Chapter 90: Ansel, I love you too.
“Is it true? You love me.” Erica’s voice trembled, doubt evident on her face.
Ansel tightened his grip on Erica’s hand, his thumb gently wiping away a solitary tear rolling down her cheek.
“It’s true. I love you,” Ansel reaffirmed. If Erica needed it, he would repeat this a hundred or a thousand times.
“I can’t believe it, about this…” Erica swallowed hard, struggling to speak. “I mean, since when have you…?”
Understanding the meaning behind Erica’s question, Ansel shared sincerely:
“Before I proposed to you, I already had special feelings for you.”
Erica once again found herself taken aback by Ansel’s declaration, her shock so overwhelming that her tears ceased to fall, instead lingering at the corner of her eyes.
“I didn’t propose to you to escape from the arranged marriage, Erica,” Ansel continued his heartfelt confession. “I could have canceled the proposal event that night, but I didn’t.”
“Why didn’t you cancel it?” Erica asked, genuinely wanting to know Ansel’s reasons.
Knowing that he couldn’t evade his actions any longer, Ansel courageously continued his honest explanation. “Initially, I intended to retaliate against Desi for betraying me.”
“So you proposed to me for that reason?” Erica was stunned, unable to believe that Ansel had such a selfish motive. “Did you use me to humiliate Desi?”
Fearful of Erica’s anger, Ansel immediately acknowledged his mistake.
“Erica, I’m sorry for that selfish and foolish thought. I know that motive was wrong.”
“Forget it, anyway.” Erica was about to continue speaking when Ansel interrupted her.
“It’s not over yet, Erica. You have to listen to me,” Ansel earnestly demanded. Seeing the pleading look in Ansel’s eyes, Erica reluctantly nodded in agreement.
“I felt remorseful for using you to humiliate Desi. But after we kissed, that remorse disappeared and was replaced by overwhelming joy. Because after that kiss, I realized I loved you. I truly want you to be my bride.”
Looking deep into Erica’s eyes, Ansel sincerely said, “Everything I’ve said is the truth, Erica. You have to trust me, please.”
There was no trace of deceit on Ansel’s face or in his voice. Erica could sense that. However, despite her surprise, Erica still felt a lingering sense of uncertainty.
“I still don’t understand,” Erica honestly expressed. This prompted Ansel to make further efforts to explain.
“Erica. I had intended to confess my feelings for you after that night. But then…” Ansel paused slightly.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Erica asked curiously.
“Because I was afraid,” Ansel admitted with a pained voice. “I was afraid that you wouldn’t believe me. You would think I only turned to loving you because of Desi’s situation. And most of all, I was afraid that you wouldn’t feel the same way about me.”
“I know I was cowardly for letting everything drag on for so long,” Ansel continued. “But now, I have no reason to run away from my feelings anymore. After what we’ve been through together, I want to be with you and to love you.”
Overwhelmed with everything, Erica remained silent for a long time, not knowing what to say.
“Erica, I know this may come as a shock to you.” Ansel broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty and apprehension. “But please, give me a chance to prove myself, to win over your heart. Please don’t doubt my love for you.”
Ansel’s heart was beating fast, and there was an undeniably burning glint in his eyes. He no longer hid his feelings. Emotion surged within him as he locked eyes with Erica and uttered:
“Erica, I love you.”
Ansel’s anticipation and longing were evident in every breath. He was waiting for Erica’s reaction, hoping that his sincere love would be reciprocated and that they could navigate through challenges and difficulties together.
Erica, filled with excitement in her heart, made the decision to let go of any lingering doubts or worries. She disregarded the overwhelming emotions and allowed her true feelings to shine through.
“I love you too.” Erica couldn’t contain herself any longer. This confession was expressed with courage and sincerity. Erica let go of all her reservations and opened her heart to the love that Ansel had for her.
“What did you just say, Erica?” Ansel couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Nervously, he waited for her response, his anticipation building. But Erica’s unexpected answer left him utterly stunned, unable to form a coherent reaction.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
“Ansel, I love you,” Erica repeated through tears. “I love you so much.”
“Is it true? Since when…?” Ansel was a little disbelieving.
“Since Desi came to meet you at the hospital, I suddenly realized that I had feelings for you,” Erica confessed, leaving Ansel stunned with disbelief.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” It was now Ansel’s turn to ask the questions.
“I couldn’t, because you already had Desi,” Erica honestly replied. “Besides, I wasn’t sure about what you thought of me. I was scared. I knew I wasn’t deserving of you. So…”
Erica choked up, tears falling more profusely, making her voice sound constricted in her throat.
“So, I chose to ignore my feelings and try to forget about them. When you proposed to me, I agreed because I thought you needed my help, and until today, I still thought that way. Even last night, I thought you came to find me because you needed assistance. I thought that after our relationship, we would drift apart because you didn’t want
“Ansel, I’m sorry,” Erica said with a sob. “I’m sincerely sorry. I…”
“Oh, Erica,” Ansel said, deeply moved, holding Erica tightly in his arms. “It’s not your fault.”
“But I thought poorly of you.” Erica argued back.
“You’re being foolish,” Ansel lovingly scolded. “If anyone should apologize, it’s me. Not you. It was I who caused you to have those thoughts. I’m sorry, Erica.”
“You’re also being foolish,” Erica said, then burst into loud sobs in Ansel’s embrace.
“Indeed, we are both fools,” Ansel declared, unable to hold it any longer. Tears welled up in his eyes.
“Erica, I love you,” Ansel said, looking deeply into Erica’s eyes.
“I love you too.” Erica immediately replied, “But I’m afraid. I…” Erica’s voice trembled, fear evident on her face.
“We will overcome that fear together,” Ansel said firmly. “I will not let anything threaten our love. Trust in this love, Erica.”
Erica looked straight into Ansel’s eyes, trying to restrain her fear.
“Love is never without risks.” Ansel’s voice carried a quiet determination. “But together, we can overcome the uncertainties. I don’t want to lose you, Erica. I want us to hold hands and face whatever comes our way. Will you always be by my side, Erica?”
“Yes, I want to be by your side,” Erica replied.
Erica’s heart swelled with a mixture of relief and longing. The walls she had built around her heart began to crumble, allowing her to embrace everything love had to offer, including the possibility of getting hurt. She leaned on Ansel, finding solace in his steadfast presence.
In that moment, amidst dappled sunlight and unspoken promises, Erica and Ansel forged a connection that transcended their fears and uncertainties. They knew the path ahead would be filled with challenges, but their shared commitment and newfound trust gave them the strength to face them together.
They locked eyes, their emotions intoxicating them both. A smile spread across their faces as tears welled up, and they cried together, sharing a profound moment.
“Ansel, why are you crying?” Erica choked out, her voice filled with emotion.
“Because I’m happy.” Ansel confessed, “The person I love, it turns out, loves me too.”
“I’m happy too.” Erica said it with a radiant smile.
He gently raised his hand, softly stroking Erica’s silky hair. Then Ansel caressed her wet cheeks, moist with tears, and grinned.
“Erica, shall we do what we did last night? I want you.”
Erica shyly nodded. Without further ado, Ansel claimed Erica’s inviting lips.