Declan, hearing this, let go of my wrist, his face losing all color in an instant.
It seems even he doesn’t want to recall the past.
After all, those memories clearly revealed his many wrongdoings.
At this point, Declan began slapping his own face, saying:
‘I was possessed, I was wrong, I deserve to die! But Willa, is there still a chance for us?‘
I paused in silence, then asked lightly:
‘Declan, what do you think?‘
He stopped, lowering his eyes, looking defeated.
Suddenly, something seemed to light up in his eyes.
‘No, it’s Cora, she’s the one who ruined us. If she hadn’t come back suddenly, none of this would have happened. I never asked her to find you; it
was all her own doing, unrequited.’
He grabbed my hand again, pleading humbly, ‘Can you trust me one last time? The one I’ve loved from beginning to end is you, truly. I know I’ve sinned, so I won’t ask anything of you, just to look at me, even if you let me be third.
I looked at Declan in horror, unable to believe these words came from him.
I pulled my hand back forcefully, not forgetting to wipe it on my clothes.
‘Declan, what are you after?‘
Of course, I wouldn’t believe he truly loved me.
Once you’ve experienced true love, this feels like unwanted garbage.
Declan put on an incredibly deep look:
‘I realized too late, anyway, I’m not giving up on you!
I felt a chill, as if being haunted by a ghost.
‘Declan, if you keep this up, I’ll call the police.‘
Declan froze at my words, tears flowing unchecked.
I just felt annoyed, eager to leave.
‘Declan, you’ve only ever loved yourself. Neither Cora nor I matter more than your own interests.
‘But you’re not content, are you? Why can I live better after leaving you, so you want to drag me back into the abyss.
But Declan, I’m not alone anymore.
‘My husband now, he’s fierce and ruthless in a fight. He has a group of people who’d risk their lives for him. If you want to try your luck, go ahead!’
After saying this, I glanced at Cora not far away.
I had noticed her following us early on, just didn’t say anything.
I hope she can see Declan’s true nature and stop being taken advantage of.
4:23 PM
<
It was like a farce coming to an end.
Dad learned I successfully acquired the land and, as promised, handed the company over to me.
I didn’t tell them about getting the certificate with Jasper because I didn’t want anyone to disturb us. I just wanted a peaceful life for two.
Every day I shuttled between the company and home, and time slipped away quietly.
Soon after, I heard Cora was going abroad.
The person who loved Declan the most in this world didn’t want him either.
Before leaving, she posted a long article on social media, condemning Declan for betrayal and coldness.
When I had nothing better to do, I promoted that article a bit.
Thus, the already debt–ridden Declan’s family business was impacted, and stocks kept falling, reportedly facing bankruptcy soon.
Declan was busy every day, desperately seeking help.
But who would be willing to help him now?
So, he came to me again.
It had been months since we last met.
Now, I was busy developing the land, excited about the future profits.
But Declan was unrecognizable compared to a few months ago.
His face was gaunt, eyes dark, unshaven, full of despair.
I asked him, ‘Do you want me to help you?‘
Surprisingly, he shook his head.
He told me, ‘Willa, I’ve developed depression, haven’t slept well in months. I finally understand your past suffering; it’s my karma!
However, during that time we were gathering money, the kidnappers had evil intentions, and after taking inappropriate photos of Cora, they
intended to assault her.
This can’t be karma; it’s a blessing for you. Remember, in your past life, you regretted not saving Cora until death, even with success and me by your side, you weren’t happy. Now, heaven gave you a second chance. Though you have nothing now, you’ve made up for past regrets, isn’t that enough? Heaven hasn’t treated you poorly.
People can’t be too greedy. Gaining some means losing some, you can’t have it all.
That was the last time I saw Declan.
Because three months later, on the night Declan’s family business declared complete bankruptcy,
Declan got drunk, depression attacked, and he drowned in the bathtub.
When discovered, he was already cold.
Indeed, what goes around comes around!
Jasper learned about this while giving me a back massage.
‘My dad once told me, a person’s character determines how far they go.
I turned over, couldn’t help but ask, ‘How far do you think we can go?‘
Jasper thought seriously and said, ‘With our character, a hundred years wouldn’t be too much!
I agreed wholeheartedly.
‘Of course, it wouldn’t be.
‘Then is it too much for your husband to want a hearty meal?‘
Jasper stared at me, eyes blazing, reflecting me like the most gorgeous rose.
They say loving someone is like tending a flower.
Jasper cherished me like a treasure, unwilling to let me suffer or endure hardship, and I became more outstanding.
Things I never got in two lifetimes, Jasper gave me plenty.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissed his lips, and said, ‘Not too much at all:
(The End)”
