Chapter 117 The Victor's Smile
Edward's look definitely made me feel a twinge of pity. But the second I remembered his betrayal, that pity vanished.
"Diana, please, just give me another chance, will you?" Edward's eyes were full of desperate hope, like I was his last lifeline. Memories of the good times flashed through my mind, softening me a bit. But then the painful memories took over—Edward's lies and betrayal—like heavy chains pulling me back to reality. I shook my head, my resolve clear.
"Edward, I can't trust you anymore. You've let me down too many times, and even your proposal was just a way to use me." With that, I reached out with trembling hands, grabbed the diamond ring, and threw it at him. The ring hit him with a dull thud, like it was announcing the end of us.
Edward hung his head, then suddenly looked up with intense eyes, gripped by despair. His body shook, his voice trembling. "Diana, I love you. I've always loved you, I just didn't realize it before. Now I know—without you, my life is meaningless."
Every word seemed to drain him, his heartfelt plea hanging in the air.
"Some mistakes can't be undone. We can't go back to how things were. I don't love you anymore, Edward," I said, my voice catching. Tears welled up, threatening to spill as I bit my lip to hold them back. My heart ached; the love I once had for Edward churned inside me. There was a time I would've done anything for him, but those days were long gone.
My hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging into my palms, as if the physical pain could drown out the hurt inside. Edward talked about love so easily.
People like him might never understand what true love was. He always put his and the Howard family's interests first. I was never truly a priority for him. At that moment, deep regret was etched across his face, his brows furrowed. He said, "Diana, I know nothing I say now can change anything, but please believe me—I will become the person you want me to be."
I desperately wanted to believe Edward, and wanted him to change, but I was scared of being hurt again. The inner conflict tore me apart. I turned my face slightly, my expression complex and my gaze resolute. Taking a deep breath, I slowly spoke, my tone firm yet tinged with helplessness, "Edward, let go. I'm really tired, I want to start a new life." My voice wasn't loud, but each word was clear, each carrying a heavy weight. As I said this, I deliberately avoided looking at Edward's reaction and didn't dare to look at him again.
As I resolutely prepared to leave, I felt a strong hand gripping mine tightly. I turned back in shock to see that, despite the pain, Edward had somehow stood up and was holding onto me with all his strength. His face was even paler from the pain, sweat beading on his forehead and slowly trickling down, leaving a wet trail.
Before I could react, Edward lost his balance from trying too hard. He tilted sharply and hit the ground with a heavy thud, pulling me down with him. I landed hard on top of him. Everything happened so fast; I was flustered and my mind went blank. In my panic, my lips accidentally brushed against Edward's. For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Despite the pain, he didn't hesitate and kissed me firmly.
I was completely frozen, unable to think or move. Suddenly, Edward's familiar scent hit me like a whirlwind, bringing back a flood of memories I had tried to lock away. It felt like an invisible hand was gripping my heart tightly, and I found myself gradually giving in to the unexpected kiss.
It was like I was back in the time when I loved Edward. I could feel his warmth, his desire, and his possessiveness. My body involuntarily trembled slightly, like a leaf in the autumn wind. The defenses I had built around my heart began to crumble, piece by piece, like a sandcastle being washed away by the waves.
I once thought I was strong enough to leave Edward without a second thought, and to forget everything from the past. But in this moment, I realized just how fragile I truly was. The love buried deep within my heart burned like a raging fire. I suddenly snapped out of my daze, and with all my strength, I twisted and struggled, pushing against Edward's firm chest and kicking my legs frantically, desperately trying to escape from his embrace that I both loved and feared. I wanted to flee from this conflicting situation.
Edward finally let go and lay on the ground, gasping for breath. His face was even paler than before. He raised his arm to wipe the sweat from his forehead, but he wore a faint, almost imperceptible smile of victory, which annoyed me.
"Edward, are you crazy? Do you know what you're doing?" I stood up, straightening my wrinkled clothes as I spoke. My voice trembled violently.
Edward tried to open his mouth, struggling to say something, but the pain rendered him silent. I stood there in a panic, completely lost and unsure of what to do or where to go. A part of me urged me to help him, while another voice warned that getting closer to Edward would only drag me deeper into emotional turmoil.
At that moment, my eyes fell on the bandages around his waist and abdomen, where blood was continuing to seep through, the crimson stain spreading and darkening. The sight of the deepening red made my heart sink as if it had been dropped off a cliff. A wave of indescribable emotions washed over me—anger intertwined with shame, making my breath come in short, rapid gasps.
Edward lay there, gasping for breath, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, yet his eyes still held a faint, victorious smile. I clenched my teeth and, after a moment of inner turmoil, reluctantly reached out with trembling hands to press the call button, not bothering to help him up.
Then, as if an invisible force had pushed me, I quickly fled the room. I knew that only by escaping that place could I regain my composure and prevent myself from being swallowed again by the whirlpool of emotions.