Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Cherish... the people around him?

Scarlett had said those words to Alexander, but hearing them from him now felt like a punch to the gut.

Her mind was a whirlwind, her chest tight and aching, making her feel incredibly uneasy.

But she couldn't argue with Alexander's point.

Scarlett pressed her hands to her cheeks, trying to warm her face and ease the tension. She forced a polite smile. "So, Mr. King, what do you want to talk about?"

"First off, I owe you an apology for what happened before." Alexander watched her closely, choosing his words with care. 

"I got too wrapped up in my own feelings and didn't think about yours. I know I made things tough for you. But I did listen to what you said last time."

"We're both adults, and we need to move forward. You've got your own life now, and it's selfish of me to keep acting like this." 

Alexander gave a bitter smile. "You must've been so fed up that you blocked me."

Scarlett felt like her heart was being ripped apart.

No, it's not like that!

Hearing these words from someone she cared about was excruciating.

God knows how much effort it took for her not to cover Alexander's mouth.

She managed to say, "I didn't..."

She wanted to tell him she wasn't fed up with him, but Alexander cut her off. 

"No matter how great things were three years ago, it's been three years since we broke up. I know you're with Sebastian now. I was jealous and kept badmouthing him to you, which was wrong."

Under the thin blanket, Scarlett's hands clenched the sheets tightly.

Alexander squinted slightly, increasing the pressure. "I can't keep being selfish. You know my dad wants me to marry Jessica." 

"That night, you told me to cherish the people around me. I've been thinking about it these past few days. Since there's no chance for us anymore, I don't want to keep ruining your image of me. So I think it's time to end this."

"Ms. Collins, I'll let go. I won't bother you anymore." Alexander stood up and extended his hand with a smile. "I hope we can still be friends."

Scarlett looked up, dazed.

His smile felt like it was burning her, and her whole body ached. It felt like she was falling apart, breaking into pieces with each word Alexander said.

It hurt, it hurt so much.

She didn't even know what expression she had, only trying her best to smile and shake Alexander's hand. 

"Of course... we'll still be friends, Mr. King. Ms. Green is a good match for you. As for us... it's not as serious as you said. Anyway, we'll still be friends."

Her words were a jumbled mess.

Alexander's warmth spread through her palm, and Scarlett quickly pulled her hand back as if avoiding it.

She was almost praying in her heart, hoping Alexander would leave quickly after saying all this.

She couldn't keep her composure in such painful emotions any longer.

But Alexander seemed oblivious.

He stood by the bed, his gaze heavy on Scarlett.

She kept her head down, hiding her emotions.

Scarlett seemed to be in pain, but where did this pain come from? Was it really related to him? Alexander wasn't sure.

He walked over to the window.

The increased distance gave Scarlett some breathing room. She turned to see Alexander facing the window, staring at something unknown.

They had finally reached this point.

Love and hate faded, entanglements dissolved.

In the end, all Alexander left her was his back.

This was the result she had caused, and it was her own doing.

Scarlett sighed softly.

No matter what, this was good for Alexander.

She just needed some time to adjust again.

Alexander suddenly turned around and smiled at her. "If you really like Sebastian, I can help you."

Even though Scarlett had been mentally preparing herself all day, she couldn't help but ask, "What did you say?"

"You like Sebastian, but it's one-sided, right?" Alexander was patient. "I can help you pursue Sebastian, as compensation for bothering you before."

Scarlett blinked, feeling a lump in her chest, so uncomfortable that she almost wanted to laugh.

This suggestion was absurdly terrifying.

She looked at Alexander, trying to find a hint of a joke in his expression.

But there was none.

The dim light in the room fell on his face, making his polite smile look even gentler.

He was serious.

Scarlett closed her eyes and shook her head lightly. "Mr. King, you don't need to do that. Sebastian and I can handle our own matters. Thank you for your kindness."

Her emotions were about to break.

Scarlett issued a polite dismissal. "If there's nothing else, I need to rest."

Alexander shrugged, took out his phone, and walked over to hand it to Scarlett. "I think you should consider it. If you change your mind, you can contact me anytime."

"Now that we're friends, can we exchange contact information again?"

After Alexander left, Scarlett lay in bed.

She had planned to finish reading that contract, but her physical condition no longer allowed her to push herself.

Scarlett stared quietly at the ceiling.

Memories of her and Alexander replayed in her mind, but in the end, she was alone.

She closed her eyes to escape.

The smell of disinfectant in the air was particularly strong. Scarlett, feeling overwhelmed, got up, pulled out the IV needle, and went to the balcony.

The night was deep.

The evening breeze seemed to carry distant dust, making her eyes swell and tears fall, causing her throat to ache. 

She didn't want to cry.

What was there to cry about?

She and Alexander had each found their place.

This was already a good outcome.

But why, hiding alone in the night, did she feel such heart-wrenching pain without making a sound?

Scarlett hugged her knees and sat on the ground, as if she had returned to the night they broke up three years ago.

Back then, after the breakup, Alexander went abroad, and she returned alone to their former love house, where every corner held their shared memories. She cried until she was out of breath in those memories.

In the end, she didn't have time to take anything with her.

Three years had passed. She thought the Scarlett of today was capable enough in her career, no longer the helpless young girl she once was.

But now, it seemed she had overestimated herself.

In her final moments of consciousness, all she saw was Alexander's back.