Chapter 198: Hopefully
"So, everything I did was just to be with you. I messed up big time, didn't know the right way to go about it. My bad, all of it. Just give me one last shot to make things right and love you the way you deserve, okay?"
Okay? Hell no, it wasn't okay.
Right then, I knew Daniel had some serious issues. He was either depressed or paranoid, 'cause he just couldn't get my clear-as-day rejection.
Mental illness is still an illness. It can be deadly and needs treatment.
I rubbed my forehead, super frustrated, and snapped, "I'm saying this one last time, so listen up and don't ask again 'cause it's driving me nuts. I don't like you, not now, not ever. We ain't happening, not in this lifetime. Quit the nonsense. All you do is annoy me."
Daniel staggered back like I'd punched him in the gut. His face fell, looking all heartbroken, like I'd done him dirty. The light in his eyes shattered into pieces of despair, which just ticked me off more.
"Jane, you don't want me either, huh? Even you don't want me. Then what do I have?" he mumbled, looking as lost as a stray dog.
Seeing him like that made me feel kinda bad. We did grow up together, after all.
But this was his mess, and he had to deal with it.
"Daniel, it's not about wanting you or not. My life is tied to Brad. In life or death, I'm with Brad. We'll be a family, just in a different way."
He gave a sad smile, one of those beautiful yet heartbreaking ones.
As I turned to find Brad, Daniel spoke up behind me, "I knew we had no future, but I still wanted to try, just in case. Maybe you're right, I just couldn't accept it. Jane, missing out on you is my biggest regret. I really regret it."
"Missing out is missing out. At least we didn't turn it into a mistake."
"Actually, both times I did it on purpose. I let my mom hurt you and watched Brad struggle because of me. I hurt you and my family. I'm really a piece of work, aren't I?"
I shook my head with a small smile.
It was good he figured it out. Everyone has the right to chase what they want. His method was wrong, but it didn't cause us any real harm, and he didn't mean to hurt us.
So, he deserved forgiveness.
And I was willing to forgive.
"Don't hate me, okay?"
"Just take care of yourself, and I promise I won't."
"Okay."
As I walked out of the corridor, Brad, who'd been watching us, came over.
Against the light, he opened his arms to me.
I looked at Brad with admiration as he walked towards me, then stepped into his embrace with a satisfied sigh.
Having studied painting since I was a kid, I had an eye for beauty. Brad was my most beautiful scenery. I didn't just want to admire it; I wanted to own it.
Talking with Daniel was way easier than I thought it'd be. Maybe he just wanted one last shot, even though he knew the deal.
We didn't chat much or get deep. For some reason, my anger at him faking being sick just faded away.
I suddenly got it—I didn't actually hate him. He was Brad's family, and soon, he'd be mine too.
Family shouldn't hold grudges.
Brad lifted my chin, giving me that irresistible smile, and I melted into his arms, wrapping my arms around his waist.
He was truly irresistible.
"Tired?"
"Yeah."
"Sis, your stamina's weak. You need to hit the gym more," Brad teased with a mischievous grin.
My face turned red. Calling myself sis was kinda embarrassing. We weren't there yet. But today, it was necessary. Just helping him out. Desperate times, right?
"Brad, when will you stop eavesdropping?"
"I was sitting far away, couldn't eavesdrop if I tried. Your voice was just loud. But sis, you need to marry me to make it official. Thought about when?"
Without thinking, I fell into his trap. "You haven't proposed, so what am I marrying for?"
Brad pressed his forehead against mine and asked in a husky voice, "If I propose, will you marry me?"
"What?" I was stunned.
Maybe I looked a bit silly, 'cause Brad laughed, the sound vibrating from his chest, super seductive. "Silly."
I patted my chest, realizing he was teasing me, and it scared me.
Even though Brad was the one I wanted to marry, we'd only been together a few months. I hadn't fully enjoyed the dating phase yet, so I didn't want to rush into marriage.
Years later, when Brad and I looked back on this moment, he got mad and argued with me after learning my thoughts.
He argued, "Three years in college, three whole years, I gave you my heart, and you dare say it wasn't sweet."
I pictured Brad standing in front of the dorm at the Northern Institute of the Arts, holding an umbrella, waiting for me.
Yeah, those three years, seen through a lover's eyes, were sweet. I just didn't know his feelings then and didn't dare to think that way.
"Baby, you know what? I won't be at ease until I marry you."
"Why?"
"Because there's a wolf lurking around, eyeing my girl. Would you be at ease?"
True.
"I've made it clear to him, this won't happen again."
"Let's hope so."
Daniel giving in so easily was a surprise.
I felt grateful and sorry for Daniel 'cause he got hurt for me. Taking care of him is understandable, but I wouldn't be with him because of it.
Even if, worst-case scenario, Brad distanced himself from me for Daniel, it would mean that in his heart, Daniel was more important than me, and I was the one who could be left behind.
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