Ch. 16..20: Rebirth_ Dancing In My Destiny Chapter 16-20

Chapter 16: Eternal Silence

"What should I do, Rose?" Evan smiled while walking behind her. "I’ll run away with you. I will take you straight to the registry office to register our marriage...."

Rose freeze.

Her heart is pounding while a big grin appears on her face. She quickly calmed her turmoil because she didn’t want to show Evan her happy face. Shortly after, she slowly turned to look at him standing right behind her.

She was utterly speechless when she saw the dazzling look in his eyes. She can feel how hot her face is. Quickly she turned back again, worried that Evan would see her cheeks turning red.

"Why do you turn back on me, huh?" He playfully smiled, looking at the shy Rose before him.

"Evan, don’t joke around...." Rose could only blame herself for not being able to stop herself from showing her joyful-looking face to Evan. His words ultimately make her heart shatter.

She slowly turned to look at him, but she felt drowned in the deep of his ocean blue eyes.

"I’m not joking, Rose. I’m mean every word I said...." Evan smiled at her before continuing his words, "I wish I could kidnap you and take you there as soon as possible."

Their eyes still locked to each other, making Rose’s heartbeat even faster, and she could feel how fast her blood was flowing. Her tongue turns stiff. She doesn’t know how to respond to his sincere words. She can see through his gaze what he said earlier comes from his heart.

For a dozen seconds, they just stared at each other. No one speaks. This eternal silence made both of them awkward.

"E-Evan... How is my room?" Rose finally can gain her senses. And these are the best weird sentences she can say at this moment.

She turned her gaze to another place in a hurry to avoid Evan’s gorgeous eyes. She couldn’t look into his eyes again, as it would be too much for her mind and heart.

Evan smiled. Seeing Rose’s blushing face made him want to tease her even more, but he restrained himself as he saw her so embarrassed.

He walked near the window before saying, "Your bedroom is nice! It’s not too big, but you put the furniture function very well..." Evan was surprised to see Rose’s room. He thought her bedroom would look girly, but this bedroom interior is minimalist.

"I only use this room for sleeping. And sometimes I use that desk to study but rarely. I spend most of my time outside in my function room...." Rose looks at Evan. She was mesmerized by Evan’s attractiveness as he stood by the window. He seems so masculine from behind, only wearing his blue ocean slim fit shirt and his khaki trousers. She can imagine his body under that shirt. He must have a few abs, right?

Thinking of that, once again made her cheeks turn red. Rose immediately shook her head, hoping to throw away her sultry thoughts. Then she slowly approached Evan and stood beside him looking at the lively street.

They stand side by side without talking.

Later, Rose looked up to see Evan’s face.

"Evan!" Her soft voice makes Evan look back at her.

"I’m sorry, Evan...."

Evan frowned, "Why do you suddenly say sorry?"

"Because you had to see Dustin..." Rose turned her gaze and looked outside the window while taking a deep sigh to make her tight chest feel lighter, then she continued her words, "You know my story with him, right?"

"Hmm!"

"Sorry, Evan, because I accept your love even though my heart has not felt love for you..." Rose was surprised when she saw Evan’s calm looking-face still staring at her. His gaze didn’t discourage her. His blue ocean eyes made her calm to express what she was thinking at the moment.

She continued, "I liked him for years, but I recently realized that my feeling for him is nothing but a foolish admiration. He never saw me as the one he loved. He saw me as a possession. How could I waste my time just being with someone who doesn’t really love me? He never liked me. He is just comfortable being near me. We never have a romantic relationship, just for your information..." Rose was afraid that Evan would misunderstand her meaning. He must know that her relationship with Dustin was just a close friend. She’s the only fool who likes him too much.

Evan cleared his fist, hearing Rose’s words. He felt annoyed by Rose’s words and didn’t want to hear about her past with that scumbag Dustin. But, he has to hold himself so that Rose can pour out what’s bothering her right now.

"When you asked me to be your lover, I hesitated. I’m afraid to accept you when I don’t really love you, Evan. But..." Her voice started to tremble, and her eyes blurred a little. "I dare to give a chance to my heart, to myself. Maybe after opening my heart to you, I can slowly like you...."

"Rose..."

"Evan, I’m sorry..."

"No! Stop saying those words...." Evan starts to feel afraid Rose will back up their relationship. He held her hand and pulled her to look at him.

"Evan, I want you to know that I don’t really love you right now, but..."

Evan felt tense looking at her hazel eyes, but he remained silent. He silently continued to hear what she said.

"Since yesterday and until now, every time I think of you and see you, my heart can feel a foreign feeling that I ever felt before. It feels like I am starting to like you...." Rose smiles, looking at Evan. "But...please give me a little more time until I fully love you sincerely...." Before Rose could finish her words, her hand was pulled, and she was instantly in Evan’s arms.

She could only smile while tears flowed down from her eyes. She can feel how relieved she is right now. She doesn’t want to start a relationship with Evan with negative thoughts. She tried to be honest with him.

"Rose!" Evan’s deep charming voice makes Rose’s heart flutter.

"Yes!?"

"You opened your heart a little bit to me. That’s more than enough..." Rose can’t hold her tears hearing his words.

"I will work hard to make you fall in love with me, Rose...."

"Thank you, Evan..."

They both fell silent without saying a word, lost in their own thoughts.

Chapter 17: Is the Future Change?

After the eternal silence, Rose could finally go back to her senses. She quickly offered Evan to go back to the function room. Suddenly she felt her throat so dry.

"E-Evan, what do you want to drink?"

"Anything, Rose..." Evan saw Rose heading to the fridge. He smiled quietly after feeling a massive tremor in his heart. Rose ultimately makes his heart beat erratically. Their relationship had just started, but he felt that time was not his measure. Because he had liked her for a long time. He knows everything about her, including her feelings for Dustin. Dustin is a bastard who is only lovely before her but a total jerk behind her back.

He often wanted to tell Rose about Dustin’s terrible attitude, but he always refrained from himself. If he did, he was afraid that Rose would walk away from him because she would think of him as a busy buddy. He wasn’t ready if Rose suddenly walked away from him. He prefers to remain silent and remain friends with her. Then harbored his deep feelings for her.

And now, God bless him, making Rose realize that Dustin wasn’t the right person for her. He will treasure this bright and beautiful lady just for him. He will protect her...

"Evan, did you like Ice coffee?" Rose was surprised to realize that Evan was currently staring at her.

"Yes, sure..." Evan smiled, looking at the girl still shy at him. "Can I turn on the TV, Rose?"

"You can do whatever you want...." Hurriedly Rose turned her gaze away from him. His dangerous eyes make her knee feel weak. She could only take a deep sigh before preparing coffee for them.

Soon Rose came back with Ice coffee for Evan and herself. She also brought some cake and put them on the table.

Her eyes were looking at the television, which was showing the latest business news. She was stunned by the information about a construction company, 101 Construction. The report said the company was filing for bankruptcy in court. And many of its projects had to be stopped.

How come!? Didn’t the company still survive before her rebirth?

If she remembers correctly, the 101 Construction company actually became the top three construction companies in this country.

Did her reappearance to this present make the change happen?

Instantly she felt scared. Afraid that the plan she had made would not go according to her wishes because what happened in this new life was different from the future of her previous life. But her fear could only last for an instant. Because Evan’s words surprised her.

"It’s a shame to see a company as good as this go bankrupt because of the owner’s greed. This company has potential...." Evan murmurs and looks at Rose, "What do you think if I take over this company, Rose?" He smiles, looking at the girl in a daze looking at him.

Hearing Evan’s words made Rose remember that 101 Construction was acquired by one of the entrepreneurs. Still, the identity of the entrepreneur was not publicly known.

It turns out it was Evan?

Gosh!

"Evan, I agree with you. This 101 Construction is pretty good. Unfortunately, the owner is very greedy. If you think this company has potential, it’s okay if you acquire...." Rose stopped speaking any further.

She was afraid that if she said the future of this company was bright, it would affect the future. She just smiled when she saw Evan seemed determined to acquire the company.

Later after the discussion about 101 Construction, Evan remembered that their class would be finished in a few weeks. Just waiting for the thesis trial, and they are declared graduated from college. He couldn’t wait to finish his studies and wanted to invite Rose to move to the Capital with him.

"How about your final thesis? Is it done?" He saw Rose now looking at her cell phone, slowly raising her head to look at him.

"It’s finished. But, I’m doing another final check before the trial next week...how about you?"

"Finished! I have submitted it to the professor, and he said my thesis is excellent. Verbally he said I had graduated...." Evan chuckled because the professor praised his thesis too much.

"Whoa! Evan, I have to admit you are a real genius. I’m so jealous of you for this..." Rose couldn’t help but bitterly smile when she realized that her boyfriend was her only formidable opponent on campus. He is indeed a genius and the favorite student of the professors in their faculty.

"Hahaha... It just so happened that my thesis was brilliant, so the professors praised me..." Evan slightly laughed before he continued, "Rose, let me check yours before you submit it. I will make sure they will also compliment you...."

Rose gasps in surprise, looking at Evan, "Y-You can do it? For sure?"

"Sure! You are my girlfriend. I will do anything to help you...."

Rose blushed when she heard his flattering words. She could only smile while nodding. Of course, she would use her lover’s intelligence to check her thesis. She was already stressed out writing it, so stressed she couldn’t sleep for the past few days. That’s why yesterday, she fainted from exhaustion.

"Evan, what is your plan after graduation?" Rose wanted to hear his plan.

In fact, she knew that Evan would return to his family in the Capital, and he would be introduced to the public as the heir to the Collins Group. He also will expand his own company, EC Corp.

"I will go back to the Capital. Rose..." Evan saw Rose. He wanted to take Rose with him to the Capital. "H-How about you?" Evan asks carefully. He really wishes Rose would also go to the Capital.

"Just like you, I’m going to the capital and starting to build my business!"

Evan sat up straight, facing Rose in shock.

"Really! Rose, are you going to move to the Capital?"

Chapter 18: Let Me Help You

Evan didn’t think that Rose had such a plan. He thought Rose would stay in this town with her mother.

For him, it doesn’t matter if Rose can’t move with him to the capital. Because the distance from this city to the capital is not far. He only needs to drive two and half hours or take a helicopter for about 30-40 minutes.

"Yes!" Rose slightly smiled when she saw Evan widely smiling, hearing her plan.

"I’m delighted to hear that, Rose! Do you have any plans where to live? And what company interests you? I mean, what business do you want to start?" He is a bit worried about Rose’s plan because he knows that starting a company in the capital is not easy and requires a lot of money.

Rose didn’t answer Evan right away. Because she doesn’t have money, let alone a place to stay at this moment.

She only had a plan in her mind now. Before she goes to the capital, she will bring her mother to the hospital. After that, she will earn money from stock trading. Then she will find a studio apartment near the business center in the capital. Once she moves, she will start her plan to invest in her target.

She had made a list of who she would contact. Well, she has got several names via email. Hopefully, they are interested in her offer. She knows several startup companies that need capital. And based on her knowledge of the future, these companies will soon become unicorn companies.

At times like this, many startup companies are not in the eyes of big money. Because most startups offer digital business. This kind of business is still foreign to them. As for Rose, she knew what would happen in the next few years. She will use her memories to invest in these companies.

She also has plans to buy several companies that went bankrupt but still have potential. And a few lands that will be her most significant source of income in the future.

"I will start to invest in several startup companies. But..." She paused, looking at Evan, "I really need a lot of capital to get started. As discussed in our group chat, I plan to enter stock trading. I’m interested in starting...."

"You finally got your interest!?" After several times he asked her. Finally, this girl wanted to join. All this time, she always refused with many excuses. Why is she suddenly interested?

"Have you opened your trading account?"

"Not yet. I’m planning to go to the bank on Monday..."

"Rose, I will help. You don’t have to go to the bank and wait for Monday. Just give me your ID card. I will handle it for you, and you can get your trading account on Monday morning...."

"Evan, can you do that? Are you serious?" Rose was shocked.

"Absolutely! Later in the afternoon, when you come to my place, we will talk about this. Let’s also talk about your plan to stay in the capital. I will handle everything...."

Evan was so happy because he didn’t have to worry anymore that they would have a long-distance relationship. After all, Rose will go with him to the capital. He will provide everything she needs.

"Evan, thank you! But, I hope you don’t bother taking care of everything too much. Let me handle the rest. Just help me with my trading account...."

Rose felt so happy because there was Evan who would help her, but at the same time, she didn’t want Evan to take care of everything. Like where she lives.

She was worried that Evan would ask her to live with him. Well, she couldn’t do that right now. Too worried Evan’s parents would find out about their relationship.

"Rose, I already told you that I’m very serious with you. In my mind, I don’t want to date you for long. I will marry you soon. So please just do this once. Let me help you. I will handle your place to stay and other stuff while you stay at the capital."

Rose blush!

How could Evan so lightly talk about marriage again? He hadn’t even proposed to her yet, but he had said those words almost five times. Gosh! This man was completely different from other men out there. His wits are faster than his actions.

Just as Rose wanted to say something, Molly’s voice suddenly heard from behind.

"What are you guys talking about? You look so serious?" Molly is standing behind them.

"Oh My God!! Mother, have you mastered the ninja moves now? Gosh... why do you always appear without us knowing!?"

"Hahaha.... Well, you can say I’m an expert..." Molly laughed when she saw her daughter roll her eyes.

Didn’t want to upset her daughter. She immediately asked them to go to the dining room.

When they arrived at the dining table, Evan was surprised.

"Aunty, I’m sorry to have you cook this much..." Evan was amazed to see the dining table filled with a variety of delicious-looking homemade food.

"Son-In-Law, this is common in this house...." She smiles while starting to put many foods on her daughter’s plate. "Let’s start eating while it’s still warm...." She also put food on Evan’s plate.

Rose was speechless.

This was the first time her mother had cooked this much food. Every day her mother only cooks a few dishes, but this time she cooked more than 10 kinds of grand food.

"Gee, Mom! Why are you showing your love for Evan too much? He can run away if he realizes you’re too obsessed with him!!" Rose could only scold her mother in her mind.

"Thank you, aunty..." Evan couldn’t help but enjoy the various dishes. It had been a long time since he had eaten this much home-cooked meal at one time. "Aunty... this is so delicious!" Evan was surprised by the taste of the dish.

"Hahaha, aunty is so relieved. My cooking matches your taste buds. Son-in-law, don’t hesitate. Eat as much as you want." Molly put a few more dishes on Evan’s plate.

Chapter 19: Visiting Evan Apartment

While her mother is busy treating Evan like a king, Rose is busy planning to get her mother to stop what she is doing.

"M-Mother!!" Rose whispers while glaring at her mother. Trying to force her mother not to disturb Evan’s meal. Molly just smiled, looking at her daughter. She hurriedly ate her own meal and let her future son-in-law eat in peace.

Seeing her mother not bothering Evan anymore made Rose breathe a sigh of relief. The three of them enjoy the food quietly.

"Aunty, after lunch, may I take Rose out?" Evan, who had just put down his fork and spoon, asked Molly for permission.

"You guys want to go on a date?" Evan smiles while nodding at Molly. She continued, "Sure...but don’t forget to bring her home, okay?" Molly laughs, teasing her son-in-law.

Evan almost choked with the water he had just drank. He quickly put the glass on the table while wiping his mouth slightly. Then, he looked at Molly in a hurry with a surprised look.

"A-Auntie, of course, I’ll take her back home. I promise you, she will come back home before nine..."

Rose was speechless hearing her mother and Evan exchange words.

"I’m underage? I’m almost 22 years old, alright!" She could only scold them in her heart, too lazy to bother these two people talking about her.

Molly laughs, looking at Evan.

"Hahaha, alright, you can bring her home before midnight...my daughter is no longer a teenager. She is an adult now...." Molly’s words made Evan feel happy.

"I will, Aunty. I will bring her home before midnight." Evan smiled widely. He could imagine spending his night with Rose in his place. This is their first date as a couple. He will be looking forward to it.

"What are you thinking, Rose?" Evan glanced at Rose, who was sitting beside him. She had been staring out the car window without saying a word since they left her house.

Rose snapped out of her thought. She looked at Evan with her mind full of her future plan.

"I was thinking about where I should live in the capital later...." She took a deep sigh before continuing her words. "Time flies so fast. It doesn’t feel like two months from now we will graduate."

Evan glanced at Rose quickly, "I told you before, I will take care of everything...."

"Evan, I know you will help me with my trading account registry, and I’m really thankful for that. But for a place to live, I think... I better handle myself. I’m worried about your family... " Rose felt terrible having to reject Evan.

However, Rose didn’t want Evan’s family to know that their son provided a home for a woman. Her reputation as Evan’s girlfriend would be tarnished in the eyes of his family, especially his mother. She knows who his family is and how far the gap between them is.

Evan was stunned by what she thought.

Did she already know about my family? Instantly Evan felt worried.

"Rose..." Evan slightly looked at her. "I just prepared a place for you to live, not living with you. If you want us to live together once we move to the capital, that’s fine with me. I am actually looking forward to it."

"Evan! I’m serious right now..." Rose was speechless.

"So do I. I mean every word!"

Rose could only shake her head. Feeling hopeless talking to Evan. Now she just realized that this man was so persistent in his stance. If he wants something, he will go after it. No wonder he can wait years to date her. She felt pleased with his determination.

"Fine! You provide my place to stay. But, I have to pay...." She faintly smiled at him.

Evan smiles widely, feeling happy because Rose didn’t refuse his offer. He has plenty of property in the capital, so he will ask his people to immediately renovate a unit for her.

Soon their car entered the basement parking lot of Highland Apartment. This apartment is located not far from Rose’s house, only 5 minutes away and a walk distance from B University.

Rose had visited Evan’s apartment before, along with several friends. They come to study assignments together.

She didn’t believe she would come back again as Evan’s girlfriend at this time. She felt a bit odd, but she was also thrilled in her heart. This is the first time she has visited a man’s apartment. Even though she was close to Dustin in her previous life, she never came to his house because Dustin still lives with his parents. He never brings her to his home until they are engaged.

Instantly Rose felt goosebumps. The image of Evan hugging and kissing her flashed through her mind and made her cheek feel warm.

"Why does your face turn red, Rose? Are you sick?" Evan worried when he saw Rose’s face turn red as they got into the elevator. He touched her forehead, but he didn’t feel her body temperature rising.

"I’m fine! I just feel a little hot... looks like the air conditioner in this elevator isn’t working!" Rose immediately answered Evan while hiding her blushing face.

How could she think about romance when she visited the home of a young man like Evan? If only Evan could read her mind, he’d be happy to grant her wish, right? Gosh!

"Rose!"

"Hmm?"

"Are you afraid to visit my apartment?" Evan could guess how tense Rose was by his side.

Instantly Rose was shocked.

"Can Evan read my mind?" She thought. She quickly saw Evan, who was staring at her.

"N-No, Evan. Why should I?" She lied. Deep down in her heart, she feels tense.

Even though she had been intimate with a man in her past life, now it is different. She felt tense just standing so close to Evan. Especially when they were alone in this vast apartment. They are both adults, and of course, when they are dating, they will do something more than hold hands or hug, right?

Chapter 20: Plan

Rose snapped out. Once again, she tries to throw away her steamy thoughts while following Evan into his apartment, which looks precisely like her last visit. Nothing changed.

This apartment is big enough for one occupant, twice as big as Rose’s house. And the interior is a typical man’s apartment, minimalist and modern. Perfect for a man like Evan to live in.

"What do you want to drink, Rose?" Evan asks when Rose sits on the black leather sofa in the bright living room.

"Don’t bother Evan." Seeing Evan, who was still standing while waiting for her, made Rose continue her words, "Well, If you have a cold drink, that’s fine too..."

"Alright!" Evan smiled and went to the small minimalist kitchen, still connected to the living room. While Evan was in the kitchen, Rose looked out the glass window. From her seat, she could clearly see their university’s park.

Not many people pass by at the campus gate because today is Saturday there is not much activity. Usually, she goes to campus on Saturdays to practice music with Dustin and other friends. Then in the evening, they will hang out at Central Plaza, which is not far from B University. Central Plaza is the biggest mall in East city. Many young people will come to this place on weekends, including Rose.

"For dinner, tell me, what do you want to eat?" Evan, who had returned with two cans of cold soft drink, sat right next to Rose.

Rose was surprised to hear Evan’s voice. She immediately looked at him, "You know my favorite, right? The grill one...."

"Alright! I’ll roast some beans for you."

"What!? No way!" Rose laughs. She can’t believe that Evan can throw dry humor too. She thought this man could only be serious. "Evan, I mean, meat or seafood...."

"Hahaha... It looks like we should go to the grocery store. I only have a small amount of meat in the fridge, afraid it won’t be enough for our dinner...."

"Looks like I won’t be eating much tonight, Evan." Rose suddenly felt dizzy at the thought of overeating lunch at her house earlier. Apparently, her mother wanted to make her fat!

"Why?"

"Have you forgotten how much we ate for lunch at my house?"

"Ahh... you’re right!" Evan laughed, remembering Rose’s mother’s excellent and extended lunch. "Alright, how about you give me your thesis... let me check for you."

After receiving an email from Rose, Evan remembered his plan to ask Rose to see a movie after their dinner.

"Do you want to go somewhere? Like watching movies?"

Rose’s eyes feel delight hearing Evan’s words. She forgot the last time she went to the movie theater. Rose could clearly remember in her previous life that after she married Dustin, she had never been able to visit a nice restaurant. Not once. Let alone watch a movie at the cinema. Dustin was too busy with his work. While her? She just stayed at home...like a typical housewife waiting for her husband to come back from work.

"Wow! Great idea Evan. But we better go after dinner...."

Evan was thrilled to hear that Rose agreed to their first movie date. He took out his cellphone and sent a short message to someone. After that, he opened his laptop and tried to read the thesis that Rose had just sent.

"Rose, you can watch TV or play games if you are bored...."

"Can I borrow your desktop computer or any laptop? I want to find some information about the capital...." Rose wants to immediately collect data about the people she will approach for her investment plan. She already has several names of young entrepreneurs who have difficulty looking for investors for their new business.

Evan stopped typing and saw Rose beside him.

"Let’s go to my study room...." He walks to his study room while Rose follows him behind. "You can use my desktop computer, Rose. I will read your thesis over there...." Evan pointed to the sofa on the other side of the room.

Rose went straight to Evan’s study table. And there is the latest version of the desktop computer on the table. She was amazed because his house was immaculate and well-maintained. She can guess that someone must have cleaned this apartment. She didn’t see any dust on the bookshelf behind her and on the table.

"Evan... what is your computer password?"

Evan slowly raises his head, looking at Rose. "Your birthday date...."

Rose stupefies, looking at Evan.

"Are you sure?"

"Hmm..." Evan smiles while looking back at his laptop. Instantly he immersed read Rose’s thesis, ignoring her shocked-looking eyes.

Rose immediately types her birthday. She was stunned. Indeed, the password is her birthday.

A faint smile frames her face while she starts to search for a new company, Flash. The company was founded by one of the talented students in the technology faculty at university B.

A few months ago, when the company was first launched, Rose came to the event to see the founder of Flash, Steve Adkins. At that time, she was so amazed by the genius and courage of Steve Adkins to build Flash.

As a business student, she knew this type of business would not attract big investors. How could Steve Adkins be brave enough to launch an e-commerce business? When the internet in this country cannot be reached by many people!?

What else with the online shopping culture? Only a handful of people in the capital have the luxury to shop online on foreign online shopping.

She remembers her past life. After the launching event, no investors were interested in investing in Flash. Because no one dares to gamble with the future business that Steve Adkins offers. Rose knows this company has a bright future.

And she knew for sure, at this time Steve Adkins was having a hard time finding investors to develop Flash. Until she graduated, she read the news that there is an investor who finally invests in Flash. It didn’t take long, within a year, Flash became the number one e-commerce company in the country.

Now that she has come back to this life, she will use this opportunity to invest in Flash before others do that.