Chapter 91 Dignity
"Jane, don't go, listen to me," Louis shouted, chasing after me.
I didn't want to hear another word. Hearing him coming, I sped up, wishing I could fly away from this mess.
I was moving so fast I didn't see where I was going and bumped into someone in the living room.
She rubbed her forehead, wincing. "What a day. Can't I catch a break? Hey, Jane? Why are you so mad?"
"Mindy, you okay? I was in a rush, sorry." I mumbled, trying to brush past her.
"No worries, just a bump. Where are you headed? I came back to find you. Let's go to the backyard and enjoy the flowers; it's nice there," Mindy said, grabbing my arm.
Louis caught up and grabbed my other hand, holding on tight.
The pain and struggle in his eyes were clear.
'Louis, I can't be the one to ease your pain. I never meant to let you down, but I don't fit into your life,' I thought.
Mindy noticed Louis holding my hand. She gave a sad smile, her eyes glistening, and stepped back.
I didn't have time to explain or comfort her. From now on, Louis and I would just be classmates. Whether they ended up together was up to fate.
Some might say, "Jane, you're being too hasty. Louis has loved you for years; can't you endure a little for him?"
I appreciated Louis's love, but love comes with family, friends, and daily life. Facing his family every day would drive anyone crazy.
"Jane, those people don't matter, so you don't have to..." Louis started, but I didn't want to hear it. No matter what he said, the facts remained.
"Louis, I've made up my mind." I turned to face him. The situation was clear, and there was no need for more discussion. Some things were best left as they are, so no one got hurt. "Let's just stay classmates. That's my answer."
"No, Jane, don't give up on me because of a few irrelevant people. I don't want to be just classmates. I like you and want to be with you forever. Jane, don't reject me so quickly." Louis gripped my wrist tightly, speaking incoherently in his panic. "I really like you, only you. What they say doesn't matter to me. Love is mine to decide, not theirs. Jane, don't give up on me."
I just shook my head with a faint smile.
I was truly disappointed in Louis's family.
Those people weren't irrelevant; they were his parents and relatives. His marriage affected the Anderson family's future. How could they not care?
Waking up every day to endless criticism or scolding was not the life I wanted. Even if they gave me endless wealth, I wouldn't want to live like that!
'So, Louis, I'm sorry, but I can't walk this path with you,' I thought.
"Louis, I really thought about being with you, growing old together. But your family can't accept me. We're from different worlds. They look down on mine, and I can't fit into yours. So, being classmates is the best choice. Let's not see each other again," I said.
Breaking free from Louis, I walked away, leaving him standing there, sad.
As I turned, I felt a pang of regret for coming to this party.
Hurting someone who genuinely liked me was never my intention. I couldn't bear it, but I had no choice. I wanted to live with dignity.
Louis's parents humiliated me endlessly.
Tears burned my eyes, but I bit my lip to keep them from falling.
I could cry, but not in front of those who mocked me.
Mindy looked at me, then at Louis, wanting to say something but ultimately just caught up to me. "I'll see you out."
"No need, I can go by myself." I refused Mindy's kindness and walked quickly towards the door.
Ignoring his parents' objections, Louis got his car keys and caught up with me. "This place isn't as great as people think. Leaving is a good choice. I'll go with you. We can decide what to eat on the way."
'Louis, why go to such lengths? Today you can leave with me, but what about tomorrow? The day after? For the rest of your life?' I thought.
I stopped, and he stood beside me.
His eyes were filled with intense emotions, a deep pain.
Seeing him like this made me feel sorry for him.
If Louis were just the chubby kid from back then, not the heir to the Anderson family, maybe we would have had a good ending. But he was part of the Anderson family, destined for great things. He couldn't abandon his parents and these onlookers.
And these people, without a doubt, didn't accept or welcome me. They were hostile from the start.
Who could live with enemies every day for a lifetime?
With his mother's attitude, it was clear she wouldn't accept me. Her disdain was obvious. Even if I agreed to be with Louis, we would inevitably have conflicts. He might protect me once or twice, but over time? When his affection for me wore thin, would it turn into annoyance?
I didn't need anyone to answer because I knew it would!
Knowing the outcome, it was better not to start at all than to end in pain and regret.
But I didn't want to let down Louis's genuine affection, so I needed to make things clear.
"Louis, go back. Those inside are your family and friends. You can't leave them. This is the end for us." My emotions calmed, and the situation became clearer. I knew what choice was right and would cause the least harm to both of us.
"I can, Jane. You're all I need in this world. I can give up everyone else," Louis said, staring at me intently, the pain in his eyes bottomless.
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