Chapter 817 Return to My Original Position
Brandon thought all his quiet efforts and years of being there for her had finally paid off.
Penelope had noticed his kindness, and her heart was leaning towards him!
So, he was in a rush to break off his engagement with Isabella, to clear things up, to be clean and pure when he welcomed Penelope!
But what happened?
It was all just wishful thinking on his part!
Penelope sighed, "I lied. Back then, I just wanted to deceive Kelvin, to make him angry, to get a divorce."
Her impulsive words had hurt two people.
One was Kelvin, and the other was Brandon.
"I'm sorry," Penelope continued, "And I thought you wanted to break off your engagement with Isabella because you found the real Mitchell family heiress. You said you liked me, but I thought you were just using me as a cover, a shield, so I went along and said I liked you too."
Little did she know, she was the real Mitchell family heiress.
Brandon's love was real.
And her professed love for him was a lie.
"So," Brandon slowly clenched his fists, "it was all fake. Everything was fake, except for your love for Kelvin."
He already knew the answer, but he still couldn't let it go. He had to ask her personally to hear her say it herself.
Maybe hearing it with his own ears would hurt more, but it would also strengthen his resolve to win her back!
"No, Brandon, I don't want us to become strangers. That's real, too."
"Do you think Kelvin would accept me?"
"He would. He's not the same person he used to be," Penelope said. "Kelvin has changed a lot now!"
Brandon closed his eyes.
Penelope looked at him, her voice growing softer, "Brandon, are you blaming me? Do you hate me? Do you want to cut all ties with me?"
A wave of helplessness surged in her heart.
This wasn't what Penelope wanted.
She had always tried to maintain her relationship with Brandon, but she had only one heart and could only love one person.
She was destined to let Brandon down.
"Brandon, can't we even be friends?" Penelope asked again. "Can't we be like we used to be? Really, can't we go back? Sam and Lucy both like you. You watched them grow up."
"Without you, I couldn't have raised them. We've faced so much together, and in the end, are we really going to part ways?"
People often say that there's no pure friendship between men and women.
Penelope used to laugh it off when she heard such things, because her friendship with Brandon was pure and akin to family.
Brandon was going to marry Isabella, and her heart only had room for Kelvin.
But things changed, everything changed.
Penelope lowered her head, staring at her toes.
She was waiting for Brandon's answer.
If he couldn't be just a friend, if he insisted on being a lover, then she would have to say goodbye.
In life's journey, Brandon could only accompany her this far.
No one can stay with someone forever, except for a lover or a life partner.
But Penelope would silently keep an eye on Brandon, and help him whenever she could!
If Brandon were willing to maintain this friendship, she would be even happier!
But that hope was very slim.
Brandon's attitude was clear.
After several minutes of silence, Brandon finally spoke, "Penelope."
"I'm here, go ahead."
Penelope was nervous, unconsciously clutching her clothes.
She was about to hear Brandon's answer.
Brandon placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a light pat. "I wish you happiness, forever."
"Brandon."
The disappointment in Penelope's eyes grew stronger.
It seemed he had chosen only to accompany her this far.
She had no choice but to respect his decision and accept reality!
"And I," Brandon continued, "will step back to my original position, quietly watching over you, being there for you. I'll always be here."
Penelope was stunned.
She looked at Brandon, forgetting to blink, just staring at him.
She couldn't process what she had just heard.
Step back to his original position?
Did that mean they could still interact like before?
"Brandon, you mean..."
"Just like before," Brandon said clearly. "Do you understand?"
Penelope still stared at him in a daze.
Brandon added, "The difference is, we now have an additional bond. Penelope, you are the real Mitchell family heiress, my childhood playmate. Our connection goes beyond these past few years."
"So..."
"How could I bear to make things difficult for you, Penelope?" Brandon looked at her. "Your happiness is my happiness. When you're happy, I'm genuinely happy for you."
"All these years, I've gotten used to standing behind you, supporting you, taking care of everything for you, rather than standing by your side. That place beside you never belonged to me."
Brandon's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly. "Penelope, I just hope that whenever you need anything, you'll think of me first and come to me for help—just like before."
"Though, that's probably wishful thinking. With Kelvin around, what could he not handle?"
When Brandon finished speaking, Penelope finally snapped out of it.
He wasn't leaving!
They weren't ending things!
Brandon meant they would continue to interact like friends, like family!
What a pleasant surprise! What an unexpected turn!
Penelope had been ready to say goodbye! But instead, there was a surprise!
"Okay, okay," Penelope nodded repeatedly, "I understand, I get it. We, we will be fine!"
Brandon smiled, patting her head before withdrawing his hand.
Penelope also smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
"You scared me," she said. "I thought you were really going to leave. What would I do when Sam and Lucy miss you and want to see you?"
"Even if I were to say goodbye to you, that wouldn't involve the kids. They can come over anytime. Do you think I would do anything to them?" Brandon replied. "I've watched them grow up."
Penelope patted her chest, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Being able to continue being friends with Brandon made her truly content!
Thankfully, things didn't take a turn for the worse!
"Brandon," Penelope said seriously, "During the four years I was in the small town, it was thanks to you that Sam and Lucy were taken care of. I've always wanted to say this, but never had the chance. Today, I finally get to tell you, I want them to recognize you as their Godfather. You deserve this title. What do you think?"
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