Chapter 112 David's Confession
"Okay." Theo turned and jogged out of the office, his steps lighter than ever, as if he had shed a heavy burden. I thought, this must be the joy of escaping pain.
The price for the stock acquisition had been negotiated and agreed upon by Edward and the shareholders long ago. Today's meeting was merely for me to hand over the signed transfer agreements to each shareholder, marking the end of this matter. So, the meeting proceeded very quickly.
The meeting wrapped up, and Theo and I each grabbed a cardboard box as we slowly made our way out of the Cooper Group office building. Theo had this sentimental look on his face, and I could see a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
He held onto that box like it was a precious memory. I glanced down at the small box in my arms, filled with the last of Mia's stuff from the office. From now on, there was no more ties between Cooper Group and me.
Theo and I said our goodbyes in the parking lot. He gently set his box down, his eyes full of sincerity. He extended his hand slightly, like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words, and finally just gave me a small nod.
As I was about to start the car, Theo suddenly called out, "Diana."
I rolled down the window and stuck my head out. "What?"
Theo gave a shy smile. "Nothing, I just wish you happiness."
His sudden blessing caught me off guard, and I smiled back. "I wish you happiness too."
Even though I talked about happiness, my heart felt like it was being pricked by needles. My parents were gone, the love I had longed for was just a mirage, and the Cooper Group was no longer mine. At that moment, I had truly lost everything, so where was the happiness to be found? The sun was setting, painting the sky with a brilliant orange-red hue.
Alone in this vast world, I had nowhere to go. Confusion and helplessness wrapped around me like a thick fog. I aimlessly drove out of the parking lot, with the sound of the wheels rolling. I didn't know how long I had been driving when I suddenly realized I had arrived at my parents' grave.
I slowly approached the tombstone, reaching out with a trembling hand to gently wipe the names of my parents engraved on it. Those familiar carvings seemed to carry endless memories and longing. If my parents could see their most cherished daughter in such a miserable state now, what would they think?
I speculated that Mason, who always loved me, would surely feel sorry for my loneliness and my state of having nothing. But thinking of Mia, I felt my heart tighten. She would probably scold me, and blame me for not holding on to Edward and messing everything up. I gently shook my head, tears uncontrollably sliding down my cheeks and dripping onto the cold tombstone. How I wished they could stay with me a little longer and tell me what to do.
I had lost track of time when a chill quietly set in. I couldn't help but sneeze and then hugged my shoulders. The evening chill in the cemetery was palpable. Suddenly, I felt warmth on my back. In such a cold evening, that warmth was particularly striking.
It was as if a pair of gentle hands had draped a piece of clothing over me. The corner of the garment fluttered slightly in the breeze, carrying a faint scent, like a warm current slowly flowing into me. Initially startled, I realized that there was indeed a piece of clothing draped gently over my shoulders. The warm touch provided a moment of comfort in the cold evening, and a surge of inexplicable emotion welled up in my heart.
At that moment, I was somewhat dazed and involuntarily called out, "Honey."
I expected it to be Edward who had put the clothing on me, but a disdainful snort reached my ears. "Still thinking about that man? How did he treat you?" This familiar voice instantly activated my nerves. I turned around abruptly and found that standing behind me was my old rival, David.
"Why is it you?" I was very surprised.
David lightly tapped my forehead with his finger and said, "Why can't it be me? Your heart is only filled with that jerk. I'm very angry, and the consequences are serious."
I slowly lifted my head, staring at David with a face full of confusion. His eyes were blazing with anger, a fury that seemed ready to consume me whole.
"Angry? What right do you have to be angry? Who do you think you are?" I snapped. Every time I saw David, I couldn't help but feel the urge to lash out. Over the years, we always seemed to be at each other's throats.
David was thoroughly pissed off by my words. He gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I have no right. Remember what you said today; you'll pay for your words."
I wasn't about to back down, and the anger in my heart burned fiercely. I yanked the clothing off my shoulders and threw it into his arms. "You think too highly of yourself. I don't need you meddling in my affairs." My tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
But before I could finish speaking, David suddenly pulled me tightly into his arms. His grip was so strong, I could hardly breathe. "Diana, when will you finally come to your senses?" His voice was low and filled with pain.
"Let go! What are you doing?" I struggled desperately, trying to break free from his embrace. But he showed no intention of letting go.
"No, I won't let go. Diana, why do you only have eyes for Edward and not for me? What makes him better than me? Why do you only like him and not me? We have more in common, even our way of pranking is so similar. We are a better match." David's words were filled with frustration and confusion.
"You still remember how you used to prank me," I shouted angrily, the memories of being teased by him flashing in my eyes, making me even more agitated. "What makes you think I would ever like you?" I said.
David seemed stumped by my question. He murmured, "I'm sorry. I just couldn't stand seeing you so devoted to Edward when he didn't even care about you. Seeing you being bullied by him made me angry."
"Is that why you bullied me too? Is that why you humiliated me in front of everyone?" Suddenly, my thoughts drifted back to the past. From childhood to adulthood, David had indeed bullied me a lot. And I had always sought revenge, making sure to get back at him on the spot.
But what about Edward? Hadn't he also always taken advantage of my feelings for him, deceiving and bullying me, while I followed him willingly? Thinking of this, I was stunned, filled with confusion and doubt.
David seemed startled by my reaction. His previously determined expression crumbled, and a look of panic flashed in his eyes. He quickly said, "I'm sorry, Diana. I was immature and reckless back then, not knowing how to cherish you. I always expressed my feelings the wrong way. But now I've grown up; I'm an adult. Please let me take care of you from now on. I will do everything in my power to protect you from the wind and rain, so you won't be lonely or hurt anymore." David's voice trembled slightly, filled with sincerity and hope.
David hugged me tightly again, his arms like strong chains, binding me in his embrace. His lips slowly approached mine, pressing heavily against them. The warm breath on my face made my heart race, and my cheeks instantly turned hot. Shame and anger erupted from my heart simultaneously. I clenched my teeth, not giving him any chance. David tried several times, his lips lightly touching mine with urgency and desire, but he always failed.
His eyes showed disappointment and helplessness as he smiled and let go of me. "Diana, is this your choice? You would rather be with Edward than try to accept me?" he asked.
I bent over, gasping for breath, and waved my hand forcefully. I said, "David, we've known each other for over twenty years. We're too familiar with each other. I will never have that kind of impulse towards you. Please adjust your position and don't have any inappropriate thoughts about me anymore."
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