Chapter 769 - Seven Hundred And Sixty-nine: Crushed His Glory (1/2)
The third point of view :
The atmosphere became awkward after they exchanged pleasantries. Theodore was sitting by her bedside and Ailee didn't know whether she was bothered by her attraction for him or the fact she couldn't lie easily with his proximity.
”How are -?” the both of them said at the same time after minutes of silence. They stared at each other and then burst into laughter - controlled laughter for Ailee because of her stomach wound.
”I'm good,” Ailee replied afterward, having sensed his question, ”You?”
”I'm fine as well. Thankfully the incident was kept under wraps so our parents didn't see that and freak out,” He chuckled.
Ailee smiled back and there came the silence again. The tension was suffocating once again and Ailee had to fiddle with her hands to keep herself from looking at Theodore. She didn't want to see the accusing look that must be on his face. He must feel betrayed by her, the girl he liked.
”How do you feel since he left?” Theodore asked and that question prompted her to look up. Aside from Allen, he was the only one to ask how she was faring with Neon's departure.
”I'm good,” Ailee merely shrugged.
”You don't have to lie to me, Ailee,” Theodore told her with a sympathetic look in his eyes that annoyed her greatly. He should be angry with her not pitying her.
”Then what do you want me to do? Tell you that I worry about my brother or used-to-be brother that's in love with me? Really? You should be mad, Theodore. I'm supposed to be madly in love with you,” Ailee couldn't stir away from the conversation anymore.
”Oh, I was angry,” Theodore admitted, ”I was very, very angry at first. How dare he make you just because he has the advantage of being your pretend sibling? It was foul play, Ailee and I was determined to battle it out with him until that incident.
”I saw the look in his eyes, Ailee and he was determined to lay down his life when he saw you fall - It was something I couldn't do. Perhaps in the heat of the moment, I would, but consciously, I would hesitate. There's just so much at stake here, my sister? Future? But Neon? He didn't care. All that mattered was you,”
Ailee was dumbfounded. She just sat motionless for a moment and then squeezed her eyes shut as if in pain before reopening them, ”Then why are you telling me this? Why is everyone telling me what to feel? It's my feelings I should be able to feel it!” Ailee was frustrated or maybe she was just heartbroken. Mad at Neon for leaving her at a time like this. He was usually her support.
Theodore snorted a laugh, drawing her attention, ”Funny enough, he told me to take care of you before leaving. He was handing you over to me,”
”Bastard,” Ailee muttered under her breath. She was not a trophy to be won and then sold to the best bidder. He would pay for that when she's out of this hospital.
”Unfortunately, I don't date girls who are in love with another,” Theodore told her.
But Ailee was quick to defend herself, ”I'm not in love with -” she was cut off by the glare Theodore gave her. Gosh, that was so scary.
”I've forgiven you,” Theodore told her and Ailee breathed a sigh of relief as if a huge burden was taken off her shoulder. She felt lighter.
”It seems we make better friends than lovers,” Theodore said, stretching forth his hand for a new chance at friendship.
”You'd be my first male friend that wasn't killed by my brother,” Ailee smiled, accepting his handshake.
Theodore joked, ”I guess he was overtaken by my charm,” He was still smiling when Ailee tugged on his hand, pulling him closer, and hugged him tightly.
”Thank you so much,” She said, ”You don't know how much this means to me. I suddenly wish we were triplets like my siblings so I can offer you, my other sister, to date,”
Theodore grinned, pulling away, ”If that's the case, I'd simply wait for the triplets to grow up so I can marry one of them,”
Ailee gave him a dirty look, ”Don't even go there because I'd skin you alive before my father does,”