Game Over No Second Chances

"No," Hugh replied without hesitation. It wasn't that he disliked cufflinks. He just never paid much attention to them.

But as he looked at the two color combinations Serena had chosen, something clicked. While they were discussing business strategy a couple of days ago, he'd worn two suits in nearly identical colors.

Since it was a purely business meeting, he had rushed in and out without wearing any cufflinks.

Hugh said bluntly, "You remembered what I wore the other day."

"Yes," Serena replied.

But under his steady, unreadable gaze, she suddenly felt uneasy. She looked away, absently tracing the wood grain of the table with her fingertip.

"I know cufflinks aren't really a necessity. I just thought these two suited you."

Hugh had broad shoulders, a lean waist, and long legs. With those sculpted features, he had the kind of face that seemed almost too perfect to be real. She couldn't help but think he should carry himself with a bit more polish.

Before Zach's startup took off, he never hesitated to spend big on his appearance. He had a collection of luxury cars, gold watches, cufflinks, and lapel pins.

Serena used to enjoy picking things out for him. She kept up with men's fashion shows, hunted for new releases, and bought pieces she thought would look good on him.

But after spending so much time with Hugh, she realized he didn't live like a refined man who cared about appearances.

Sure, he had a professional team tailoring his suits, but he mostly wore a few simple styles on rotation. He was constantly busy, always on the move.

Even the briefcase sitting on the shelf in his living room was a two-year-old model. No one dared touch it.

Serene instinctively wanted to buy him things.

When Hugh didn't answer for a long time, Serena assumed he wasn't into flashy accessories. Maybe she'd overstepped. She reached out to take the cufflinks back.

"They're probably not ideal for work anyway. They could scrape your arms. I could get you a couple of ties instead as a thank you..."

Before she could finish, his large hand landed gently on the back of hers.

The touch was light, just like a feather brushing her skin. However, it was enough to stop her.

Serena lifted her head sharply and found Hugh staring at her, his face cold.

"There's no such thing as taking back a gift?"

His broad hand slid down from hers, closed around the boxes, and calmly placed both pairs of cufflinks beside him. He then told the waiter to clear the plates and bring out dessert.

Serena's hand was still resting on the table, confused and caught off guard.

So Hugh did like them. Then why didn't he say anything just now?

She was confused, but didn't dare ask.

Under the table, Hugh's polished shoes shifted restlessly on the carpet. A sheen

of sweat formed on his palm.

This was too much. Serena was pushing every limit he had.

He'd thought they were allies who meant to keep their distance. But he recalled how she walked on the beach and smiled at him, tipsy. She said they were friends.

She'd gone even further now. She remembered what he wore, picking out cufflinks so fitting and deliberate, like a kitten pawing at his heart. She then walked away like

none of it mattered.

It was maddening.

Hugh's expression darkened. He didn't want her to see anything.

He had a reputation to uphold. He couldn't afford to act like some lovesick boy in front of her.

Across the table, Serena was on edge.

Did she mess up? Was this gift too much? Why was Hugh still staring at her?

They both ate dessert in silence, each wrapped in their own thoughts.

Hugh had business to return to at Larson Group. Before leaving, he handed her a sleek black card.

"Larson Group's luxury brand Nebulae is opening soon. You might find something you like there. Use this as you please."noveldrama

Serena looked surprised. "Wasn't that luxury line always based overseas?"