Chapter 248

"Alright, alright, I admit it, I was wrong. I was just talking nonsense, okay?"

He gave a resigned smile. "Actually, that's what I want to do with you."

"But Caroline, you clearly like me too. Why do you keep running away?"

His sincere eyes looked at me, leaving me speechless.

I sighed in defeat. "Fine, what good does admitting it do?"

"I do like you. From the moment we met again, my heart skipped a beat."

"But I already have four kids. No ordinary man would want a single mom with four kids, let alone you, Royce."

"You're an outstanding single man, the object of every girl's affection in town. It's only natural that someone like Yvonne would like you."

"You should be with them, enjoying a youthful romance."

"But my soul is old and weary, devoid of the passion it once had. I shouldn't hold you back."

Saying this, I felt a weight lift off my chest.

I pretended to be nonchalant, watching Royce's eyes grow serious. I shrugged lightly. "There, isn't that what you wanted to hear? I've said it all."

"We're not right for each other, really."

I looked at him earnestly.

"Says who?"

Royce grabbed my hand and placed it on his chest.

"Do you know why my heart beats so slowly? Because it aches for you."

"I didn't realize you were carrying so much pressure. I didn't consider it. There's a natural difference in how men and women think."

"I thought if I loved you and was with you, we could overcome anything."

"But I was wrong. I ignored your feelings..."

I stared at him in disbelief, not expecting him to say all this, leaving me at a loss for words.

"I..."

I opened my mouth but didn't know what to say.

"So from today, I'm officially pursuing you, okay?"

"Until the moment you feel something for me, then we'll be together."

"Don't feel burdened. In this world, it's only about whether I'm worthy of you, never the other way around. That's a false premise, a lie, it never existed."

I stared at him, my eyes filling with tears.

Some words, when said like this, can be so moving.

"Royce, I..."

"Save your rejection for later."

He stepped forward, wrapping me in his arms, then chuckled softly. "How can you say there's no passion? Your soul is clearly alive."

"Listen, your heart is beating for me."

Then he placed my hand on his rapidly beating heart. "From now on, my heart beats only for you, okay?"

I knew I couldn't say another word to reject Royce. No one could refuse such a confession.

I clung to his neck, sobbing uncontrollably. "Thank you, Royce."

I didn't know why I was thanking him, maybe for being someone who would firmly choose me, even as I am now.

How could I not be grateful?

Royce seemed to understand. His voice carried a hint of a choke, yet he tried to stay strong and calm. "Alright, what do you think of my proposal? To pursue you."

"Isn't it cool?"

He joked, and I nodded heavily. "Okay, I accept your proposal."

He was stunned for a moment, then pulled me into a tight hug, his hands gently rubbing my shoulders.

"Good, as long as you agree."

I pulled away, wiping my tears, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Your suit, I got it all wet."

He shook his head, unconcerned, and used his sleeve to wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes. "You're like a fountain, where do all these tears come from?"

His cool fingers touched my swollen, hot eyelids. "Seriously, where do they all come from? Can I see?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his curious expression.

Royce laughed too. "I don't get you, crying one minute, laughing the next."

"It's all your fault. My eyelids are swollen because of you. What am I supposed to do when I go out?"

"Do I have to be laughed at by everyone? Especially Savannah and Kathy, you have no idea how gossipy they are!"

"They'll think I was moved to tears by a proposal!"

I could almost imagine Savannah and Kathy's looks, staring at me, winking.

"What's up, Caroline? Did you get proposed to? Why are you crying like this?"

"Maybe, Caroline is always so strong, rarely cries. It must be a proposal to make her eyes this red."

Royce's thumb pressed on my eyelid, gently massaging.

He knelt in front of me, seriously gazing at me. "Don't worry, I won't let Savannah laugh at you. She wouldn't dare."

I glared at him. "Stop it. Savannah is my sister now. I've already considered her family. You can't treat her like a subordinate anymore, got it?"

He didn't say anything, still massaging my eyes.

I pushed his hand away, looking at him seriously. "I'm talking to you, did you hear me?"

Royce sighed helplessly. "Got it, Caroline."

"The whole world is your family, except me."

His voice carried a faint hint of grievance, making me want to laugh again.

"That depends on your performance."

"Now, your first task is to help me get rid of these swollen eyes."

Royce smiled. "Yes, ma'am."

He got up and left, returning shortly with a blanket and a bottle of cold water.

He draped the blanket over me, then placed the cold water on my eyelids.

The cool temperature on my hot eyelids felt incredibly soothing.

I lay down, letting Royce take care of me.

And Royce diligently massaged my eyelids until they returned to normal.

"Alright, Caroline, are you satisfied?"

He handed me a mirror from who knows where. I looked and saw no trace of crying.

But I couldn't let Royce be too pleased, so I pretended to be dissatisfied and nodded. "It's the best you can do, I guess."

Royce laughed, pointing at my forehead. "You really know how to give me a hard time."

"I did my best."

I huffed, then threw off the blanket and stood up. "Well, that's that. What else can I do?"

Royce shook his head helplessly. "Asher told me he came by earlier. Do you want to see him? He's probably been waiting for you outside for a while. Crybaby."