When Love Breaks (Josephine)

George was startled for a moment. Then, he whipped his head toward Josephine and asked, "What? Are you saying Mr. Dane isn't good enough for you?"

Josephine shrugged and sighed. "Quite the opposite-he's too good for me. It'll stress me out, you know? He's so perfect it feels unreal, like he belongs in a fantasy world. I'm just an ordinary person-I'm better suited to a simple, down-to- earth life."

George grew anxious. "But he wasn't born perfect! He only pushed himself to become this way to win over the woman he loves!"

Josephine brushed it off with a smile. "Well, I hope that woman enjoys his perfection because I sure don't."

"But—" George turned to her, suddenly serious. "Ms. Dunn, please don't say that. Mr. Dane is an ordinary guy too. He eats, drinks, and... well, does everything else. He uses dental floss, and when he oversleeps, his hair is a total mess.

"Oh, and he's nearsighted-he bumps into things all the time, so he's always covered in bruises. He's really not as perfect as-"

"Pfft!" Josephine couldn't hold back and burst out laughing, covering her mouth.

Clearly, George didn't see her as an outsider-he was spilling all of Ethan's embarrassing habits without hesitation.

Ethan? Clumsily bump into things and walk around with bruises? Seriously?

As the funny images played in her mind and she struggled to contain her laughter, Ethan returned with the drinks.

The moment he got back in the car, he sensed something was off.

Just a few minutes ago, Josephine had been fuming and upset-yet now, after he'd stepped away briefly, she was practically glowing with laughter.

"Did I miss something?" Ethan asked, pleased to see her smile.

In truth, he had been racking his brain the entire time, trying to figure out a way to cheer her up. Yet here she was-laughing while he wasn't even around. It left him feeling slightly frustrated.

Handing her the tea, Ethan watched her genuine smile linger and couldn't help but ask, "What's so funny?"

Josephine managed to hold back her laughter until she glanced at him. The image of him with messy bed hair, wearing thick glasses, and looking all dazed flashed through her mind, making her burst out laughing again.

Ethan finally caught on. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No, of course not!" Josephine quickly waved her hands. "George just told me a

dumb joke. That's what I'm laughing at."

A dumb joke?

Ethan shot a glance at George, whose ears were now completely red-an obvious sign of guilt.

It didn't take much to figure out that George had spilled something while he was gone, and chances were, it was about him.

Shaking his head, Ethan sighed softly. "Whether it's the joke or me-as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. I asked the shop to brew this tea just for you-light and refreshing, without any additives. Drink it while it's warm-it'll soothe your throat."

"Thanks." Suppressing her amusement, Josephine took the cup and tried to push the straw through the lid—but after a few failed attempts, she frowned and pressed harder.

Before she could apply more force, Ethan's hand suddenly covered hers and pressed down firmly, guiding the straw into place with ease.

The straw popped through the lid.

Without a word, Ethan withdrew his hand-his movement calm and natural.

Josephine, however, froze for a moment.

Even though she had no romantic

feelings for Ethan, he was still a

man. The sudden coolness of his hand against her warmnoveldrama

skin-combined with the unexpected

touch-sent a stranged

through her.

Luckily, the warmth of the tea spreading through her stomach helped ease the tension. Feeling more relaxed, her nerves settled, and with that, her courage grew a little stronger.