Chapter 316 Let's Talk
A week had passed by the time Diana was discharged from the hospital.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere when her friends were around during her stay, the day she left was starkly quiet, almost somber.
A dozen bodyguards watched as Diana got into the car, escorting her back to The Percy Mansion, as if afraid she might run away.
It was obvious this was Charles' doing.
Once home, everyone tacitly avoided mentioning the baby. Even the nursery had been locked up.
Diana looked around with a calm expression and asked, "Where's Tessa?"
The servants exchanged glances, hesitant to speak, until Bronte finally said, "She messed up. Mr. Percy let her go."
Her words were an understatement.
In reality, Tessa was directly driven out of Evergreen City. She was now penniless and likely having a hard time.
But Diana didn't care about any of that. After everything Tessa had done, Diana thought she deserved it.
She acknowledged Bronte with a nod and headed upstairs.
Her room was spotless, but its size made it feel empty.
Evelyn had been sent to Isolde's place, leaving Diana alone in the vast Percy Mansion.
Lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, Diana wondered how she could completely rid herself of Charles.
She didn't believe in a man's love; it was too fleeting and insubstantial.
The old Diana had believed in it too much, which had trapped her.
After a moment of blankness, she finally took action.
She turned on her phone and dialed Charles' number.
Since she got this number, she had rarely used it.
The phone rang a few times before he picked up.
"I'm out of the hospital," Diana said flatly, her tone revealing nothing.
On the other end, Charles gripped his phone so tightly his fingers turned white.
He carefully chose his words, "I know. How have you been?"
Diana looked down at the cup on the coffee table, ignoring his question. "I need to see you. Hiding like this is just self-deception. It won't help."
Charles' breath hitched, his heart aching.
Losing the baby had been hard, but what hurt more was the way Diana looked at him, like he was a stranger.
After a moment, he finally said, "I'll be home tomorrow. Don't go anywhere."
"Okay."
With his confirmation, Diana quickly hung up.
Charles held onto the phone long after the call ended, the dial tone echoing in his ear.
Eugene, watching him with a mix of pity and frustration, said, "Charles, why are you doing this to yourself?"
The once invincible Charles was now a shadow of his former self because of a woman. It was hard to believe this was the same man Eugene knew.
Seeing Charles not respond, Eugene grabbed the bottle of liquor from him.
Despite Charles' angry glare, Eugene didn't back down. "This isn't your fault. There will be other children. Drinking yourself into a stupor won't help. Just try to make things right when you see her tomorrow."
Charles lowered his head, his lips moving silently.
"What?" Eugene leaned in, raising his voice.
"All she'll say is that she wants to leave, that our agreement is over," Charles finally said, his voice louder but filled with despair.
"And if I had gotten her into the car sooner, none of this would have happened. It's my fault."
Hearing this, Eugene spread his arms and leaned back on the couch, unable to help but think sarcastically, 'See, this is what happens when you're too devoted. Putting all your emotions into one person.'
He, on the other hand, had dated many people and never had such troubles. He wondered which woman he should spend the evening with.
Noticing Eugene's distraction, Charles' eyes narrowed in displeasure.
Eugene, feeling the tension, coughed and tried to console him, "It's not your fault. Don't beat yourself up."
These words felt hollow. The damage was done, and now the focus had to be on fixing things.
For the first time, Charles regretted not having more useful friends. Now, in his time of need, he had to rely on Eugene, the unreliable one.
Unaware of Charles' thoughts, Eugene stroked his chin and suggested, "Even the most stubborn woman can't resist a man who won't give up. Stick to your old ways. You never cared about her feelings before, right?"
Charles' face darkened instantly. "Eugene."
Eugene felt a chill run down his spine. He coughed again, "Just kidding. But seriously, you have two choices. Let her go, and she'll probably never come back."
"Or keep her close, even if her heart isn't with you. Feelings can grow over time."
He rambled on, and Charles' gaze grew more intense.
Charles knew he was largely to blame for their current situation. Losing the baby had left his heart in constant pain.
Eugene sighed, even he, a seasoned player in love, couldn't see a clear path for them.
Maybe they should hope Diana developed Stockholm syndrome.
At The Percy Mansion.
A servant carrying a tray stepped out of Diana's room and saw Jacob in the hallway. She stopped and greeted him, "Jacob."
Jacob noticed the untouched food on the tray and frowned, "Why is there so much left?"
The servant nodded silently.
Jacob sighed. Since Diana returned from the hospital, she had barely eaten, always claiming she had no appetite.
"Tell the chef to make something appetizing and bring it up later," Jacob instructed.
Just as he finished speaking, Diana poked her head out of her room, having overheard their conversation.
"I don't want to eat, Jacob. Has Charles come back?"
Jacob was taken aback. This was the first time Diana had asked about Charles since her return.
His eyes brightened, and he said excitedly, "Do you want to see Mr. Percy? I'll call him right now."
Diana shook her head, "No need. He said he'd be back today. I'm a bit tired. Let me know when he arrives."
Jacob nodded and was about to leave when he saw Charles approaching.
"Mr. Percy!"
Charles nodded slightly and walked over, "If you're tired, get some rest. We can talk when you wake up."
Seeing him, Diana opened the door wider, "No, I'm afraid if I fall asleep, you'll be off to work again."
Her words had a hint of sarcasm.
Charles' eyes flickered, and he unconsciously took a step back.
He really didn't want to hear her talk about leaving.
Sensing they needed privacy, Jacob said, "I'll go check on the kitchen," and quickly left, leaving Diana and Charles alone.
The atmosphere grew tense.
After a moment, Diana opened the door wider, "Come in. Let's talk."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
