When the invitations were sent out to everyone except Alexander, he went mad.
He drunkenly showed up outside the villa every day, yelling, "Seraphina, please come out, I have something to say to you."
I couldn't bear to listen to his arrogant speeches anymore.
My parents had to help me get rid of him.
On the eve of the engagement, Sarah called me. "Seraphina, I really don't know what to do. Alexander drank until he had a stomach bleed. He's in the hospital, refusing to eat or drink, and insists on seeing you."
Houston placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Go see him. I'll wait for you outside."
When we arrived at the hospital, Houston didn't go into the room with me. "You go ahead. I'll wait outside."
Seeing Alexander, I was shocked.
He had lost so much weight, his eyes staring coldly at the ceiling.
When he saw me, he struggled to sit up. "Seraphina, you're here. I knew you still had feelings for me."
I furrowed my brows. "Alexander, I didn't come for you. Sarah was just really worried."
His eyes darkened further, his voice bitter. "Are we really done for good?
"Seraphina, I was wrong. I was a fool, so arrogant, and I hurt you. I'm sorry. Please, give me another chance."
He looked at me with pleading eyes. "Can you not marry him? Please."
I took a deep breath, sneering. "Don't tell me that you went in circles only to realize you love me."
He froze, his smile turning bitter. "Yes."
"Alexander, stop disgustingly pretending. Didn't you find the idea of being with me sickening? Didn't you think it was like incest?"
He covered his head with his hands. "Please, stop. I'm a scoundrel. I deserve this."
I didn't let him off the hook. "You don't love me. You just can't stand that I love someone else.
"You tried to pick and choose, but in the end, you still think I'm the best, right?
"Alexander, if there's even a shred of affection left, please wish me well.
"And by the way, my engagement party is tomorrow. I don't want you to come."
He collapsed back onto the bed, covering himself with the blanket, his hoarse voice coming from underneath. "Go ahead, I get it."
"Wish you happiness, Seraphina."
---
As I left the room, Houston pulled me into his arms without saying a word.
He kissed me firmly on the lips. "Honey, my legs have gone numb."
His body was trembling slightly. Though he appeared strong, I could feel his inner anxiety.
He feared that the bond of twenty years with Alexander might still have some hold over me.
My heart softened. "Houston, I love you."
I kissed him again. "Honey, I guess we're in this together now."
