Abigail could tell that Taylor cared for her, but he was too stubborn to admit it.
She couldn't understand—was it really that hard for him to confess his feelings?
Was saying "I love you" so embarrassing?
She needed a clear answer from him, not to be left guessing or relying on her own emotions. She was tired of being called overly sentimental and having her feelings dismissed as a joke.
Taylor stood in silence for a moment, his voice shaking. "Just because he's not here now doesn't mean he won't be in the future. You can't let a temporary setback define your life. I won't let you."
"You won't let me?" Abigail's eyes welled with tears, her chin lifting as she tried to keep them at bay. "And who exactly are you to me?"
"We're friends," Taylor answered without thinking, echoing the same response he had given to Helen and Chandler.
"Friends?" Abigail laughed bitterly through her tears. "Goodbye, buddy."
She wasn't looking for friendship.
With that, she walked away decisively, leaving Taylor no chance to stop her.
"Wait!" Taylor called out, desperation in his voice. "Even if Aiden is the worst person alive, are you really going to marry him?"
"What else am I supposed to do?" Abigail stopped but didn't look back. "Should I marry you instead?"
Once again, Taylor fell silent.
If she still loved him, he would have gladly accepted. But she had already chosen Aiden; her heart was clearly with someone else.
Her words were born from frustration, a reaction to his pleading—how could he possibly accept them?
It was always the same. Taylor could never do anything but run away.
Abigail was utterly disappointed in him. Fighting back tears, she called for Clover. She then turned on her heel and walked away, not sparing him a single glance.
Taylor watched her figure fade into the distance, his heart feeling hollow, as though something vital had been ripped away from him.
Only now did he truly understand the meaning behind Chandler's words.
How could he ever hope to protect Abigail when he didn't have the right to guard her, let alone be worthy of standing by her side?
…
At noon, the direct flight from Grand Cathay to Miravell landed on time.
Germaine picked up Tiana from the airport and drove her back to the hotel.
Shortly after leaving the airport, Tiana couldn't hold back any longer, her voice laced with accusation. "Where's Jenson? Why didn't he come?"
"He's been really busy lately and couldn't make it. He asked me to send his regards," Germaine replied, her tone calm and measured.
In reality, Jenson hadn't been replying to her messages much these past few days, only mentioning that he was at the office. She wasn't sure what exactly was keeping him so preoccupied.
Given his numerous roles, it wasn't uncommon for him to vanish for long periods, so she didn't think much of it.
Tiana rolled her eyes. "All men are the same. If you're all in, you'd better keep a close watch on him!"
Alice remained unfazed. "What's the matter, Jenz?" she asked playfully.
A chill ran down Jenson's spine, every part of him wanting to flee. Just then, his phone rang, offering him a brief escape.
"It's me," Germaine's voice came through. "I've picked up my mom. She wants to visit you at work. We're already in the elevator, so you don't need to come down."
It was a bold move on Germaine's part, and as soon as she hung up, Tiana shot her an annoyed glance.
Jenson stared at the lock screen of his phone for a moment before looking over at Alice, lying motionless on the floor. After a brief pause, he walked over to her.
"Mr. Newton, I—"
Fulfilling Alice's wish, Jenson delivered a slap that knocked her out cold.
Finally, silence settled in.
As Jenson let out a relieved breath, the sound of the elevator bell rang from outside. Without a moment's delay, he dragged Alice away and shoved her into a staff locker.
Just as he locked the door, Germaine and Tiana stepped into the office.
Jenson straightened up immediately, forcing a smile. "Mom, you're here."
Tiana gave a curt nod and released Germaine's arm. She began pacing the office, her sharp eyes scanning every corner.
Despite her careful inspection, Jenson had been meticulous, leaving no trace behind. In the end, Tiana found nothing amiss.
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