Clutching the documents in my hand, I crumpled the paper as I struggled to contain my excitement. "What are your terms?" I asked.
I was under no illusion that Evan was being altruistic in delivering such good news at this time. Given his cunning nature, he surely had his motives.
Outside, dark clouds gathered, and rain tapped steadily on the window panes. Lightning split the sky and momentarily illuminated Evan's face, giving him a somewhat demonic appearance. Fearfully, I pushed back to distance myself from him.
His piercing eyes fixed on me intently. "Stay with me for life. That's my only condition."
My eyes flickered, and the document dropped at my feet. Before hearing this news, I would rather have died than spent a lifetime with this man. But now, he was my grandfather's only hope. Whatever conditions he set, I felt compelled to accept.
I scoffed, "If you don't mind that I've been married to another man for three years, I'm Ok."
"Avery, I'm here to take you home, Avery..." The familiar voice came through the rain.
Ignoring Evan standing across from me, I brushed past him and ran outside.
In the front yard, Holly and several men were fighting in the downpour. Through the sheets of rain, I saw that Holly's handsome, roguish face was bruised. Even though he was not a wealthy heir like Evan, he had never been subjected to such treatment.
He always got hurt for me. Three years ago, unable to face the harsh reality, I was mentally unstable and hurt him many times. Yet, he never left my side, staying with me until I recovered.
Without hesitation, I ran into the rain, pushed away the men surrounding him, and embraced the disheveled Holly.
Holly clutched my hand tightly. Looking at me earnestly, he said, "Avery, I'm serious about marrying you. I've liked you for a long time. My love for you is no less than your love for Evan was."
Stunned, I stared at Holly through the blurry rain, barely believing his words. He was supposed to be gay, wasn't he? How could he have feelings for me?
He tightened his grip on my hand, which caused me pain. I sensed his nervousness, so unlike his usual carefree demeanor.
My emotions were complex. I had chosen to marry Holly abroad because rumors suggested he was gay and did not touch women.
"I'm not gay. I've just been guarding the woman in my heart for too long, which led to wild speculation," Holly said, his expression both bitter and sad. "I know you married me thinking I was gay. After our marriage, I felt compelled to keep pretending, fearing you'd leave if you found out the truth. Please, come back with me, Avery."
A pang of sadness touched my heart, reminding me of my own humble beginnings.
"She's not going back with you, give it up," a cold voice interrupted.
Evan approached with a controlled stride, his gaze cold and detached. A bodyguard held an umbrella over him.
Confronted with Holly's pleading look, I had to harden my heart and say, "I'm sorry, I can't go back with you right now."
I had to save my grandfather, my only remaining relative.
Hurt and loss flickered across Holly's eyes. He released me, visibly pained yet forcing a smile, "I wish you well."
