Chapter 237: A Temporary Decision

However, in this period of time, Benjamin had to endure some degree of discomfort, just because he couldn't see Martina every day. The two of them stood there quietly, as if they were doing nothing, yet it felt completely natural. "Have you been busy lately?" Martina, for the first time ever, broke the awkward silence between them. After all, standing there silently for too long felt a bit strange. It was at this moment that she realized that she and Benjamin hadn't been in touch as much lately. Strangely, she didn't feel uncomfortable about it. Perhaps this was the most significant change in her life right now – no longer focusing on Benjamin's movements, no longer caring about when he would return, and not keeping tabs on what he was doing. Instead, she was immersing herself in her own life. She had her own work to keep her busy and her own life to enjoy. She had never noticed anything wrong with her previous approach. But after experiencing this change, she realized the joy of this new lifestyle. The reason they hadn't come together might have been her lack of self-awareness from the beginning. She had always assumed she would marry Benjamin. Forcing herself to stay by Benjamin's side had understandably made him uncomfortable. Although he didn't seem as averse to it now, she was gradually starting to resent her past self. It was probably a common principle that nobody could escape. Upon hearing Martina's words, there was a subtle change in Benjamin's expression. He responded, "I've been quite occupied lately, with new company launches to oversee. Once this busy period subsides, I'll ensure to allocate some time to spend with you." This was a level of attention Martina had never received from him before, but now that it was readily available, she didn't feel happy; instead, she felt increasingly uncomfortable. "Actually, there's no need for that. I know you're pretty busy, so just focus on your work. You don't need to go out of your way to take care of me," Martina responded. She seemed to recall her previous agreement with Benjamin and decided to mention it. "By the way, Jack and I have already made plans. Once I am free from work, my father and I will take him on a trip together." Martina gazed at the scenery before her with an indifferent expression. She didn't spare Benjamin a glance throughout the conversation, continuing, "Jack is getting older and understandably worried about traveling alone. With me by his side, I believe you can also feel more at ease about his safety." As soon as Martina said this, Benjamin's heart nearly stopped. As soon as Martina said this, Benjamin's heart nearly stopped. What did she mean by "feel more at ease about his safety"? To him, it meant the opposite – he couldn't feel at ease at all! Whether it was Martina or Jack, Benjamin couldn't imagine letting them leave easily. It wasn't that he didn't want to; he was just worried about potential complications if someone with ill intentions noticed and used it as leverage. However, upon witnessing Martina's cheerful disposition, Benjamin struggled to utter anything that might dampen her enjoyment at that moment. It was precisely because the Benjamin of the present had gradually learned to consider things from others' perspectives that he no longer spoke so bluntly; instead, he carefully weighed his words in his own mind. "When did you make this plan with my grandfather? I never heard it before," Benjamin asked. "You wouldn't have heard it because he and I just made the decision today," Martina replied with a faint smile. Seemingly understanding Benjamin's inner conflict, she continued, "It was a last-minute decision. I can tell that Jack really longs for his past life. In that case, why don't we make the most of our current freedom and go out together? I've been wanting to find some time for a trip too. We can have a great time." The last time Martina accompanied Benjamin to Carlsbad, it was a place she had wanted to visit the most. Strangely, she didn't feel genuinely happy. She couldn't explain why she was feeling awkward even though he had become more like the person she had imagined. He now cared more about her feelings and respected her thoughts. However, the one who couldn't accept it had become herself. Martina had become the one who most yearned for an escape, a transformation known only to her. Her inner metamorphosis had grown so profound that it was a secret she held close, a profound change hidden from the outside world. People would likely say something like, "Is Martina being too finicky? Why does she want to distance herself after finally getting the life she wanted?" These thoughts were even unclear to Martina herself. Maybe this was the real reason she wanted to leave and find answers. Listening to Martina finish her words, Benjamin didn't rush to refuse. He knew that, given her current personality, even if he were to decline, she would likely find her own way to move forward. Instead of wasting time here, he considered other alternatives. For example, going together in order to ensure Martina and Jack had a great time. However, this would make Benjamin busier in the coming days. To free up time, he needed to arrange things in advance. He made these plans quietly in his mind, with no outward signs. He nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. Whenever you decide to go out with my grandfather, just let me know in advance, and I'll arrange the necessary personnel for you." Martina assumed that Benjamin intended to assign someone like Leslie or others to her side, both for security and to keep tabs on her indirectly. However, she had grown accustomed to it, so she didn't object this time. She replied, "Okay, I'll let you know in advance when we've confirmed the timing. Right now, it's not finalized, so I'm sorry I can't give you a direct answer."