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Chapter 575
Chapter 575
Chapter: 575
After securing the bracelet around her wrist, Theodore didn’t immediately release her hand. Instead, he cradled it within his own palm, gently caressing the back of her hand with his fingertips, as if reluctant to let go.
They hadn’t shared any intimate contact in days. Ariana longed to embrace him and seek solace in his arms, behaving like a vulnerable child. But she couldn’t. Her anger towards him still lingered, and she couldn’t compromise on her principles.
Retracting her hand, she feigned indifference. “Are you so certain that | would come tonight? What would you do with this gift if | didn’t show up?” ©
“I'm not certain whether you'll come or not,” Theodore responded, a bitter smile playing on his lips. “But I'll wait until eleven o'clock. If you don’t arrive, I'll have someone send this gift to your apartment.” ©
“Can't you deliver it to my home yourself?” Ariana couldn't help but ask, a tinge of anger in her voice. When did he start keeping a distance from her? ©
He remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. “If you don’t come, it means that you don’t want to see me.” © The air grew heavy with a suffocating gloom, casting a pall over the room.
Beneath the table, Ariana’s hands grazed the engraved nameplate. Etched upon it were not just her initials, but Theodore’s as well, entwined as if forever bound.
She had no idea whether Theodore was trying to reassure her or if he just wasn’t ready to give her the truth. Didn’t she merit his trust?
Tears welled in Ariana’s eyes, unbeknownst until Theodore’s gentle touch graced her cheek.
Shame coursed through her as tears streamed down her face, but her sorrow refused to be contained. In a quivering voice, she asked, “Theodore, what mysteries are you hiding from me? Who is Marley, and what connection do you share with Helen?
What secrets of the past do you guard? What am | to you? And why, oh why, do you withhold the truth from me?”
Theodore’s countenance turned somber, a fleeting glimpse of dreadful cruelty flickering in his eyes before vanishing. He struggled to soften his voice, to soothe Ariana’s weeping form. His heart ached as he looked at her tears. “You cannot embrace the true essence of who | am.”
Ariana, bewildered, and with tears blurring her vision, peered at him through her teary eyes. “In my eyes, you were never perfect. Your nature encompasses both darkness and chill, dominance and self-righteousness. Yet, | love you still. At times, | despise myself for succumbing to your influence, and your words. | yearn for freedom; to be unburdened!”
Theodore’s attempt to wipe away her tears was thwarted by her hand.
“So, | fail to comprehend.” Ariana”s emotions surged, her sobs still breaking through. “I have professed countless times that since falling in love with you, | shall embrace every facet, including your flaws. Why then do you show a desire to be with me, yet doubt me and deny me the truth? What am I to you? A mere substitute? An omament? A damn plaything? Even Helen, it seems, holds a higher place in your heart than | do!”
“No, you hold great significance in my life. None can replace you,” Theodore interrupted her.
“Important enough to go without a call for two days? Weren't you afraid that | would leave if | was totally disappointed in you and decided to let go?”
“No, you can’t leave me. Not when | still breathe!” Suddenly, Theodore changed his demeanor. His expression hardened, and his eyes locked on hers. “Remember that you committed to being my partner for life!”
Ariana wiped away her tears with the back of her palm, took a long breath, and asked him, “Do you love me?”
They exchanged mute glances once she finished speaking. Theodore seemed to be trying to utter something as his lips twitched, but nothing more.
“Well, you don’t need to answer me.” Ariana was heartbroken. She looked down and replied mockingly, “Your answer is not that important. | don’t want to know, and | won’t bother you about it again!”
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