Chasing the Unexpected

Chapter 693

Valarie suggested, “Now close your eyes and think about it. If he were to kiss you, would you resist?”

Nyla imagined it and realized she didn’t feel like resisting. If she had to say she was looking forward to it, that didn’t seem to be the case either.

She honestly shared her feelings with Valarie, who couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Oliver. After chasing her for five years, Nyla still didn’t seem to have any feelings for him.

“Okay, now imagine if it were Damon who wanted to kiss you,” Valarie suggested again.

“Absolutely not,” Nyla answered without hesitation, her tone laced with disdain.

She had never considered the possibility of getting back together with Damon.

The past hurt was real, and five years had passed between them. There was no way they could return to how things used to be.

“Why do you sound so certain?” Valarie asked.

Nyla pressed her lips together. “Because I’m sure I don’t want anything to do with him.”

Valarie sighed and slowly said, “Nyla, not wanting to be involved with him and whether you like him or not are two different things.

“You need to determine whether your dislike for him is the reason you want to avoid involvement or if your desire to avoid involvement is leading you to convince yourself that you don’t like him.”

Nyla was left speechless.

Was there really a difference? After all, it was about not wanting to be involved with him, right?

“Valarie, let’s not talk about him. I want you to help me figure out my feelings for Oliver. Damon has nothing to do with this,” she said.

Valarie countered, “Well, I need a reference point for that. Otherwise, how can you differentiate?”

“Fine,” Nyla conceded.

After thinking for a few seconds, Valarie softly suggested, “Honestly, you say you don’t resist Oliver kissing you, but you’re not exactly excited about it either. I can’t figure out how you really feel about him.

“Why not try some couples‘ activities with him, like hugging or kissing? Also, pay attention to how you feel if you see him being affectionate with other women.”

Nyla carefully noted Valarie’s words, feeling a sense of clarity in her heart. “Okay, I got it. I’ll do what you said.”

Valarie’s voice came through with a hint of curiosity. “But I’m still a bit puzzled. You were with Clark for eight years and later liked Damon. How can you not know what it feels like to like someone and not distinguish your feelings for Oliver?”

Nyla lowered her gaze and replied flatly, “Because Oliver is very important to me, and we’ve been together for five years. We’re just too familiar with each other.

“During those five years, I’ve been busy with work, and the remaining time was spent with Buddy. So, I can’t really determine whether I like him or not.”

She was being so cautious because of her fear that she might actually like Oliver. Yet, because they were too familiar, she struggled to understand her feelings for him clearly, worried she might miss out on something special.

She also feared that she might only feel gratitude toward him, mistaking it for love, which could end up hurting him. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“I see. I understand. Just follow my advice for now, and we can figure out the rest later,” Valarie said reassuringly.

After hanging up, Valarie set her phone down and couldn’t help but chuckle wryly. Her own love life was a mess, and here she was trying to be a relationship guru for Nyla.

There was a knock at the door.

“Valarie, are you asleep?” It was her mother’s gentle voice from outside.

“I’m still awake, Mom. Come on in,” Valarie replied.

Phoebe opened the door, carrying a glass of acai smoothie.

“I had the kitchen make you some acai smoothie. Drink it before you sleep,” she said softly, placing it on the nightstand.

Valarie picked up the smoothie and stirred it with a straw. “Thanks, Mom.”