44

Laurel was stunned. She turned her head and stared at Aaron in silence. The man was looking down, not looking at her. His gaze lost in his own thoughts.

“Do you know how I felt at that time?” Aaron smiled bitterly. “I came with all my arrogance and confidence, feeling powerful and having everything, feeling I could buy someone an apology, but I was wrong. You made me realize that time. When you said that I was a lowly human with no self-respect, hiding behind my father's power, you were absolutely right.”

Aaron sighed. “I came home fully aware, like I was slapped to wake.”

The man finally looked at Laurel with a look full of pain. “But I'm trying, Laurel, I'm trying so I can stand before you, with dignity. I tried my best. I founded my company as my proof to you. The company did not accept my father's interference at all. I started from scratch. And, yes, I did lie to you. I watched you from the start. Don't get me wrong, Laurel, I have absolutely no ill intentions. I-I just want to take care of you. I know you are alone because of me… and I feel responsible for that.”

Aaron smiled bitterly again. “Yes, I arranged your education; all those scholarships, all of them. The hostel was also part of my plans. Aunt Sarah was my mother's servant, but I didn't do it to dominate you. I did it to look after you, to make sure you were okay. I think deep down in my heart, I want to be a hero for you.”

Laurel was dumbfounded at Aaron's explanation. This was exactly what Alin and the others had said.

Had she been so closed off all this time that she didn't want to see what was actually the truth? Had she been so wrapped up in hatred and prejudice that she didn't want to open her heart?

Laurel realized that what Aaron was doing was for her own good. She remembered how easy her life was. Her education was smooth, the place where she lived, and the figure of a mother who took care of her, Aunt Sarah. Aaron provides everything.

“My original goal was for you to be able to carry on with your future well. After that I intend to let you go, go quietly so you never know I'm behind all those scenarios.” Aaron continued, looking at Laurel's face gently, knowing she was listening. “I gave you a job at the company, because you have rights there. The company was able to exist because of you. That's why, I think, your place is there. I think we can continue a good working relationship, as superior and subordinate. Then I hope you'll find a good match, get married and live happily ever after.”

Laurel glared at Aaron sharply. “Then why did you marry me?”

“Because I can't fool myself.” Aaron laughed bitterly, as if mocking himself. “Unknowingly I fell in love with you. You have become a kind of obsession that grabs my heart, makes me miss you. All those women—” Aaron looked deeply at Laurel. “Women like Clarissa; they are there to replace you. I'm really heartless.”

Therefore, it's true what Clarissa said, that Aaron thought of Clarissa as Laurel. Laurel who was always called by Aaron at the time, it was her. Now everything is clear.

“However, you are close to Brian before me,” Aaron's voice was fiery. “I was burned with jealousy, incredibly jealous. That's when I realized that I wouldn't be able to let you go for another man. I must have you to myself.”

“So Brian's right; you framed him.”

“I told Lyn to seduce him, yes, I admit it.” Aaron smiled sarcastically remembering Brian. “But what happened next was purely his fault. If he really cared for his heart and loved you, he wouldn't have fallen into Lyn's arms. I'm just showing you how weak he really is, how much you'll regret giving your heart to him.”

Laurel realized that Aaron's words had a point as well. “You saved me.”

“Yes, I saved you, and then framed you to be mine. I will confess everything to you, Laurel, so that there will be no more lies between us. I did set you up. I did everything so I could marry you, make you my wife, and mine.” Aaron gently gripped Laurel's fingers. “You have no idea how happy I was when I put this ring on your finger. I really love you, Laurel.”

Laurel took a deep breath, unable to answer. Aaron looked at her, then let go of her hand and stood up. “But I know all my explanations are useless. Above all, the reality remains among us: that I am the murderer of your father and that my sins will never be forgiven. I can understand that.”

He looked away. “Just please, don't leave me just yet, for the sake of our baby. At least until our child is born. After that, I promise not to hold you back. I will let you go; I will give you a divorce. You can look after our baby; I might ask permission to get a little time so I can play the role of a father in his life. Other than that, I won't bother you anymore.”

Aaron lowered his head and kissed her forehead. “Get some rest, dear, you need to rest and calm your mind. Doctor says the bleeding happened because you are tensed and tired. I'll be back later.” He quickly turned around and walked out of the room.

Laurel felt wetness on her face, but she didn't cry. She stared at the door where Aaron had disappeared.

Are these Aaron's tears? Did the man cry for her?

_______________

Aaron sat in the dark, silent. The dim light from outside dimmed the room. It's three in the morning and he still can't sleep. He straightened up, staring at the hospital bed, where Laurel was fast asleep. All day he had been waiting for her in the hospital and now he was sleeping on the big sofa in the room. He leaned back, sitting quietly on the sofa.

He had offered the deal. Agreement to release Laurel after the baby is born, but his little heart taunts him, knowing that he wouldn't be able to do it. Letting go of Laurel was impossible, let alone releasing her with their baby.

Do I have to force my will on Laurel again? Aaron pondered. In the end Laurel would run away, she wouldn't be happy. He must learn to accept what she wants, even if it hurts him.

Could he be able to melt her heart? His heart was wondering, desperate. Was he worthy enough for Laurel to reconsider?

“I'll go home with you,” Laurel mumbled in the morning, staring at Aaron dryly. “As you asked.”

Aaron turned his head and couldn't help the joy in his eyes. “You're really going to do it?”

“But only for the sake of this baby. Like you said, until this baby is born. After that we will discuss the next steps.”

His wife still won't forgive him. The gleam of happiness receded from Aaron's eyes. But that's okay, at least Laurel wants to come home with him. He still had a few months to change her mind.

“I will take care of you and our child,” Aaron said solemnly.

Three days later, Laurel's condition had improved and she was allowed to go home. She returned to his house and everything was prepared there. She hadn't talked about room arrangements for the two of them. Laurel thought of sleeping in the guest room. The maids, however, placed her clothes in Aaron's room.

She would discuss it with him later.