Chapter 151 Cannot Be Softhearted
This was the most beautiful snowflake she had ever seen. Under the twinkling Christmas lights on the tree, the tiny white flakes shimmered with a crystalline glow.
In that moment, if he was her prince, then her prince was kneeling before her, proposing.
The scene was so beautiful, she felt like Cinderella in a fairy tale.
She looked at him, unable to say a word.
Their eyes met, and all she could hear was the rustling of leaves in the wind and the dreamy feeling of stars falling around them.
"Alison, will you marry me?" It all seemed to be happening so fast, but he didn't think so, because she had occupied his heart for four years—over a thousand days and nights of waiting.
She had kept a secret for four whole years. If he hadn't been smart enough to investigate everything himself, she would still be hiding it from him.
His words echoed in her ears, so sweet they made her heart race.
His intense gaze fell on her face, and in that moment, she almost blurted out her acceptance.
Just as she was about to speak, images of Aimée, Cassandra, Leah, and all the other women from his past flashed through her mind.
No, she told herself, she couldn't give in.
She had already made up her mind not to be his woman anymore.
Once a decision was made, there was no turning back.
She wouldn't say yes to him.
She couldn't let herself be swayed.
She didn't want to be tempted by him again.
She told herself not to look into his eyes, because just one look and he would make her lose herself again.
She said nothing and silently turned away.
But he grabbed her sleeve, holding it tightly in his hand, and pleaded once more, "Alison, please marry me."
His voice was so beautiful, so melodious, it made her heart race again.
It was over; she had lost her ability to think clearly.
She tried to remember all the cruel things he had done to her, trying to make herself cold and unfeeling.
"Let go of me. I don't know you," she finally steeled herself, coldly announcing her decision with her back to him, pretending not to know him.
"Alison, you know me. We've known each other for four years," he insisted.
"Sir, I think you have the wrong person. Let go of me. If you don't, I'll call security," she said coldly, glancing at the hotel entrance where security guards were indeed standing. She wasn't afraid of him; after all, this was a law-abiding society, and he couldn't force her.
"I haven't got the wrong person, and I won't let go," he said stubbornly, his grip surprisingly strong. She couldn't break free no matter how hard she tried.
"Help!" she shouted towards the security guards, desperate to escape his grasp.
"Alison, don't be so heartless. Look at this romantic night. You shouldn't treat me like this," he pleaded, a hint of desperation in his voice. He had secretly prepared all day for this surprise, but instead of being happy, she resented him.
"I said I don't know you. Let go of me."
"Alison..." He still held her hand tightly. Seeing the security guards approaching, he panicked. They couldn't ignore the situation, but the scene was so beautiful—the Christmas tree, the falling snowflakes, Alison standing among them, looking like a medieval princess under the lights.
Beautiful, graceful, so beautiful that no one wanted to break the spell.
But Alison didn't care about any of that. "Help, he's crazy! I don't know him. He's harassing me," she shouted to the security guards, determined to get rid of Jack.
The scent of roses filled the air, but these flowers couldn't compare to the hurt he had caused her. She wouldn't accept his proposal.
"Ma'am, are you sure you don't know this man?" one of the security guards asked.
"I don't know him," she said firmly.
"That's not true. She knows me. We even have kids together and are staying at this hotel," Jack quickly countered. He couldn't let Alison leave him in the middle of the night. He just wanted to be with her, to wake up together and enjoy the warmth and joy of nature.
Hearing Jack's words, the security guard remembered seeing this woman with two kids who did resemble the man. This was clearly a domestic issue, and the guard hesitated, unsure whether to intervene.
"Sir, it's late. Don't disturb the guests. Ma'am, no matter what your husband did wrong, look at how sincere he is now. Give him a chance. Otherwise, children from single-parent families might have psychological issues," the guard advised.
"Yeah, ma'am, think about the kids," another guard chimed in.
The two guards began to persuade her.
They thought a man like Jack, who could create such a romantic scene, was rare. They themselves couldn't do it. Look at the Christmas tree and the artificial snow—it must have cost a lot.
Alison was furious. She had hoped the guards would help her, but instead, they were siding with Jack.
"He's not my husband, and he's not the father of my kids! Don't make assumptions. If you won't help me get rid of him, at least don't help him bully me!" Alison was so angry she said whatever came to mind.
The guards blushed. "Ma'am, are you sure he's not your husband?"
"No, he wasn't before, and he won't be in the future!" Alison answered firmly, still trying to shake off Jack's arm.
"That's not true. I am! I was before, and I will be in the future!" Jack retorted, holding her tightly, not letting her go.
Alison was really angry now. With one hand held by him, she quickly took out her phone with the other and turned it on.
The screen showed numerous missed calls—Jack's, Aidan's, Laura's, but mostly Jack's.
She was still angry, couldn't help but be angry, and didn't bother with the missed calls. She directly dialed 911.
"Alison, what are you doing?" Jack asked in surprise.
"I'm calling the police to report you for harassment!" Alison said, and the call connected. "I need to report harassment. I'm at the Volcano..."
Before she could finish, Jack snatched the phone from her.
"Sorry, I made a mistake today and upset my wife. She gets emotional and calls the police. It's all my fault. If there's a fine, I'll pay it," Jack quickly explained, turning the emergency call into his apology session.
"Sir, calling 911 is not a joke. Please be careful in the future. A harmonious family is the key to happiness. Treat your wife well, and she won't get angry," the operator said sternly.
"Yes, I will," he responded quickly, afraid the police would actually show up and make a scene.
While he was on the phone, Alison took the opportunity to break free from his grip and ran back to the hotel. She had planned to take a quiet walk on this peaceful night, but Jack's arrival had ruined everything.
"Alison, wait for me!" he called out, striding after her and signaling for the artificial snow to stop.
The two security guards exchanged smiles and shouted, "Sir, good luck!"
Hearing this, Jack felt a surge of energy. No one was laughing at him; the guards were supporting him.
For the first time in his life, he was putting so much effort into winning over a girl.
He couldn't give up. He kept chasing.
Hearing his footsteps, Alison decided to take off her shoes and run barefoot on the carpet, silently entering the elevator and quickly pressing the button to go up.
He was catching up.
She was so anxious she stomped her feet. Just as he was about to enter, the elevator doors finally closed and started moving.
She panted, thinking she had to be quick and couldn't let him into the room.
Meanwhile, Jack ran towards the stairs. He knew she was staying on the sixth floor, which wasn't too high. Although he could take another elevator, it was under maintenance, so he had to use the stairs.
He ran faster than he ever had, even more than during his college fitness tests.
With a "ding," Alison's elevator doors opened, and she rushed out. The hallway was empty; there was no sign of Jack. She quickly walked to her room, thinking she had finally gotten rid of him.