Chapter 1040
“And another thing-don’t bring up whether we like each other or not anymore,” Mavis said, her voice unwavering. “Let’s just stick to being mentor and apprentice, alright? If we don’t, we might not even have that left. It would just get too awkward.” She fixed Uriah with a steady gaze, her determination plain to see.
“Mavis!” Uriah shot back, a note of frustration creeping into his voice. “Why are you saying this? It took me so long to finally figure out how I feel, and now you’re trying to run away from it? What’s so special about being with some ‘ordinary guy’? If you’re with me, I don’t care about status or any of that crap p>
“Well, I do. I want something ordinary-I want an ordinary person,” Mavis replied, her tone stubborn and clear.
Maybe he didn’t care about family backgrounds, but his family definitely would. And her own complicated upbringing would only bring a world of small, exhausting troubles if they actually got together. She didn’t want to drag him into that mess. When she was younger, maybe she’d thought love was enough-be brave, go after whoever you like. But life had taught her otherwise. Liking someone didn’t guarantee you’d end up together. Wanting someone didn’t mean you belonged to each other.
“Mavis!” Uriah’s eyebrows drew together, his face darkening with disappointment.
He’d imagined this meeting going well-maybe even closing the distance between them. Clearly, he’d been wrong. Mavis kept him at arm’s length, unwilling to give him even the slimmest chance. In the past, maybe he would’ve felt relieved. But now he knew he was different. He cared about her-really cared. And now her words pressed on his heart, making it hard to breathe.
“But deep down, you still have feelings for me, don’t you?” he pleaded. “You should listen to your heart p>
Mavis shook her head. “Whatever I feel for you—it isn’t necessarily romantic. Maybe it’s just because we’ve grown up together. And honestly, I haven’t really gotten to know many other men p>
“When I’m done with all of this, I’ll meet new people. I’m sure there’s someone out there who fits me better,” she said quietly. “Isn’t this what you wanted all along p>
“I finally figured it out. I’m ready to move forward. So please, let me go-stop trying to pull me back, alright p>
She pushed herself up from her chair.
“This place is still beautiful, but it’s changed,” she murmured, glancing around. “These roses have really filled out, haven’t they p>
“So let’s go back to being mentor
and apprentice, just like before. That’s all we should be.” She looked
at Uriah her eyes resolute. “I’m
happy to keep learning from you. But that’s all we’ll ever be, okay p>
“I won’t get in the way of your engagement, or whatever plans your family has. And I hope you’ll give me the same respect-want us to live our own lives. No more interfering with each other. Is that fair p>
“I’ve called a car. I’ll be leaving now,” she said, her decision final.
She turned and headed for the door.
Uriah was left sitting there, brows furrowed, as if he’d just taken a punch to the gut. He watched her retreating figure, every instinct urging him to follow-but his body simply wouldn’t move.
He could only watch her go.
Should he let her walk away? Regret gnawed at him for not having said yes to her before, for not taking a chance when he’d had it. Was really going to go through with a family?
mariage arranged by het
Were they really going to live the rest of their lives as strangers, never crossing paths again?
A crushing, invisible hand seemed to squeeze his heart. After a long moment, Uriah suddenly shot to his feet and ran out the door, making it outside just in time to see Mavis get into a car.
He darted forward, wanting to call out—but the car sped off before he could reach her.
And just like that, both the car and Mavis were gone. The emptiness in Uriah’s chest felt even vaster, as if some essential piece had been carved out, leaving nothing but cold air and aching silence.