Chapter 518 Margaret, Don't Let Me Down
Margaret's brows knitted together as she looked at him, clearly confused. "What?"
His voice was soft, and his eyes sparkled with a smile. "Actually, I knew you before you met Raymond."
Margaret studied him for a moment, then pursed her lips apologetically. "I'm sorry, I don't remember."
"When we were in elementary school, I was bullied and ostracized because I was an illegitimate child. You stood up for me, told them I was your friend, and that bullying me was like going against you. We were classmates not just in elementary school, but also in middle school, high school, and college. Ms. Hughes, we've known each other for over ten years. But you don't know anything about me." Daniel's smile turned bitter.
Margaret stared at him, stunned. They had known each other for so long, and she hadn't recognized him when he helped her at The Hughes Group, buying ointment for her.
It wasn't their first meeting, nor was it just because he was kind-hearted.
It was a reunion of old friends. She just hadn't recognized him.
Margaret lowered her eyes, feeling guilty. "I'm sorry, I didn't know any of this."
"Please listen carefully to what I'm about to say next."
Daniel paused, his heart pounding, his palms sweating.
"Alright, go ahead," Margaret said, listening intently.
He took a deep breath and began nervously, "Margaret, I've had a crush on you for over ten years."
Margaret's mind exploded with the revelation.
She had always thought she was obsessed with Raymond, but she hadn't liked him for ten years. Daniel's persistence was even more remarkable.
Ten years—how many ten years did a person have in their lifetime?
Shock and guilt washed over her. How could she deserve to be remembered by someone as outstanding as Daniel for so long?
"In the past, I could only watch you from afar because I was an illegitimate child and didn't dare to befriend you. To get closer to you, I walked the paths you walked, ate the foods you liked. I followed you from elementary school to Unity University. Ms. Hughes, you were the only one willing to help me during my bleak childhood, the only one willing to be my friend. Seeing your unhappy marriage, I felt guilty. If I had been more shameless, less proud, maybe you wouldn't have been hurt by Raymond. I returned to The Taylor Family to become your fallback."
Margaret's mind was overwhelmed by the information. She didn't know how to react. "Mr. Taylor—"
"I still want to be your fallback, Ms. Hughes. I was before, I am now, and I will be in the future. If you truly let go of Raymond and want someone to rely on, consider me." Daniel wanted to reveal all his secrets in one breath. He paused and continued, "I will respect and cherish you. My mother passed away early, and my father and I don't get along, so we don't need to see each other. If you marry me, there will be no family conflicts. Our relationship will be simple."
Margaret pursed her lips, saying nothing.
"I don't drink, and my private life is clean. Margaret, men are like food; you need to try different ones to know what you want."
"Mr. Taylor—" Margaret took a deep breath.
Daniel smiled and interrupted, "Margaret, this is the first time I'm calling you that. Let me finish what I have to say. Don't rush to reject me. Take your time to consider. I've waited for so many years; a little longer won't matter. I have many more good qualities. Whatever Raymond can give you, I can too. Whatever he can't give, I can. If you date me, I won't let you shed a single tear."
"Promise me you'll think about it?" His voice was soft, almost pleading.
Margaret felt the words of rejection rise in her throat but swallowed them back. Given all the times Daniel had been there for her, she couldn't just brush him off.
And he had remembered her for ten years. She owed him that much.
"Alright."
"Can you give me an answer in two months?"
"Alright."
Back at The Hughes Manor, Margaret stepped inside, kicked off her high heels, and turned on the wall lamp, filling the room with a warm glow.
She carried her handbag, walked barefoot on the cold tiles, feeling the chill spread from her soles to her entire body.
She tossed her handbag onto the small sofa and went to the water dispenser to boil some water. Soon, the kettle emitted wisps of steam.
She poured a cup of warm water, picked up the glass with her slender fingers, and took a sip.
She walked back to the sofa.
Her phone on the coffee table suddenly lit up with a message.
Holding the water cup in one hand, she picked up the phone with the other, swiped the screen, and opened WhatsApp.
A message from Rufus: [Ms. Hughes, Mr. Howard's surgery is over and went smoothly.]
Another message came in.
Alvin: [Ms. Hughes, Mr. Howard's surgery went well. I apologize for any offense caused by my previous words. Mr. Howard is pleased to know you donated bone marrow. He should be able to see you soon.]
She didn't know how to respond.
Success was all that mattered.
She no longer owed anyone.
Margaret turned off her phone, the screen going dark.
From this moment on, she and Raymond were truly done.
She owed no one anything.
The next two months were peaceful and uneventful.
Margaret occasionally reflected on the fact that she hadn't seen Raymond in two months.
But she gradually got used to it.
She adapted well to her new life.
The internal restructuring of The Hughes Group was nearing completion. Everything was thriving and prosperous.
Daniel was still by her side, either as a collaborator or in the capacity of a CEO and subordinate.
Since his confession that night, Daniel hadn't brought it up again, as if it had never happened. She handled their relationship professionally.
Two months later, one night.
Margaret and Daniel had just finished a business dinner, successfully securing an order. He drove her to The Hughes Manor and they talked for a while, reluctant to part.
Finally, he brought up the matter. "Margaret, promise me you'll seriously consider our relationship. I don't want to care for you without any status. Even someone who has been in the dark for a long time yearns for a bit of sunshine. Let's heal each other."
He was tempting her again.
Margaret smiled. "Mr. Taylor has a clingy side?"
"I have many unknown sides. You'll have to get to know them slowly."
"I'll give you an answer tomorrow."
"Margaret, don't disappoint me. Ten years is not easy to endure." Daniel was good at playing the pity card, pursing his lips and speaking pitifully, his eyes even reddening.
Back at The Hughes Manor, she went upstairs and entered the living room.
Her high heels clicked crisply on the spiral staircase.
As soon as she entered the living room, she was pressed against the cold wall by a figure. A man's hot breath sprayed on her neck.
Was Raymond back?
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