Chapter 6
When night fell, raindrops drummed against the old Sterling mansion’s windows.[]
The butler had just finished reporting on the media situation when the doorbell rang.
Didn’t need to guess–it was Caspian.[]
He stood under the covered entrance, his black coat soaked through, hair plastered wetly to his forehead. Gone was the day’s arrogance, replaced by dishevelment.[]
He carried a thermos container, and when he saw me open the door, immediately looked like he had something difficult to say: “Aria, can I come in to talk for a few minutes?“]
I stepped aside to let him in but chandelier sway gently.[]
close the door. Cold wind mixed with rain blew into the living room, making the crystal
“Say whatever you need to say right here.”
“I’m exhausted. No energy for games.“[]
He set the thermos on the entryway table, hesitating as he took off his coat: “I had servant make soup. You cried so much at the press conference today–this’ll soothe your throat.“[]
“Not necessary.”
Wa
I cut him off, looking at his soaked sleeves. “Mr. Ravencrest didn’t come out in the rain this late just to deliver soup, did you?”
living room.
He stayed silent for a moment, then walked to “er of the
Molly m
“Aria, about today… I was too hasty. But Summer really is pitiful–grew up with her mother in tiny apartments, never even had decent clothes.“]
“Pitiful?“||]
I laughed softly, settling onto the sofa and pressing my fingers to my throbbing temples.]
“She’s pitiful, so I’m not? My father just died and someone shows up claiming to be family, forcing me to scream like some crazy woman at a press conference. I think I’m pretty pitiful
“That’s not what I meant.” He immediately explained, his tone going extremely gentle.]
“I just didn’t want things to get this ugly, especially since… since she does have Sterling blood.“]]
I raised an eyebrow at him.]
“Caspian, are you actually sympathizing with her background, or are you interested in that supposed Sterling bloodline she carries?”
His expression stiffened as he avoided my gaze: “I just think family doesn’t need
Yo me to this.“ll
Chapter 6
“Ha!”
“You feel sorry that she’s homeless, that she’s suffered injustices–have you thought about how to actually help her?“||]
Caspian looked confused: “I…“]]
“You could marry her!“]]
I suddenly smiled.
“You are young and accomplished, and the Ravencrests are Manhattan elite. If you married her and made her Mrs. Ravencrest, she’d have all the prestige she could want. Then forget acknowledging family–if you wanted to bring her into the Sterling house, I might even consider it.“[]
His eyes went wide like I’d burned him: “Aria! What are you talking about!“]
I tilted my head at him, the smile in my eyes gradually turning cold.[]
“Aren’t you the one who thinks she’s pitiful? The one who wants to protect her? Marry her, give her status, give her security–isn’t that exactly what someone with your warm heart should do?“]
“The person I love is you!” He suddenly grabbed my wrist, his eyes churning with complex emotions–urgency, anger, and a barely detectable panic. “From the first moment I saw you, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved!“]
I looked at him quietly, letting him grip my wrist until his hold gradually loosened, then spoke slowly and calmly: “Really?“]]
I pulled my hand back.
“Caspian, you say you love me, but while my father’s body isn’t even cold yet, you brought a woman claiming to be my sister to my door and tried to force me to acknowledge this sordid history.“[]
“You say you love me, but you teamed up with an outsider to hold a press conference, making me the laughingstock of all Manhattan, saying I can’t accept my own sister.“[]
“You say you love me, but after I clearly refused DNA testing, you’re still making excuses for her, calling her pitiful, saying I shouldn’t make such an ugly scene.“]
“Caspian,” I looked directly into his eyes, asking word
“Butler, show him out.“]
by word, “is this what your so–called love looks like?”
Caspian gave me one long, deep look, then turned and walked out into the endless rain.]]
The moment the door closed, I let all my strength drain away.
Love?
Really the cheapest word in the world.]
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