Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren)

Ryan followed the waiter inside once he arrived at the restaurant. As soon as he looked up, he noticed a young woman sitting by the window.

Her long brown curls cascaded down her back, and she held a coffee cup gracefully while gazing out the window. Only a part of her fair face was visible, illuminated by the sunlight.

Ryan's heart raced all of a sudden when he saw that sight. He hastened his steps and walked up to her with a warm, gentle smile.

Just as he was about to greet her, the young woman turned to look at him upon hearing his approach.

The moment he got a proper look at Rose's face, Ryan's smile visibly stiffened a bit. The flutter in his heart dissipated, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

She carried herself with an air of elegance, but her looks were merely passable. He felt that Rose wasn't even nearly as pretty as Nina, but he quickly forced a smile at the thought of her family background.

Taking the initiative to step forward, he extended his hand in greeting. "Hello, I'm Ryan Chase. You must be Ms. Sutton?"

Rose set down her coffee cup and stood up, giving Ryan a once-over. Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment before she smiled and reached out her hand. "Mr. Chase, please just call me Rose."

A trace of disdain surged through Ryan when he caught the familiarity and warmth in her tone.

With his good looks and family background, he was already at the top of the social ladder in a small town like this. If Rose still wasn't satisfied with him, then she was simply too arrogant and held impossibly high standards.

Although he didn't think too highly of Rose, he knew better than to offend her. He replied quickly with a smile, "Then, I'll take you up on that. Rose, just call me Ryan."

Rose simply nodded.

The two sat down across from each other, and Ryan called the waiter over to order. He behaved like a perfect gentleman throughout the ordering process, catering entirely to Rose's tastes and preferences. He even poured her coffee himself, showing utmost attentiveness.noveldrama

Rose had been quietly observing Ryan's every move. When she saw how charming and considerate he was, she began to let her guard down. Her initial reluctance toward this blind date began to fade, and she asked, "Are you this polite and thoughtful to everyone, Mr. Chase?"

Ryan pretended to be surprised. "Isn't this just basic courtesy that every man should have?"

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Rose was stunned for a moment, but she quickly covered her mouth and laughed softly. There was a newfound hint of admiration in her gaze as she looked at Ryan.

"It's no wonder my father always talked about you," she praised. "Even when I was abroad, he often

mentioned that Mr. Franklin had an outstanding son and insisted I had to meet you once I returned.

"So, have I lived up to your expectations, Ms. Sutton?" Ryan asked with a slight smile.

Rose pretended to ponder for a moment, then smiled and asked in return, "What do you think?"

Ryan smiled without saying a word and casually served her some potato gratin.

"The food here is pretty good. Since you have been abroad for so long, you should take this chance to enjoy some hometown dishes," he said instead.

Rose didn't respond right away.

Suddenly, she leaned in and stared at Ryan, her eyes carrying a hint of seriousness. "What about you? Have I lived up to your expectations?"

Ryan's eyes flickered briefly before he replied in a playful tone, "Meeting you feels like I have struck gold."

Rose was left speechless, and she was unable to react right away. Then, she asked, "What do you mean?"

"With your background and looks, I

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wouldn't stand a chance if it weren't for the close ties between our families, Ryan said. "Ms. Sutton, the real question isn't whether I'm satisfied with you, but whether there's anything about me that doesn't meet your standards.

"Just let me know so that I can work on improving myself and make sure I don't disappoint you."

As he finished speaking, he suddenly grabbed Rose's hand on the table and fixed her with a calculated gaze.