Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1165

"Dr. Cooper."

At the next table, the man poured Joyce a glass of water.

"Thanks."

He gestured at the little card on the table. "You order by scanning the code here. Want to order now? We can chat while we eat."

"Sure."

He took out his phone, scanned the code, and handed it to Joyce. "You pick. Ladies first."

They put in their order and settled into small talk over burgers and fries. The mood was pleasant enough.

"So," the man started, "Dr. Cooper, have you had a chance to hear about me yet?"

Since this was a setup through their parents, a bit of self-introduction was normal.

"Yeah." Joyce nodded. "My mom filled me in. What about you, do you know about me?"

"Pretty much the same," he said, smiling. Then he hesitated for a moment, adjusting his glasses.

"You went to Penn, you’re a doctor... Work must keep you pretty busy, huh?"

"It does," Joyce replied honestly, no pretense.

"Right..."

He leaned forward, lowering his voice like he wanted to be extra clear. "Since we’re here for a reason, I think it’s better to be upfront."

"Okay," Joyce said, a little caught off guard, but nodded. "Go ahead."

He said, "My job keeps me pretty busy too."

Joyce already knew that—her family had made sure she was meeting someone with similar background and prospects. He managed his family's business, like her older brother.

Joyce cut him off, her brows tightening.

The more he talked, the less she wanted to listen.

She shook her head, offering a polite but final smile. "I think we’re just not a good match, in terms of values. Let’s not force it."

"Values?" he echoed, frowning. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Let me put it this way..." Joyce sighed, choosing her words. "I work and study not because I have to, but because I want to—it’s my passion. If the point of marriage was just to have an easy life, I could do that without getting married."

She looked him straight in the eye, speaking slowly, so he’d really hear her.

"My family already gave me a comfortable life. I don’t need anyone to take care of me, okay?"

He froze, his face paling as he grabbed for his water glass.

"I get it," he said, after a moment.