Chapter 417 The Outsider
Just as we were sinking into an awkward silence, my phone rang, breaking the stillness. I fumbled to pull it out, and the screen showed an unknown number.
A sense of foreboding washed over me. I hesitated for a moment but then pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Diana. Surprised? It's me, Fiona."
Her sharp, triumphant voice came through the line. "You and Alaric were quite the sight just now. But I suggest you behave, or I'll let everyone hear what's on this recording."
I gripped the phone tightly, anger swirling inside me, but I forced myself to stay calm. "What do you want?"
Fiona snorted. "Simple. I want you to stay away from Edward, leave this city, and never show your face here again."
Leave this city? I was stunned.
My home, my business, all my friends were here. How could I just leave?
Before I could respond, Alaric seemed to guess who was on the other end from my trembling hand. He took the phone from me and spoke loudly into the receiver. "Fiona, don't push it! Do you really think threats will work?"
Fiona laughed even more arrogantly. "Alaric, you're just an outsider. Stay out of this. Can you really accept Diana's shady past?"
Alaric didn't hesitate. "No matter what Diana's past is, it's not for you to judge. If you dare to leak what's on that recording, you'll pay for it!"
With that, he hung up the phone.
Looking at Alaric's serious expression, I was touched by his defense but unsure if his true feelings matched his words.
"Diana, don't worry. I won't let her hurt you."
Alaric's gaze was firm. "No matter what Fiona says or what you might have done in the past, my trust in you won't waver."
I bit my lip, my voice choked with emotion. "Really? But I don't even know what Fiona is talking about."
Alaric sighed softly and patted my shoulder. "We shouldn't let Fiona's words affect us. I've thought it over. The past doesn't matter. What matters is now and the future. I'll help you deal with Fiona, okay?"
I looked up at him, his sincere eyes clearing the gloom in my heart. I nodded firmly. "Okay, thank you for supporting me."
Alaric helped me to the couch. "I'll get you some milk."
He walked to the kitchen.
The colorful drawing by Skylar that I had just put up on the fridge instantly caught his eye.
As he got closer, his gaze fixed on the drawing, and his previously relaxed expression darkened.
Noticing Alaric's change, I pretended to tidy the coffee table, but my eyes stayed on him.
Seeing him stop in front of the fridge, staring at the drawing, my heart tightened, and I almost dropped the magazine in my hand.
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, and looked at the drawing.
Skylar had drawn herself, me, and Edward holding hands in a field of flowers, all of us smiling brightly, as if all the world's happiness was captured in that moment.
The scene made the atmosphere even more delicate. My heart sank, a heavy weight pulling it down.
My fingers nervously traced the magazine's edge as I searched for the right moment to break the suffocating silence.
But before I could speak, Alaric looked away from the drawing. He quickly composed himself, opened the fridge, took out the milk, and poured a glass. He brought it back to the living room.
He handed me the milk, his face calm. "Here, drink this. It'll help you feel better."
I took the milk, about to speak, when I saw him glance at the drawing again. He hesitated, then asked, "Diana, I saw Skylar's drawing. I have to ask, are you and Edward back together?"
He tried to sound casual, but his clenched fists and the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his unease.
I was momentarily stunned, memories of recent times with Edward flashing through my mind.
I shook my head with a bitter smile. "No. Fiona pulled her investment from Edward's company. It's in chaos, and he's constantly dealing with crises. We haven't seen each other in a while. The last time was at Skylar's sports day."
Alaric's eyes widened in surprise. "Skylar's sports day? That was a while ago."
He took a step closer, his gaze intense. "I thought you two would still meet, even if you weren't back together, for Skylar's sake."
He stopped, realizing he might have said too much. After a moment of silence, he spoke softly, a hint of hope in his voice. "Have you been in touch much?"
I shook my head. "My life is full of problems. I'm overwhelmed. I don't have time for romance. Love seems impossible right now."
Alaric was silent for a while, his eyes wandering around the living room, as if searching for something or deep in thought.
Seeing him like this made me anxious. I couldn't help but ask softly, "Alaric, what are you thinking?"
After a long pause, he took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Diana, I've thought about this a lot. Spending time with you has made me really happy. I've fallen for you. I thought if I tried hard enough, I could win your heart and we could have a beautiful future together."
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