Chapter 645 Regrets
Arthur's assistant closely monitored Tina, and upon discovering she was with Oliver, promptly reported back to Arthur.
Arthur nodded, feeling reassured knowing his daughter was under his brother's care.
"Young Master, please consider cutting down on your smoking,” the assistant suggested, only to be silenced by Arthur's stern look.
When Arthur noticed Flora leaving the afterparty, he extinguished his cigarette and approached her with a sense of purpose.
As Flora chatted with esteemed individuals from the fashion industry, she felt an imposing presence nearing her.
Arthur may not have Oliver's fame in business, but he was once celebrated as a prodigious surgeon. Now leading the Windsor Group, he efficiently resolved a crisis and broadened the company's scope, establishing himself as a formidable figure.
Arthur took Flora's hand, intending to lead her away from the crowd.
"Arthur, what are you doing? Let me go!" Flora protested, taken aback by his bold gesture amidst the crowd.
Struggling in her high heels, Flora, who was significantly shorter than Arthur, stumbled. She almost twisted her ankles a few times as Arthur pulled her away. No sooner had she stabilized herself, than she was pulled forward again.
Arthur pushed the door of the fire escape open, led Flora inside, and closed it with a bang.
The people from the fashion industry watched with shocked expressions on their faces.
"Didn’t Flora go overseas to study with Eric? How did she become entangled with Arthur Windsor and even have a child?"
"It’s hard to say. Eric's always been secretive. Despite my inquiries, he remained silent."
…
"Do you understand the magnitude of today's actions? Acknowledging Tina’s existence, admitting to giving birth out of wedlock, and revealing you were a mother at 18… Aren’t you going to leave a way out for yourself?"
Arthur's anger was evident. He saw Flora attempting to leave and forcefully restrained her against the wall with a loud thump.
Flora, momentarily shocked by his outburst, looked at Arthur, noticing the change in him. His once youthful charm had matured, and the reckless allure of his early twenties softened.
"A way out?" Flora was not familiar with the concept. "Arthur, had I been concerned about my reputation, would I have stayed by your side? From the moment I chose to be with you three years ago, there was no turning back."
Arthur searched her eyes deeply, as if trying to understand her completely. At her words, his demeanor softened, revealing a brief moment of vulnerability. He asked in a cold and dark voice, “Do you regret it?”
"Regret what?"
"Being with me, bearing my child?" Arthur's tone grew harsh as he confronted her, "Do you regret it?"
"Do I have the luxury of regret? Would it change anything? Can it undo the past or bring my mother back?" Flora responded calmly, her gaze steady.
Regret was futile, and she knew if given another chance, she would likely make the same decision—to be with Arthur.
Arthur sensed her regret, tightening his grip momentarily before letting go.
She did have regrets.
But at this point, what did it matter?
Arthur's expression turned icy.
Flora watched, alarmed by the shift. She remembered the last time she saw that look—when a senior had boldly confessed his feelings for her and was seen by Arthur. That evening, Arthur had demanded answers about her interactions with the other man, questioning her feelings.
At that time, for a brief moment, Flora thought Arthur might care for her. But his next words made it clear.
"Now that you're with me, you’re mine. Even if we’re only using each other, your heart—" he pointed to her chest. "—can only be mine!"
Beneath Arthur's refined exterior lay a sense of entitlement common among heirs to great fortunes. Unbeknownst to him, Flora had always given him her heart. Ironically, he was the one who had strayed.
"What are you trying to accomplish, Arthur?" Flora instinctively pulled back until she found herself cornered against the wall.
Arthur then gently lifted her chin. He chuckled softly and said, “Flora, do you really believe my interest was solely in Tina? That she was my only concern?"
His laughter made her skin crawl, and a wave of dread washed over her. Despite her trembling, she tried to appear calm, asking, "What are you trying to say?"
Her attempt to mask her fear with poise, her voice quivering, made her seem even more vulnerable. Her delicate appearance put Arthur in a trance. He was reminded of their first encounter.
Years had passed, but some habits and expressions remained unchanged.
"What I mean," Arthur said, his smile widening as he looked at her like she was his prey, "is that you, Flora, have always been my true objective. Only you."
"Arthur!"
Flora’s voice was tinged with panic. It was unclear if her fear was due to being his goal or the realization that he might not truly care for his daughter.
"What does Tina mean to you then? What about your possessiveness over her these past months?" Flora demanded, grabbing Arthur's collar.
It dawned on him too late the depth of her anger. Then, realization dawned on him as to why she had suddenly gotten angry. He asked, “You don’t really think that I don’t care about Tina, do you?”
Her silence confirmed his speculation.
Arthur felt a pang of pain in his heart, and he laughed bitterly at himself. In her eyes, he was that kind of man.
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