Ansel left the hospital feeling disoriented and distressed. Right now, he needs someone to talk to. Instead of thinking of Nika as usual, Ansel thought of Erica. And then there was a strong urge from the heart. That’s why Ansel decided to go see Erica.


    Inside the house, upon hearing the doorbell ring, Erica immediately ceased washing the dishes and slowly made her way to the door. Erica didn’t forget to grab the baseball bat in the corner. It served as Erica’s defense against potential threats, such as intruders. Erica lived alone, and the security in her area was not great. Hence, Erica had to be capable of safeguarding herself.


    “Who’s out there?” Erica cautiously inquired, her right hand gripping the baseball bat tightly behind her back. Her left hand rested on the doorknob. Erica rarely had unexpected visitors, so she was a bit wary.


    “It’s me, Ansel.” Ansel’s voice rang out, dissipating the tension Erica was feeling.


    Erica immediately opened the door, and as soon as the door swung open, she was slightly surprised to see Ansel standing before her. Then, Erica’s concern grew as she noticed Ansel’s tense and somber expression.


    “Ansel, why are you here? Is something wrong with you?” Erica asked with genuine concern, “Your face looks bad.


    Ansel didn’t respond. Instead, he approached Erica and suddenly embraced her tightly. Erica was taken aback by Ansel’s abrupt gesture, then felt bewildered and wanted to push him away. However, Ansel held onto Erica even tighter and made a request:


    “Please, just hold me for a while. I really need it.”


    “Ansel.” Erica’s voice whispered. She didn’t know what to say anymore.


    Ansel’s unexpected arrival and his intense embrace left Erica perplexed, causing a moment of hesitation to cross her mind. However, as she caught sight of the distress in his eyes, she softened and surrendered to his embrace. She could perceive his trembling body and feel the weight of his emotions in the tightness of his grip.


    “Erica. Please hug me.” Ansel’s voice begged.


    Erica refrained from responding to the hug, fearing that she wouldn’t be able to control her own emotions. Although Ansel had given permission, Erica believed it was best to maintain boundaries and a certain level of distance in their coborative rtionship. On Ansel’s part, even though Erica didn’t hug him back, resting his head on Erica’s shoulder still made him feelforted and at ease.


    Silence permeated the air, upying the space between Erica and Ansel, and neither of them spoke a word. Only the sound of their breaths and the rhythmic beats of their hearts echoed a vibrant, resonating melody.


    After a while, as Ansel began to feel better, he slowly distanced himself from Erica.


    “I’m feeling better now. Thank you, Erica.” Ansel initiated the conversation.


    “You’re wee,” Erica replied with a gentle smile. “Would you like toe inside?”


    Ansel nodded in agreement. Erica immediately stepped aside to create a path for Ansel to enter the house. Suddenly, Ansel unintentionally caught a glimpse of the baseball bat that Erica had been hiding behind her back. Suspicious, Ansel asked, “What is that for?” His eyes focused intently on the arm concealed behind Erica’s back.


    Observing Ansel’s gaze, Erica easily understood what he was implying. With a somewhat awkward smile, Erica exined, “It’s nothing worth mentioning, you.” “Nothing worth mentioning; forget it!” She quickly changed the subject: “The apartment may seem a bit cramped, but I hope you feelfortable.”


    Erica’s response didn’t fully satisfy Ansel, but he decided not to press Erica further. Moreover, upon careful consideration, Ansel believed that he would soon find out the answer.


    “Why don’t you have some tea? I don’t have any coffee.” Erica interrupted Ansel’s train of thought. As Ansel nced at Erica, he noticed her standing in the kitchen.


    “Sure,” Ansel replied. He then made his way toward the worn-out sofa in the middle of the room.


    Honestly, this was Ansel’s first time stepping into Erica’s home. To be more urate, it was a humble and modest apartment,cking in abundance. Ansel looked around the room and realized the hardships in Erica’s life. However, despite all that, Erica remained optimistic and forward-looking. Not to mention, Erica was also very kind-hearted andpassionate. It was these qualities that had won over Ansel’s once proud and arrogant heart. And now, Ansel faced a great challenge-he didn’t know how to protect his love when his mother had resorted to using death as a means to make him abandon Erica.


    Lost in thought, Ansel was interrupted as Erica appeared with two cups of tea in her hands.


    “It’s herbal tea. The generousndlord gave me some,” Erica said, cing the cup of tea in front of Ansel. “I hope you like it.”


    “Thank you,” Ansel replied. Slowly, he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip. The taste wasn’t bad either. Erica followed suit and discreetly observed Ansel’s reaction.


    “Ansel, what happened?” Erica broke the silence. It was evident that she was perceptive, recognizing that Ansel was not in a good emotional state. And instead of letting Ansel silently bear it, Erica wanted to persuade him to open up to her.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    In response to Erica’s question, Ansel looked at her with an indescribable gaze.


    “If you don’t mind, you can share with me. I promise to listen,” Erica suggested. “But if that’s not possible, please forgive me for the foolish suggestion.”


    Ansel offered a faint smile and replied, “I truly appreciate your willingness to lend an ear.”


    Ansel seemed to find sce when Erica enthusiastically wanted to help him. Furthermore, the purpose of hising here was to discuss his mother’s request with Erica. So he began to open up about the overwhelming struggles he had faced and the overwhelming sense of loss and confusion that had consumed him since leaving the hospital. Erica listened attentively, offering empathy and understanding.


    A silence fell once Ansel finished recounting the story to Erica.


    “I don’t know what to do now.” Ansel decided to speak up first. He was showing his dilemma and frustration.


    “We can cancel the wedding if you want,” Erica suggested without thinking it through.


    “No, that’s not possible,” Ansel reacted vehemently.


    “Why not?” Ansel’s reaction bewildered Erica as she asked. His response proved difficult for her to understand.


    “I just don’t want to be forced into it,” Knowing that she had just had a reaction that made Erica suspicious, Ansel quickly evaded it by giving an excuse: “Besides, marrying someone I don’t love is extremely challenging for me. What’s more, Desi is also a traitor.”


    Erica sincerely offered advice to Ansel:


    “Ansel, in my opinion, you shouldn’t make your mother sad. Try to think more positively and rationally. Who knows, maybe what your mother is saying is right.”


    “I’d rather be single for the rest of my life than marry someone like Desi,” Ansel eximed in frustration. “My mother doesn’t understand what I truly want. And Erica, you know about Desi; why would you want me to marry her?”


    “I just thought maybe Desi had a reason.” Erica scratched her head, hesitantly exining, “Moreover, I believe everyone deserves a second chance to correct their mistakes.”


    “Does that mean you want me to forgive Desi?” Ansel asked, dissatisfied.


    “If you can forgive, then do so.” Erica expressed her viewpoint: “Living a peaceful and lighter life is much better than nurturing hatred and resentment towards everything.”


    Listening to Erica’s words, Ansel could only sigh. He couldn’t be angry with Erica. Because Erica spoke her mind. Although Erica’s views sometimes differed from Ansel’s, Ansel knew he had to respect Erica’s personal thoughts. Not to mention, it was Erica’s point of view that made Ansel fall in love with her. So, there was no reason for Ansel toin or get upset with Erica because of what Erica said.