Chapter 21
Her words left them stunned, unable to believe what they’d just heard.
Edwin looked particularly shocked, involuntarily releasing Mrs. Ellery’s arm. He stumbled forward, trying to grab Sylvia’s hand, but Gary blocked him, slapping his outstretched hand away with a deep frown.
“Say what you need to say, but keep your hands to yourself!”
Gary had developed a complete aversion to these people. They had their own daughter but couldn’t be bothered to raise her properly, showing favoritism so extreme it could span oceans, yet still had the audacity to call themselves parents.
Had a single kind word come out of their mouths since they arrived?
Especially this Edwin–pretending to care about Sylvia while clearly knowing nothing about her home life, yet bringing these toxic parents to her doorstep. And then having the nerve to say “it’s been a long time.”
What an actor.
Gary had used considerable force, leaving Edwin’s wrist stinging with pain. He clenched his jaw to avoid making a sound, but while he could endure physical pain, the ache in his heart was unbearable.
Unable to get closer, he could only plead across the distance. “Sylvia, that’s not true. I had already fallen for you before you left–I was just too blind to realize it. These five years without you have been torture for me. I’ve dreamed of seeing you again, to tell you I understand my mistake now. Please, can’t you give me one more chance?”
Watching his pained expression, Sylvia felt absolutely nothing.
She observed his performance in silence, mentally calculating how much genuine feeling might be behind it. After all, with his acting skills, he had once managed to fake 100% devotion to her while loving someone else entirely. How could she possibly know what was real now?
Seeing no response from her, Edwin’s gaze fell on her and Ronald’s tightly clasped hands. Something clicked, and his eyes lit up with excitement. “I get it–you’re just still mad at me, aren’t you? Sylvia, I’m so sorry. I’m begging for your forgiveness. Look, I knew he’s just someone you paid for! But our seven years together were real! See, I brought our wedding rings. I had yours completely restored and engraved with our names. I promise, from now on, whatever you say goes. If you don’t like your family, I’ll cut ties with them too. Please… Sylvia… don’t throw me away… I’m begging you…” By the end, his voice had become choked with emotion. His genuine, display made Gary and Ethel hesitate. Could he actually be in love with Sylvia?
They glanced at Ronald with uncertainty in their eyes.
Their relationship had begun as a financial transaction. They couldn’t be sure if five years of companionship could truly replace the man who had walked alongside Sylvia for so much langer.
She moved forward slightly, stepping past Gary toward Edwin. Ronald’s heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively tightened his grip on her hand. She turned back, giving him a reassuring smile and patting his hand gently.
“Wait for me.”
Those three simple words somehow calmed Ronald’s anxious heart, and he slowly released her hand.
Seeing her approach, Edwin’s eyes lit up with joy. But before his smile could fully form, it froze as she spoke.
“Edwin, why should I forgive you?”
“I’ve already started a new life. Why did you have to stand in my way? Your only goal was just to ensure Tiffany could marry Matt smoothly. And I’ve literally escaped to the other side of the world now. If she can’t hold onto her man, how exactly is that my problem? You’re begging me? Well, let me beg you too–please, just leave me alone.”
12.7
