Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1229

She could recall every little detail about each person, and finally she got to Pearson Ham.

“Pearson is amazing too. He’s one of those genius designers, always coming up with fresh ideas. I heard he started his own studio when he was just a freshman. I’ve seen some of his work. Honestly, if he keeps going like this, I could totally see him becoming a world-class designer someday. He just needs a bit more experience right now…”

Even so, Audrey genuinely admired all of them.

Walter listened, feeling a little at a loss. He had just wanted her opinions on those people as individuals, but all she talked about was their talent and skills. Anyone overhearing might think she was evaluating job candidates.

Still, Walter figured his approach had been right. Someone like Audrey was never going to be interested in Pearson Ham. Pearson chasing her was just a waste of time for both of them.

Walter let the topic drop and went back to helping Audrey.

After another hour of work, they finally finished decorating the Christmas tree. Audrey looked at what they’d accomplished and couldn’t hide her satisfaction. She turned to Walter, excitement lighting up her face. “I’m going to turn off the lights to see what it looks like!”

“Careful,” Walter called out as she dashed away.

“Okay,” she replied, but she was still moving quickly, a little careless. The living room was so spacious with nothing in the way, she thought there was no way she’d trip. But she didn’t notice the edge of the rug and suddenly lost her balance on her way back.

“Ah…” Audrey gasped, already bracing for a fall.

A strong arm caught her just in time, steady and secure.

“I told you to be careful. Why were you running?” Walter sounded exasperated. “Good thing I was watching you, or you’d be on the floor right now.”

Audrey grinned up at him from the safety of his arms. “Thanks! I just really wanted to see how it turned out. Good thing you were here.”

She looked so sweet and harmless, but inside, Audrey was a little distracted by how warm he felt. Her hand was pressed against his chest, and even through his sweater, she could tell he was solid. Clearly, he worked out a lot.

Every season had its own beauty, though. It was winter now, and there hadn’t been any snow yet. Audrey could already picture how magical it would look when the world outside was covered in white.

She turned to Walter, her eyes shining. “The cultural exhibition is on Christmas Day. When it’s over, let’s spend Christmas together, okay?”

She described her little daydream. “We can sit by the tree, have a glass of wine, snack on something, put on some music… just thinking about it sounds so cozy…”

Walter thought about it. Unless something unexpected happened, he would be with her that day anyway. So he just nodded. “Sure.”

The simple promise made Audrey even happier.

The next few days flew by as she rushed to finish everything ahead of schedule. All her hard work paid off, and everything for the cultural exhibition was ready just in time for Christmas Eve.

After he’d wrapped up his own tasks, Walter found a moment to check out the stage. Audrey had designed it carefully, setting it up right beside the lake.