Chapter 215 With the Ring as Proof
I glanced up at David, catching his face lit up with a grin, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and pride. Looked like he'd just scored some secret win over Edward. I wondered what kind of funny stuff he'd been chatting about with Edward.
But the moment Edward saw David's hand on my shoulder, his smile vanished, replaced by a sudden chill, like a cloud blocking out the sun.
Edward's eyes narrowed, shooting us a look so cold it could cut. His lips pressed into a tight line, and his face hardened with barely contained anger.
After a beat, he spoke in a low, commanding voice, "Diana, I need to talk to you alone."
Each word seemed to be forced out, dripping with his usual dominance and need for control.
David sneered, a hint of disdain in his voice, "Edward, do you still see me as an outsider?"
Edward didn't answer, just keeping staring at me.
Seeing his determination, I assured David I was fine. David hesitated but, seeing I was firm, reluctantly agreed. I followed Edward silently to his car. When we got there, he opened the door and motioned for me to get in.
I shook my head and said calmly, "If you've got something to say, say it here."
Edward clearly didn't expect me to refuse. He frowned and sighed, "Diana, don't you trust me?" He then slammed the car door shut.
Before I could respond, Edward cut to the chase, "I heard from Aria that David's upped his investment in you."
I nodded. "Mr. Howard invested in Aria, and David invested in me. No conflict there, right?"
My guarded tone made Edward look frustrated. "Diana," he asked, "why did you accept his sponsorship?"
His question made me both angry and amused. "Why shouldn't I accept it?"
Edward sighed, his tone serious. "Diana, there's no future with him."
I laughed coldly, "Mr. Howard, did you come here just to tell me this?"
Edward shook his head, then pulled out a bank card. "You know, I didn't agree to increase the investment in Aria."
He handed me the card, but I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Seeing I didn't take it, he placed it in my hand. "This card has ten million dollars. I can invest it all in your name."
I was stunned, unsure of his game.
Edward continued, "But you have to make David pull his investment."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Whether he invests or not, and how much, is up to him. The contract's between him and the program team. I can't tell him to withdraw."
Edward laughed helplessly, "Diana, I've warned you, there's no future with him."
My defenses went up. "What happens between him and me is none of your business," I shot back. "You're just my ex-husband."
I felt a surge of anger, a desperate need to hurt Edward back. Edward's voice turned icy. "You know I'm your ex-husband. With your reputation, do you really think the Wilson family would accept you, even if David wanted to marry you?"
"Enough!" I shouted at Edward. "You've said this before. Let me be clear: I have nothing to do with you anymore."
"Nothing to do with me?" Edward was furious, his voice rising. "You slept with me for four years, and you dare say you have nothing to do with me?"
I felt deeply insulted and yelled back, "What do you want?"
Edward snorted, "I don't want anything, just to remind you that the Wilson family won't let someone like you, second-hand goods, into their family."
Though Edward had reminded me more than once that I was his ex-wife, this was the first time he used the term "second-hand goods" to describe me. I felt utterly humiliated.
"Don't forget, I was the one who filed for divorce first. The one who was abandoned was you!" I shot back, my voice rising.
Our argument must have been too loud because David came over. He quickly stepped forward, pulling me into his arms and scolding Edward, "Edward, isn't it ungentlemanly of you to attack a woman like this?"
David's protection gave me more confidence, and I glared at Edward.
Edward shifted his approach, speaking to David with fake concern. "David," he said, "I'm only thinking of your best interests. Consider your standing within the family. Can't you see my intentions are good?"
David gave a sardonic smile. "Thanks, Edward," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "I can handle the Wilson family's affairs on my own. Don't trouble yourself. Why don't you spend your time dealing with Aria instead?"
With that, David took a deep breath, as if gathering all his courage, and pulled out a delicate ring box from his pocket, then knelt on one knee.
He looked up at me, his gaze warm and steady. His voice trembled slightly but was full of strength and affection. "Diana," he said, holding out the ring, "With this ring as a symbol of my devotion, I promise to be yours, always. Will you be my girlfriend? I swear to stand by you in the years to come, shielding you from the world's troubles and protecting you from all harm."
His eyes were full of expectation and determination, making me feel a surge of emotion. I nodded slightly, accepting his proposal.
Seeing this, David excitedly picked up the ring and carefully placed it on my finger.
Although this ring wasn't as luxurious and dazzling as the ones Edward had given me before, it was exquisite and unique, showing that David had chosen it with care.
I gently helped David up, and then we hugged tightly. Although I couldn't see Edward's expression at that moment, I could imagine that his face must have looked extremely unpleasant.
At this moment, Aria walked towards us, clapping her hands.
When she reached us, she said sarcastically, "What a great show. Seeing you two so deeply in love, I'm almost moved to tears."
Hearing her voice, David and I awkwardly let go of each other. Turning my gaze, I saw Aria adjusting Edward's tie.