Chapter 286 Old Love, New Fate
At that moment, my mind was totally wrapped up in the mess at the Howard Group, and I was about to turn down Alaric's offer. Forcing a smile, I said, "It's really no big deal. I can drive myself."
But Alaric wasn't having it. He looked at me earnestly and said, "No trouble at all, Ms. Cooper. I'd be happy to help. Plus, I know a shortcut that might save you some time."
Just then, Lila and Lucas caught up with us. Lila chimed in, "Diana, let Alaric drive you. You can use the time to think about your strategy."
Lucas added, "Yeah, Diana, just go with him."
I hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. "Thanks, Alaric."
Alaric smiled and motioned for me to follow him. He led the way, and I trailed behind, heading to the parking lot.
The setting sun cast long shadows, creating an abstract painting on the ground. But my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about the Howard Group, and anxiety gnawed at me. I didn't say a word to Alaric the whole way.
As we reached Alaric's car, a figure suddenly emerged from the bushes nearby.
With instinctive alertness, Alaric quickly assessed that the person was coming for me and reacted swiftly. He stepped forward, his strong back shielding me.
The person seemed surprised by Alaric's reaction and came to a sudden stop. It was then that I recognized Edward. He had ditched his clown costume, and my heart sank, filled with a whirlwind of emotions.
Seeing that I had noticed him, Edward nervously reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a ring, dropping to one knee.
He held up the ring, his eyes glistening with tears, his voice trembling. "Diana, please marry me. This is the ring from our wedding. I've kept it all these years, never thinking of selling it, no matter how tough things got."
The sight of the ring made my face pale, and a wave of nausea washed over me.
I instinctively took two steps back and loudly questioned him, "Edward, are you crazy? Did you forget you used this ring to propose to Aria? How could I ever accept it?"
Hearing this, Edward tightened his grip on the ring in his hand, stood up suddenly, and rushed over to me, urgently explaining, "Diana, please listen. You've misunderstood. This ring has only ever been worn by you. The one Aria wore was just a replica, worth a tiny fraction of this one. The real ring has always been with me, untouched by anyone else. I hoped that one day it could find its way back to you."
As he spoke, Edward tried to take my hand.
But I quickly hid my hand behind my back.
He continued, "All these years, whenever I couldn't sleep at night, I would take out this ring and carefully polish it. I know I was wrong to believe Anne and Aria's lies and leave you. It was an unforgivable mistake, but I've been punished for it. I regret it every day and live in constant guilt. Please forgive me!"
Edward's voice was filled with remorse.Hearing those names, I couldn't help but scoff.
Edward seemed taken aback by my coldness and said dejectedly, "Maybe you think I'm not worthy of you now. But I'll work hard, Diana. Please give me another chance. I'll spend the rest of my life making up for my mistakes, taking care of you and Skylar."
Edward's words seemed completely absurd to me. As I looked at him, a wave of mixed emotions hit me—pain from the betrayal and the difficulties of raising Skylar on my own all came rushing back.
My anger rose, and my voice trembled with fury. "Make up for it? How can you make up for the suffering Skylar and I have endured?"
"Please believe me. I want to take care of both of you again and create a complete family. Skylar needs her father, and I need you both. For the rest of my life, my purpose is you and Skylar. I'd give my life for the two of you." Edward's earnest effort to tap into our emotional connection was clear.
"Enough, Edward," I cut him off sharply, "Didn't you say you'd be at peace as long as Skylar and I were alright? Well, I'm telling you now—your absence is what's best for us."
Tears streamed down my face as I spoke.
At this moment, Alaric, who had been quietly standing by, moved closer to me and softly asked, "Ms. Cooper, do you need help?"
Upon hearing this, Edward seemed to notice Alaric for the first time. His expression turned sharp and hostile as he glared at Alaric, demanding, "Who are you? Why are you standing next to Diana? What's your relationship with her?" Edward's tone was icy, reminiscent of his former arrogant self.
Alaric, having dealt with his fair share of conflicts, replied calmly, "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Alaric, a friend of Diana's. Sir, your emotions seem a bit intense. I believe your actions are frightening Diana, and I need to ensure her safety."
Edward snorted disdainfully, his face full of contempt. "A friend? What kind of friend? I think you have ulterior motives. Let me tell you, I'm Diana's husband. Our matters are none of your business."
At this, Alaric maintained his polite smile, but his eyes were as cold as ice. "Husband? As far as I know, Diana has been raising Skylar alone all these years. Have you ever taken care of her? Where were you when Skylar was sick or celebrating her birthday? You're just Diana's ex-husband. Since that's the case, I won't hide it anymore. I'm Diana's boyfriend. When she's in trouble, it's my duty to stand by her. I won't repeat the mistakes of certain people."
I was surprised that Alaric claimed to be my boyfriend and looked at him in shock.
Edward, rendered speechless by Alaric's retort, seemed not to notice my expression. He gritted his teeth and said, "I admit I made mistakes in the past, but I've realized my faults now. I'll take care of them both again. You'd better back off and not interfere with our family."
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