy of a woman like me."

Although her words contained a touch of self-centeredness, Yelena was quite pleased with herself.

Observing her, Federick nodded in agreement. "Of course, no one is worthy of you."

"So, from now on, don't ask me about marriage anymore. I have no intention of getting married. The whole point of being together with you is just to evade my dad's nagging. Actually, I'm perfectly fine living alone. There's no need to marry someone just for him to take care of me or to replace emotional comfort in him."

Coming from Yelena, these words seemed a bit contradictory, but Federick understood that the Yelena now was different from before-more mature, charismatic, and even more captivating to him. However, one thing hadn't changed: the courage and persistence in her heart.

Perhaps due to the dim light, Federick's mind was somewhat unclear. Unable to resist, he stepped forward and embraced the petite girl before him.

"Yelena, I know you might not want to get married now." Federick's voice carried a hint of huskiness and restraint. "But if you decide to get married in the future, could I be your first choice?"

Yelena didn't resist and let him hold her, yet her hands remained rested against his chest, seemingly to maintain a distance between them.

"Federick, don't joke around. You clearly deserve a better girl."

Yelena knew his intentions, but she didn't want to lead him on. They hadn't met each other before, so she hadn't expected him to wait for her for so many years. Now he stood before her, even more outstanding than before. He shouldn't be hung up on her anymore.

"There are so many great girls in this world. I'm just average. I was just boasting earlier, so don't believe it."

Leaning closer to her ear, Federick chuckled softly, his breath brushing against her neck and tickling her earlobe. "I don't think so. I believe you're the best in the world."

Seemingly aware that his actions might be crossing a line, Federick let go after saying this, leaving a proper distance between them once again.

"It's getting late. Let's head back."

Yelena still hadn't answered his previous question.

Sometimes, silence spoke louder than words. Yelena's actions effectively conveyed her stance.

Federick understood that he should let go as well. He flashed the brightest smile he could muster. "Okay, I'll send you home."