His handsome features seemed even more pronounced under the streetlights. But underneath it, I could see traces of fatigue.
“Mr. White, what a coincidence!” I greeted him.
With both his hands in his pocket, he looked right at me. “Not a coincidence. I was looking for you.”
I felt neither surprised nor threatened. Instead, there was something amusing about this situation. “What an honor.”
“Seems like you don’t miss me as much?”
I kept silent, hoping he would get the hint.
After a long, awkward pause, he continued, “I don’t have any motives. I just came here to check if you’re doing ok.”
“Thanks for your concern. I’m doing fine.”
My curt response seemed to have affected Marcus. He wore a forlorn smile. “I’ll wait for you, even if it means waiting for the rest of my life. If not this life, then the next. But next time around, let me be the one to meet you first.”
Right then, a black Maybach parked beside his car. The rear window came down, revealing a person who was looking placidly in our direction.
I forced my attention back to the conversation. “Mr. White, the same old words. Don’t waste your life waiting for me. I have a great career and family; I’m happy with what I have. Your advances would only trouble me, including those things you do for me without my knowledge. Besides Ashton, I really don’t want any other man to be thinking of me in this manner.”
Marcus let out a bitter laugh. “You didn’t even hesitate the slightest bit, huh? If you’re so loyal to him, why did you leave K City to come here? Scarlett, what exactly are you thinking?”
How do I explain this?
“Leaving K City was simply because that chapter of our lives was over. It wasn’t that I stopped loving him, or that I found someone else. In fact, it’s the opposite. I love him so much. But I need time to convince myself that I am worthy to stand beside such an outstanding man like him. Each time, I can’t help thinking that he deserves so much more than a person like me, so I’m trying to find the confidence to go back to him.”
Hearing my words, Marcus looked down. It did nothing to mask the hurt in his eyes. “No matter what you say, my words still hold true; I’ll wait for you. I pray that in our next life, I’ll be the one to meet you first. Whatever he can give you, I can too.”
I sighed in resignation. I should have known he was not one to give up this easily.
“Marcus, sometimes people focus so much on their desires that they overlook what they already have. I hope you give others and yourself a chance. I don’t want you to miss out on your happiness.
“Now that you know I’m doing fine here, I think it’s time for you to return to K City. I’ve made it very clear that it’s just a matter of time before I reconcile with Ashton. This time around, we’ll bounce back stronger. So stop wasting your time on me. It’s not possible between us.”
I lifted my ring finger, revealing the ring Ashton had put on me the previous night. Although the diamond lacked in size, its shine was very conspicuous.
Looking at the ring reminded me of the treacherous path it took for us to get here. Throughout our many years of marriage, Ashton and I had our fair share of trials, warmth, and love.
I smiled at the recollection. “I’ve worn this ring for over a decade. After going through so much, it’s still back on my finger. You know, I could’ve gotten rid of it, but the truth is, I couldn’t bear to. This is our wedding ring. Ashton loves me and treats me well. If possible, I will marry him again in my next life.”
That dealt the final blow. Marcus looked defeated. “G-Great. All that matters is he treats you well, and you’re happy.”
He retreated a few steps before turning to see Ashton sitting in the car beside his. Recovering his senses, Marcus said solemnly before heading swiftly back to his car. “I hope you’ll always be happy from now.”
With that, he drove off.
His words left no room to read between the lines; I decided to take it literally.
I let out a breath. Finally, it was over. Deep down, I was afraid Marcus would continue to haunt me. If that happened, it would have caused a bigger issue.
