Chapter 56: Ning Confession
Liora met his gaze calmly, “If anyone asks, just tell them it was a joke.”
Ning Mufan’s brows knitted together, “Why?” he asked, his voice sharpened slightly, “Is it because of that crippled husband of yours?”
Liora shook her head immediately, “It has nothing to do with him.”
Her tone was firm, “I’m married now and It’s only natural that I shouldn’t pretend to be involved with another man.”
She offered him a small apologetic smile.
“Besides, Nicholas only suggested the idea because he wanted to help me at the time. I should have thought more carefully before agreeing to it.”
“I’m sorry for causing you trouble.”
After saying that, Liora bowed slightly and before she could straighten up, Ning Mufan suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her shoulders. “You don’t need to apologize,” he said, his voice softened, “Actually there’s something I wanted to ask you too.”
Liora looked up, “What is it?”
Ning Mufan hesitated for a moment then he asked quietly, “The man you married he’s the first young master of the Blackwood family, right?”
“Dominic Blackwood?”
Liora froze. “Yes,” she admitted slowly.
“But… how did you know?”
She had never told him Dominic’s identity.
“Did Mara tell you?” she asked but Ning Mufan shook his head. “That’s not important.”
His expression turned serious. “Liora do you even know that Dominic doesn’t have much time left to live?”
Her eyes widened, Ning Mufan continued grimly. “His relationship with the Blackwood family is terrible even if something happens to him, you won’t receive any inheritance or financial support from them.”
He looked at her intently. “You’ll gain nothing from this marriage.”
Liora stared at him in disbelief. “You think I married him for money?”
“That’s not what I meant.......”
Frustration flashed across Ning Mufan’s face.
He ran a hand through his hair. “I just think he doesn’t deserve you.”
Liora’s expression cooled. “I’m his wife.”
Her voice was calm but firm, “Whether you think he deserves me or not is none of your business.”
She turned to leave. “I’ve said everything I needed to say.”
But before she could walk away, Ning Mufan grabbed her wrist. “Liora…” he said tiredly.
There was exhaustion in his voice. “…why are you being so foolish?”
Liora stopped and slowly, she turned back toward him, her eyes narrowed slightly.
“Foolish?”
Her voice sharpened. “Who exactly are you calling foolish?”
The evening air hung heavy with tension as Liora Hale stood across from Ning Mufan and his eyes were fixed on her with an intensity that made her uncomfortable.
“Everyone already knows that I like you,” he said slowly, his gaze unwavering, the words seemed to glow with sincerity, yet confusion clouded Liora’s mind.
“Everyone knows… except you.” His voice grew sharper. “What else could that be if not stupidity?”
Liora frowned, her brows knitting together in disbelief. “Is this some sort of dare?” she asked cautiously.
For a brief moment, Ning Mufan looked as though he wanted to slap his own forehead in frustration. “You mean you honestly can’t tell?” he asked.
“Tell what?” Liora glanced around instinctively, half-expecting someone to jump out from behind a tree or building.
“If this is some prank your friends planned, they can come out now,” she added warily.
That was the final straw. Ning Mufan burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the quiet space. It wasn’t mocking laughter, but the kind that came from sheer disbelief.
Still chuckling, he reached forward and gently gripped Liora’s chin, lifting her face so she could no longer avoid his gaze.
“This isn’t a joke, Liora,” he said firmly. “I like you.”
The seriousness in his tone froze her in place.
“Why?” she asked instinctively, the question slipping out before she could stop herself. “We barely know each other.”
Her words struck him like a physical blow.
For a moment, Ning Mufan felt as though he might cough up blood from sheer frustration.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and forced his voice to remain calm. “You caught my attention the first time I saw you in Professor Sun’s lecture,” he confessed. “Back then, you were sitting near the window, quietly taking notes. I don’t know when it started, but I’ve been drawn to you ever since.”
His eyes softened. “It’s been years, Liora. I truly like you, can’t you give me a chance?”
The sincerity in his voice was undeniable but Liora’s response came without hesitation.
“No.”
The word slipped out instantly.
“I’m married.”
The declaration hung between them like a wall.
Inside, Liora was equally bewildered, how could Ning Mufan claim to have liked her since their first meeting? All these years, she had only treated him politely, nothing more.
If she truly liked him, wouldn’t she have felt something whenever they were close?
Wouldn’t she have wanted to feel his embrace… or wonder what it would be like to kiss him?
Just like the strange, unfamiliar feelings she experienced whenever she thought about her husband but none of that had ever happened with Ning Mufan.
A tense silence followed and Ning Mufan’s expression darkened, a storm of emotions flashing across his face.
Finally, he asked quietly, “Did someone force you to marry him?”
A faint shadow crossed Liora’s face even now, thinking about the circumstances of that marriage left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Even if they did,” she replied softly, “that’s already in the past.”
Ning Mufan studied her carefully before speaking again. “I’m willing to wait for you.”
Liora blinked in confusion.
“Wait?”
“Yes.” His voice hardened slightly. “When Dominic eventually succumbs to his illness, I’ll help you leave the Blackwood family then you can become my girlfriend.”
Liora stared at him in shock. “You… want my husband to die?”
“I didn’t mean it like....”
“Save it,” she cut him off sharply.
Her usually gentle voice carried an unusual firmness. “My husband won’t die, he’ll recover. He will.”
Her conviction startled him and Ning Mufan scoffed, his aristocratic features turning cold.
“Stop deceiving yourself,” he said bluntly. “How many years has he been undergoing treatment? If he could recover, it would’ve happened long ago.”
His voice grew harsher.
“You studied medicine for a few years, but that doesn’t mean miracles exist.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
“That cripple’s own father despises him. The Blackwood family has already cut off his financial support.”
Liora’s eyes widened. “What?”
Ning Mufan continued mercilessly.
“Do you really think he can survive without his family’s money? His treatments alone cost a fortune and now he doesn’t even have the backing of his family anymore.”
Liora’s mind spun because she hadn’t known this.
She hadn’t known the Blackwood family had cut Dominic off financially.
A wave of guilt washed over her chest, It was because of her.
If she hadn’t gotten into trouble before and if Dominic hadn’t defended her then maybe he wouldn’t have clashed with his father, “Are you even listening to me?” Ning Mufan asked impatiently.
“Yes,” Liora replied softly.
Then she added sincerely, “Thank you for telling me.”Ning Mufan’s expression brightened slightly until she continued.
“I have some savings. I can use them to pay for my husband’s treatment.”