Chapter 116 Spending the Rest of Your Life with Me
At this moment, sunlight streamed through the glass window at the door, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Edward's gaze followed, and in the interplay of light and shadow, he asked with a hint of confusion, "You mean Aria?"
His eyes also showed a trace of bewilderment, as if he hadn't expected me to question Aria's identity.
Just then, Aria happened to pass by the door, or perhaps she had never left and had been listening to our conversation at the door, just as I had done earlier. She turned her head slightly, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes, then quickly returning to calm.
Aria's face was gentle, her eyes clear and deep, as if they held countless stories. She quietly watched us in the room, her lips curving into a faint smile—a smile that seemed to carry an elusive chill. Then, Aria gently shook her head, turned, and left, leaving behind only an elegant silhouette. But my thoughts were like a tangled mess, and I couldn't find any clarity. What exactly was Aria's place in Edward's heart? And why was Edward so secretive about her identity?
"Aria's just a friend. She's Clara's friend's kid," Edward said, trying to sound sincere, but his eyes were all over the place, never meeting mine.
I looked at him, feeling more suspicious. "Edward, is she really just Clara's friend's kid? Why have I never seen her or heard about her before?"
"She just got back from abroad," Edward said, gripping the bedsheet nervously, sweat forming on his forehead.
"I know you're hiding something. Don't lie to me. Your talks with Aria are so secretive. How can you say there's nothing going on?" I pressed.
Edward turned to me, a mix of helplessness and conflict in his eyes. "Diana, it's just not the right time to tell you."
My frustration boiled over. I stood up and demanded, "Then when is the right time?"
I couldn't help but wonder why Edward always kept things from me. Was there really nothing between them, or was it just a prank David played on me?
"I've always been honest with you. I've stood by you, but you keep dodging me. I just want the truth, not to be left in the dark. Can't you trust me?" I lied. I didn't have real feelings for Edward anymore; I was just playing the part.
Edward stayed silent, his gaze drifting away, his face showing the struggle he couldn't voice. I stood there, waiting for his answer.
"Edward, do you know how much this hurts me? I don't want to be lied to," I cried out.
Edward sighed. "Diana, don't push me. I'll tell you when the time is right."
I bit my lip, feeling both angry and sad. "Edward, you're always like this, never telling me anything. Do I even matter to you?"
Edward tried to reach out, but his hand fell weakly. "Diana, you have to trust me. Some things are really complicated, and you don't need to know."
My voice rose. "It seems like ever since you got transferred to this hospital, you stopped seeing me as your wife."
Edward stayed silent, his eyes showing pain and inner struggle. As I calmed down, I realized my tone had been harsh.
I locked eyes with Edward, my voice trembling slightly. "Edward, I just hope you can be more honest with me."
My voice softened. "Do you remember this?"
I gently opened the small, delicate handbag. My fingers reached into it, and when I touched the small velvet box, a sweet thrill surged through me. I carefully took out the box and slowly opened it. The diamond ring he had given me lay inside, sparkling brilliantly under the light.
I gazed at the ring, my thoughts drifting back to the moment Edward put it on my finger. I gently picked up the ring, sliding it onto my ring finger. The motion was soft and cautious, like a sacred ritual. When the ring settled snugly on my finger, a marvelous feeling surged through me.
The ring clung to my skin, as if it were part of me. The smooth, delicate sensation was like silky fabric brushing against my flesh. The ring felt heavy in my hand, like it was loaded with all the emotions and memories we shared. I held it tight, feeling its warmth and smooth texture. It was like a silent reminder of the love Edward once had for me.
"You said you wanted to spend your life with me," I said, my voice a mix of nostalgia and determination. I couldn't stop replaying the moment he gave me the ring, his loving gaze, and sincere promise. It was like a movie scene, every detail vivid and unforgettable.
But Edward just looked helpless. He lowered his eyes, avoiding mine, and said softly, "Diana, I know what I said, but things have gotten really complicated. I'm dealing with some tough stuff."
I clutched the ring, but I couldn't hold back my tears. They streamed down my cheeks silently.
"Edward, why? Why can't you keep your promise like before?" I shouted, feeling desperate.
Edward stared blankly at the ceiling. "If you're good to my parents and to Anne, then of course I'm willing to spend my life with you."
I shot back, "Haven't I been good enough to Anne these past four years? I've been so good to her that she openly competes with me for you."
"Diana, enough!" Edward snapped, losing his patience. He looked at me and said in a low voice, "Anne has relied on me since she was little. Maybe she's just afraid of losing me, and this is her way of keeping me close. Can't you understand her a little?"
I frowned. "But what she's doing is unfair to both of us. Can't you see that her feelings for you have gone beyond just a sister's dependence?"
Edward sighed. "Diana, what are you thinking? She's my sister. How can I not care about her?"
I got more agitated. "What about me? You said you sent her abroad for me, but she didn't leave. She used such despicable means to hurt you and herself just to stay by your side."
I was breathing heavily with anger, my heart a mess of emotions. Edward's eyes darted around, full of guilt. He opened his mouth to explain, but his weak words couldn't make up for what he owed me.
Edward struggled to lift his hand, trembling as he tried to reach out to me, his eyes filled with longing and pleading. Maybe he thought if he showed weakness, I'd soften and come back to him, forgiving everything. But this time, he was wrong.
I stared coldly at his outstretched hand—the hand that once brought me so much warmth now only filled me with disgust.
Without hesitation, I took a step back. "Don't touch me," my volume was low, but my voice was cold and final.
Edward's face showed pain and regret. Maybe he finally realized he had lost me—the person who once loved him wholeheartedly. But it was too late. As I looked at Edward lying in the hospital bed, a flicker of pity crossed my heart. Maybe it was from my old feelings for him or just simple kindness, but it was quickly replaced by resolve. I knew I couldn't make the same mistakes and fall into endless pain again. Turning away, I firmly decided to leave.