“Avril, Dylan’s genuinely good to you. He dropped by several times before to ask for your hand in marriage. Since he already passed our test, I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with him.”
I nodded. Throughout the journey home, I noticed how considerate Dylan was.
I suddenly recalled that Vernon and Peggy would be getting engaged today and how everyone would be congratulating and complimenting them.
But I ended up being accused of stealing the necklace.
In the end, I decided to tell Mom and Dad everything about my relationship with Vernon.
In college, everyone considered Vernon as an attractive man who was out of their league. I often prayed for his health and even got lucky charms for him. I had pursued him for two years before he finally agreed to be with me.
While I was in college, I did hear about Vernon having a childhood sweetheart. Since I never saw Peggy by his side, I didn’t think much of it.
Vernon also had rosary beads on his study desk. One time, I accidentally touched those beads while cleaning up his study. He suddenly got to his feet and shoved me aside.
“Don’t ever enter my study again! You’re not allowed to touch a single thing here!” Vernon had been furious. But as soon as he turned back to the rosary beads, his eyes were filled with endless tenderness.
Vernon had shoved me to the floor. As I looked up at him, I accidentally saw the name “Peggy” carved on the rosary beads.
I recalled my relationship with Vernon for the past six years. There was barely any physical intimacy between us. Vernon always said that he really liked me, but all he did was stare at my lips and hold my hand. Aside from hugging me, he would never touch me. It was rare for him to even give me a kiss.
He was like a saint with no desires. He had never crossed the line with me.
I asked Vernon why he didn’t seem to have the physical desires most couples usually had. All he said was, “We’re still in the dating stage. We should only take things to the next level when we’re about to marry each other. This shows how much I love you.”
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After hearing Vernon’s explanation, I was extremely touched by his thoughtfulness. I became more determined than ever to be with him. I even ran away from home and announced that I was dating him.
Once Peggy returned to Baloze, I understood everything. All these years, Vernon was saving himself for Peggy.
One night, Vernon had gotten drunk. I even heard him babbling that I was nothing compared to Peggy. Back then, I thought Vernon was just rambling, so I didn’t ponder too much on what he said.
Now, I knew better. Those drunken ramblings at night were from the bottom of his heart.
