Chapter 44
Elizabeth's POV
Sensing that hint of hatred in his emotions, a twisted pleasure surged up inside me.
Aiden hated me—that was good. Did this mean he could finally feel even one ten-thousandth of the hatred I carried in my heart?
But this alone was far from enough.
"Aiden! Say something! Apologize to Elizabeth right now!" Grandma pushed him hard, her voice full of urgency.
Aiden looked defiant, but still walked toward me and said sincerely, "Elizabeth, it's my fault. Please forgive me."
His apology sounded completely insincere, just going through the motions, which made me feel disgusted.
Meeting Grandma's expectant gaze, I questioned him directly, "Aiden, what exactly are you saying you did wrong?"
"Are you talking about cheating on me with Bianca, or the times you tried to hurt me? Or maybe breaking into my villa and disturbing my parents' peace?"
I thought I could say these things calmly, but once I started speaking, my voice still trembled uncontrollably.
Aiden owed me far too much—way more than this. The humiliation and neglect I endured during those years we dated, those wounds could never be erased.
My questions left Aiden silent. For the first time, he looked away, as if trying to hide the emotions churning in his eyes.
Grandma's heart sank. She walked over to me, patted my shoulder, and said earnestly, "Elizabeth, this is after all a relationship issue between you and Aiden. I shouldn't interfere too much. But whatever misunderstandings there are, it's better to clear them up sooner."
Her words made my heart turn cold. I couldn't help but push her hand away, my tone no longer as warm as before.
"Grandma, my relationship with Aiden is completely over. There's no possible future between us. Please stop trying to push us together."
She certainly meant no harm, but what she was doing hurt the most. If Grandma really cared about me, she shouldn't have this attitude—she should let me leave.
Grandma's eyes fell on my belly, her tone becoming urgent, "Elizabeth, the child in your belly is Aiden's after all. If you don't plan to make up with him, are you going to raise the child alone? You don't have anyone else in your family anymore."
At that last sentence, Grandma seemed to realize she'd said something wrong. She sighed and continued, "What I mean is, if you and Aiden get married soon and have the baby, it'll give you security for the rest of your life."
I looked at Aiden with a hint of questioning amusement in my eyes.
He actually hadn't told anyone the truth about the child? If he'd just told Grandma, this whole scene wouldn't be happening. Why hadn't he said anything—did he have some other plan?
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Being stared at like this made Aiden uncomfortable. His face darkened, and he shouted at me.
"Aiden!" Grandma immediately knocked him on the head, her tone sharp. "I told you to make things right with Elizabeth!"
"Grandma, she..." Aiden seemed about to say something, but finally just sighed, as if steeling himself. "Let's talk alone then. Elizabeth, come with me."
He reached out to pull me, but I shook him off directly.
"Please keep your distance."
Where did he think he was taking me? Did he think I'd be willing to be alone with him?
At this thought, I immediately stepped back.
"Grandma, I only came today to visit you. Since you're fine, I'll head back now. Let's stay in touch."
The moment I saw Grandma, I could tell she wasn't sick at all—this was just an excuse to get me here. I didn't want any more involvement with Aiden. Better to leave while I could.
"Elizabeth!"
Before Grandma could speak, Aiden rushed over to block my way. "Stop right there! I'm not done talking!"
Meeting his urgent eyes, I wanted even less to say another word to him.
"What else do you want to say?"
"Things that concern us, of course. If you keep refusing, I can't promise what I might do."
Aiden's tone carried a threat, and the way he looked at me was full of domineering pressure.
Looking into his eyes, a bad feeling rose in my heart.
Aiden was completely suppressed by Alexander—he didn't dare do anything to Alexander, but that didn't mean he'd have the same restraint with me.
"Fine, I'd like to hear what you have to say." I gave in.
Seeing me agree, Grandma's face lit up with a smile, and she quickly ushered me inside.
Aiden and I entered the previous room one after the other. He spoke first, "Elizabeth, what exactly do you want?"
"Since we're being honest, I have nothing to hide. Alexander is backing me now. I suggest you treat me with respect."
Aiden lowered his head, his gaze falling on my belly, a flash of cruelty in his eyes.
My instincts screamed danger, but I kept my composure and continued, "Try laying a finger on me. If you hurt the child in my belly, tomorrow Alexander could make your entire Smith family disappear from this world."
The threat was very effective. The man who'd just been eyeing me menacingly immediately looked away.
"Elizabeth, there's no way you actually know Alexander. He's only protecting you because of this child you're carrying by accident."
I said nothing.
Aiden moved closer on his own, his voice unconsciously softening.
"I did do a lot of terrible things recently. I know I hurt you. Elizabeth, the truth is I only have you in my heart—otherwise I wouldn't have agreed to get engaged to you back then."
Aiden sighed. "I did impulsive things to your parents, and I regret it too. I just couldn't control my emotions in the moment."
I could still stay calm, but when I heard him mention my parents again, the emotions I'd been suppressing finally broke free.
I suddenly rushed forward, intending to shove him away, but because of the huge difference in our strength, I ended up crashing into his arms instead.
Aiden froze for a moment, then wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me even closer to him.
My whole body trembled. I only wished I had some weapon in my hands to attack him with.
Aiden seemed to misunderstand my action. He held me tightly. "Elizabeth, I knew you still had feelings for me. In the past, whenever I made you angry, you'd always forgive me quickly. It's the same this time, right?"
He ignored my resistance and held me even tighter.
I found it utterly ridiculous.
In the past, whenever Aiden and I had conflicts, no matter whose fault it was, I was always the one who backed down in the end.
That humble past seemed so natural to him. Otherwise, how could he think I would forgive him again? That I would fall in love with him again?