Chapter 522 My Happiness, Because of You
"I—" Margaret started to refuse.
Daniel quickly cut in, "Hey, just think about it first. Don't rush to say no. Good friends can catch a movie together, right?"
As he was leaving, Daniel grabbed the signed folder from the desk, "I'll pick you up after work."
After lunch, Raymond's message popped up on her phone: [How about a movie tonight? Your favorite star is in it. It's a new romantic film.]
She used to wish he would slow down his work pace, take a break, and watch a movie with her. They walked hand in hand in the park as the leaves fell at dusk, feeling the warmth of everyday life.
She hoped he would give her flowers, a gift, or even just a loving look...
She had always been the one compromising.
Now she didn't want it anymore. His displays of affection, his softening attitude—anything related to Raymond—she wanted to clear out completely.
Margaret paused for a while on the junk message, then deleted and blocked it.
She began her bustling day with meetings, decision-making, and contract signings. Before long, the time to leave work had arrived.
Daniel came to her office. She thought there wasn't much to do at home anyway, and Silverbrook had plenty of theaters. It was unlikely she'd run into Raymond.
Margaret agreed to go with Daniel.
Daniel offered to take her to a movie, buy soda and popcorn, and she would treat him to dinner first.
He wanted to take care of everything, but she insisted, so he compromised.
They had a fancy dinner she loved, then took the mall elevator to the top-floor theater.
"You wait here. I'll get the tickets and some snacks," Daniel smiled at her.
She nodded in agreement and watched Daniel walk away.
The theater was crowded with couples, creating a great atmosphere.
Margaret couldn't help but feel envious. Youth was wonderful, still full of hope for love.
The movie poster showed the lead couple embracing and kissing, with the actress's eyes closed, snow falling around them, and a tear rolling down her cheek. In the tear, the actor's reflection was visible.
Margaret's favorite actress was in the film. The actress had come from humble beginnings but had climbed her way to the top with her outstanding acting skills and hard work.
Margaret admired the actress's resilience.
"Margaret, you really came."
A familiar male voice sounded behind her.
His voice trembled slightly, filled with emotion and excitement.
Margaret's body stiffened. She slowly turned around, and there, amidst the crowd, stood Raymond. He was dressed in a black shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
He rarely dressed so casually. Maybe without the title of CEO of The Hughes Group, he seemed less cold. Or perhaps recovering from a serious illness had made him more down-to-earth.
He wore the watch she had given him.
Margaret was momentarily lost, briefly seeing him as he was when they first met.
He had been pretending to be strong and stubborn, enough to move her and stir her pity.
But now, she wouldn't feel that way.
Margaret's gaze turned cold and complex. She smirked, "You still continue to haunt me endlessly."
"Margaret, stop lying to yourself. I sent the theater address to your phone. I don't believe you didn't see it. Don't tell me it's a coincidence. Life doesn't have that many coincidences. Admit it, you still have feelings for me, and you can't let go," Raymond said confidently.
Margaret's elegant smile and refined demeanor caught his attention, "I'm here."
He thought she was talking to him, and his lips curled up, "I know."
"Margaret. Your soda." Daniel walked up to her, handing her the soda and popcorn.
She took them with a smile and thanked him.
Raymond felt a pang of pain seeing this.
Daniel acted as if he didn't see Raymond, his attention fully on Margaret.
Margaret linked her arm with Daniel's, pretending to be close as they walked to the ticket booth.
Daniel noticed her tightly gripping his sleeve and smiled.
As she tried to let go, he said calmly, "Raymond is still watching us."
Her hand tightened around Daniel's once more.
After getting their tickets, they didn't go in to watch the movie.
It was clear she wasn't in a good mood.
Daniel suggested taking her home, saying the movie probably wasn't that good.
They walked home under the starlit sky.
"Ms. Hughes, did my role as a shield work well?" he suddenly brought it up.
Margaret awkwardly tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "I'm sorry."
"That's not what I meant. Ms. Hughes, since it worked well, why not keep using it?"
"What?" Margaret looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to bring it up again.
They were getting closer to The Hughes Manor.
He walked very slowly.
"Raymond won't give up easily. He'll keep bothering you. Only seeing you married, with no chance of getting back together, will stop him. Ms. Hughes, I'm serious. A contract marriage is just a contract. You don't need to feel burdened. You're free to come and go. You can divorce anytime."
His humility made Margaret feel more guilty and remorseful. How could she deserve Daniel's sacrifice?
"It's not fair to you."
"This world isn't fair. When I first met you, I wasn't good enough to be near you. Margaret, I've worked hard for years to be able to walk with you, take you home, and chat with you. You don't know how my happiness comes from you."
Daniel's eyes sparkled, "I want to be selfish once, to fight for myself. Margaret, I would be a great husband. I'd treat you well, protect you, never let you shed a tear. Margaret, let down your guard and try to accept me, okay? Whether it's for a lifetime or a short stay, I'm your best choice."
Margaret bit her lip, "But—"
"Is it because you have been divorced? Margaret, I don't care, so why should you? I want to heal you, to see you smile like you did when we first met, so bright and beautiful. Living in the past won't help you move forward."
Margaret felt lost. She didn't know what to do.
She wanted to move forward.
But could her dead heart come back to life?
"I'll think about it." Margaret sighed.
"Margaret, if you still have feelings for Raymond, try to open up to him, give each other a chance. If you want to cut ties completely, a contract marriage with me, growing feelings over time, is also a good option. Whatever you choose, I'll respect your decision."
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