Chapter 646
William had publicly and officially called off our engagement. However, he had only done so because he was worried the Baker family would make life difficult for me. Even so, I still felt like I needed to say something.
Now that the Baker family had been defeated and Noah had been safely found, I felt it was time to have a proper discussion with William about our engagement.
William truly was incredibly sharp and could tell what others were thinking. I had asked to meet , and before I could even say anything, he already knew what I wanted to talk about.
He looked at me with his deep, mesmerizing eyes that seemed to penetrate right into my soul. When I met his gaze, I found myself momentarily unable to say the words I had prepared. However, no matter how reluctant I felt or how hard it was, I had to say them.
“Mr. Ashford, even though our contractual engagement ended a while ago, it only happened because of the Baker family. So, I still feel we need to acknowledge it properly.
“I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done for me. And from now on , if there’s ever anything I can help with, please don’t
hesitate to ask.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized I sounded a little too formal. Laughing awkwardly, I added, “I guess that came out a bit too polite. After everything we’ve been through, and knowing how smart you are, I’m sure you understand what I really
mean.”
After everything William and I had gone through together, one could say our friendship was forged through battle. So, even without me saying it, I believed he knew that if he ever needed me, I would do everything I could to help him.
efore coul
Before could say anything more, William looked at me unwaveringly and with eyes full of emotion.
“I understand what you mean. But you should also understand that from the beginning, what I wanted from you wasn’t a partnership or to do you any favors. What I’ve always wanted was you,” he said.
He naturally had a pair of beautiful, soul–piercing eyes. When they were fully locked on someone and filled with tenderness, they could truly make someone forget themselves. They were the kind of eyes that made you unable to bear seeing them clouded by sadness.
Unable to meet William’s gaze any longer, I lowered my head and looked away . “I know what you want, William, but we’re not right for each other. You deserve someone better.”
I had never thought I wasn’t good enough. In fact, I believed I was quite well in all aspects. Even so, I had always felt that someone as kind and perfect as William deserved someone even better than me.
And I wasn’t referring to my background or status, but rather someone who was more emotionally available. He deserved someone who could love him wholeheartedly and reciprocate his love equally.
Someone as good as William should spend his life with someone like that instead of someone like me, who would never be able to love him with equal intensity.
I had once given too much of myself for the sake of love, and that experience has left me no longer wanting to give any more. Now, all I want is to raise my two children well and focus on my research.
This version of me not only couldn’t give William the love he deserved, but I couldn’t give him any love at all.
William looked at me intently. “How do you know that you aren’t the best one for me?”
In the eyes of the world, I was a divorcee with two children. He knew people would think someone like me wasn’t the best choice for a man like him. But that was the world’s opinion , not his.
He had never seen it that way. To William, it didn’t matter who I was or what I had. I was the best choice,
He continued, “You’re not just my best choice. You’re my only choice. If it’s not you, then it doesn’t matter whether there’s
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someone better in this world because I still wouldn’t want them.”
William wasn’t some naive young man, nor was he inexperienced. Be it life or love, he had experienced a lot. And because of this, he was absolutely certain that he didn’t want anyone else besides me.
He went on, “If I had never met you , I would’ve probably spent my life alone. If you’re willing to be with me, it would be the greatest blessing of my life . But if you choose not to, it doesn’t mean that I’ll have a chance to find greater happiness. To me , it just means that I’ve lost my only chance at happiness. ”
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