Chapter 175. The Argument
Aaron's relentless questioning left me speechless. These days, I was endlessly bombarded by stress and constantly on the brink of an emotional breakdown. Now, Aaron was badgering me with these questions. I felt like I was about to explode. If he hadn't proposed, none of this would have happened. Why did he have to put so much pressure on me?
Right now, I was also overwhelmed with anger. I wanted to just yell that yes, I didn't want to marry him. But I knew that if I said those words, a breakup was bound to eventually follow.
In the end, the corners of my lips just twitched, leaving those words unsaid. Instead, I replied, "Whatever you think."
The pain in his eyes made my heart ache. I averted my gaze, pushed his hand away, and stomped off to the curb to hail a taxi.
"Olive!" Aaron ran after me and grabbed my wrist. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"What else do you want from me?" I frowned impatiently. "You already know my answer, so why do I need to explain anymore?"
"But you've never actually explained your answer, Olive. I'm only human. I've gotten tired of all this arguing, and I just want you to tell me clearly and honestly what you really think. Why don't you want to marry me?" Aaron's grip on my arm tightened as he spoke, his eyes staring into mine.
I noticed that his eyes were a bit red, but I didn't know if it was from anger or from sadness. That look in his eyes, like he was on the verge of collapse, made my head spin again.
I didn't know how to answer him, so I could only avoid his questions once again. "Whatever you think."
I shoved him away, stepped into the cab, and told the driver, "Sir, please drive as fast as you can."
The driver stared at me in confusion for a moment before starting the car and racing away.
In the rearview mirror, I could see Aaron's disheveled and
disappointed figure gradually grow blurry and disappear from my view.
The mere memory of the hurt expression made me feel like I was stabbed. But I still couldn't just say yes to him.
Wouldn't it be fine if we just didn't get married? If we get along, then we can live happily ever after, right? Or do we have to get married to ensure our happiness?
And is Aaron trying to prove something by getting married? To prove that we love each other, or to prove that we will never part ways?
But... I just don't want to get married. Wouldn't it be bad to get married just to maintain the status quo?
When I thought about Aaron's teary eyes, I felt like I had fallen into a bottomless abyss. I tried so hard to climb back out, but there was an invisible hand tugging at my arm, dragging me deeper and deeper in.
The happiness that shone down on us, and the joy that was submerged below... They were all cast into shadows now, and I couldn't find a way out. I felt an overwhelming sense of loss, not knowing whether it was the relationship that turned sour or if it was all just my fault.
I couldn't give Aaron what he wanted, but I was selfish enough that I couldn't let him go.
If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!
Dividing into pages now
The cab driver continued on while I was thinking, but eventually turned and asked me in a confused tone, "Ma'am, where are you headed to?"
I just called this cab to avoid the argument with Aaron, and I was so lost in thought that I had no idea where I was going.
"Just bring me to the nearest bar, please." I forced a smile onto my face.
The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, nodded, and dropped me off at a random bar.
The bar was packed full of people, but even in this lively atmosphere, I felt like I couldn't fit in.
I plopped myself down on a barstool. I rested my chin on my hand as I watched the intoxicated crowd unleash their passion on the dance floor.
The bartender approached me with a polite smile on his face. "What would you like to drink, ma'am?"
"A whiskey, please," I whispered in response.
The bartender quickly handed me the glass of whiskey.
If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!
I sat there, staring at the amber liquid in the clear glass as the pungent aroma of the liquor filled my nostrils. The whiskey almost reminded me of Aaron; his love was so strong and passionate that it was overwhelming. However, the more concentrated the whiskey, the faster it will
evaporate in the end. Is it possible that Aaron's love for me is like a fresh glass of whiskey, and even though the love is so intense right now, it will eventually evaporate in an instant?
I smiled wryly before picking up the strong glass of whiskey and taking a long sip.
The intense liquor shot down my throat and burned all the way to my stomach. It was so spicy it stung. It probably wouldn't take too many glasses of this stuff to blackout.
Under the multicolored light of the bar, the diamond ring glowed brightly. I raised my hand to the light and admired its beauty.
Maybe I wasn't worthy of this ring. I shouldn't have been so selfish. I couldn't ever say yes to his question, so I didn't deserve to wear
Maybe it was about time I gave it back to him. It was a difficult decision to make, but I knew I'd have to make up my mind sooner or later.
I tilted my head back, downed the rest of the glass, took a deep breath, and slowly pried the ring off my finger.
Just as it was about to come off, a warm, heavy palm stopped me. "Olive, you can't do that!"