Chapter 65: Ansel met Erica at the party
Ansel left in bewilderment. He was thinking a lot about what he had just heard and seen, as well as about what he needed to do after discovering Desi and Kevin’s betrayal.
At this moment, Ansel was truly at a loss as to what to do. Should he continue with his plan to propose to Desi, or should he cancel it? If he cancels the plan, then his parents’ reaction is what worries Ansel the most. He may face strong opposition from his parents. His parents may become so angry that it could affect their health.
Of course, Ansel has every legitimate reason to protect himself. But if he has to reveal the truth for his own benefit, it means the truth must be disclosed. Ansel, however, is not so heartless as to expose the dark secret of Desi’s affair with Kevin in public or in front of his parents.
If Ansel let everything go according to plan, then, oh, Ansel felt restless. Wouldn’t that be very unfair to Ansel? Betrayal is something that can never be forgiven, in Ansel’s view. If there is an exception, then after Ansel forgives, the relationship between him and the forgiven person may not be the same as before, even becoming enemies.
With a mind full of thoughts and a heart burdened with distress, Ansel walked absent-mindedly down the corridor. It seemed like he didn’t pay attention to anything around him.
At the corner, turning towards the auditorium, Ansel suddenly collided with a female server walking towards him, causing her to fall to the floor. Ansel himself lost balance and stumbled back a few steps. Luckily, Ansel didn’t fall. Ansel snapped out of it, feeling a bit scared when he heard the girl’s groaning sound.
“Excuse me, are you okay?” Ansel hurriedly approached the girl sitting on the floor, trying to find out if she was injured. When Axel looked down at the girl, he was surprised to realize that it was Erica.
“Erica!” Axel exclaimed, feeling an unusual sense of joy in his heart.
“Ansel,” hearing her familiar name, temporarily overlooked the pain and looked up. Erica was also amazed to meet Ansel here.
The two stared at each other without blinking, their emotions suddenly in chaos. It had been two weeks since their coincidental meeting at the university. Now they are reunited. Both Erica and Ansel felt a little embarrassed and didn’t know how to behave naturally.
“Are you okay?” Ansel asked with concern, breaking the frozen state of both, “Let me help you.” Ansel said, reaching out to assist Erica in standing up.
“I’m fine, just a little pain in my head and buttocks,” Erica honestly replied, holding Ansel’s hand and allowing him to help her stand up.
After facing each other, Erica could only smile awkwardly because of her current appearance. Meanwhile, Ansel felt embarrassed for causing the accident and was also worried about Erica’s condition.
“I’m sorry, Erica. I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings and caused the accident.” Ansel said it with a remorseful tone.
“I’m not hurt, so don’t worry. Thank you for caring about me, though.” Erica replied with a light smile.
Ansel felt relieved knowing that Erica wasn’t seriously injured.
“What are you doing here?” Ansel changed the topic of the conversation.
“Of course, I’m working,” Erica said nonchalantly.
It was only then that Ansel noticed the apron that Erica was wearing.
“You’re still working part-time?” Ansel gently asked.
“Yeah.” Erica nodded happily and said, “I need the money to pay for my living expenses. Serving at big and formal events like this means my pay will be higher than normal. I can’t miss out on that.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were here?” Ansel hesitantly spoke.
“I didn’t think it was necessary.” Erica answered truthfully: “I came here to work; there was no reason to tell you.”
“I’m sorry, Erica. I could have invited you as an honorary guest,” Ansel said apologetically. “But I…”
Realizing Ansel’s discomfort, Erica said cheerfully, “You don’t have to worry about that. I understand your situation.”
‘You don’t understand, Erica,’ Ansel thought to himself, in pain. The reason he didn’t invite Erica was not that he couldn’t, but because he was afraid that his heart would be torn apart when he saw her.
“Besides, even if you invited me, I would decline,” Erica added when she saw Ansel’s gloomy expression. Erica thought Ansel was feeling regretful, and she didn’t want him to feel that way.
“Why is that?” Ansel asked, feeling sad inside.
“I don’t want to miss the opportunity to make money,” Erica confessed candidly with a naive smile. “Moreover, I don’t think I’m suited for these kinds of parties. People will laugh at me and think I’m lying if I say I was invited by you.”
‘That won’t happen. I won’t let that happen,’ Ansel wanted to say to Erica. But in the end, with a little bit of timidity, Ansel held back.
There was a moment of silence after Erica’s honest statement. She then changed the subject and asked, “So, Ansel?” What’s been going on with you?”
Surprised that Erica could sense his distress, Ansel avoided eye contact and asked, “Why do you ask?”
“Your face looks down, and you seem distracted. I assume you’re either troubled or have a difficult problem to solve,” Erica reminded him, showing concern.
Ansel once again admired Erica’s ability to read people. “I’m just asking, and if you’re uncomfortable, you don’t have to say anything,” Erica gently said when Ansel showed no intention of responding.
“As you said, I do have a big problem that I can’t solve. I don’t know what to do,” Ansel admitted frankly.
“If you don’t mind, you can share it with me.” Erica sincerely offered, “I’m not sure if I can help you, but maybe I can give you some reasonable advice. Don’t forget, I’m a general practitioner.”
“We should find a more appropriate place to talk,” Ansel proposed, implying he would welcome Erica’s enthusiasm.
“I know a wonderful place!” Erica exclaimed excitedly. “Follow me.”Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Ansel then followed Erica to the balcony on the second floor, a place where few people ventured.
Ansel and Erica were sitting on a long bench in the quiet space of the night. Ansel looked tense and worried, while Erica was trying to motivate him.
“Ansel. Please tell me if you trust me,” Erica said gently.
“I really don’t know what to do, Erica.” Ansel nodded and began. Ansel lightly folded his arms over his knees. “My parents are asking me to do something I don’t want to do.”
Erica placed her hand on Ansel’s shoulder and said softly, “I understand how you feel. But if you don’t follow your own desires, you’ll never truly be happy.”
Ansel looked straight into Erica’s eyes and felt like he was talking to someone who truly understood him.
“But I don’t want to make my parents sad,” Ansel sighed.
Erica smiled lightly, looked into the distance, and said:
“Ansel, Every parent wants what’s best for their children. They always say they do it for their children’s future and happiness. But sometimes, they don’t understand what their children really want or whether their actions are right or wrong. They love their children regardless and don’t care about the consequences. If children resist and argue with their parents, they are deemed ungrateful. But if they follow their parents’ words, aren’t they condoning something bad if their parents’ intentions are wrong? Instead of struggling fruitlessly, it’s better to prove to parents that our choices are right. If we try our best, we will never regret anything. With time, parents will see their children’s efforts and eventually accept them.”
Ansel gazed at Erica, feeling like he had found a solution.
“Thank you, Erica. You are truly an excellent doctor,’ he said.
Erica chuckled at the compliment.
“The important thing is that you always know what you’re doing. I believe you’ll find the right way.”
Ansel smiled and suddenly took Erica’s hand. Erica felt a little flustered but didn’t pull her hand back, thinking about Ansel’s emotions. Knowing that Ansel had something to say, Erica listened quietly.
“Erica. Thank you for helping me. I’m very lucky to have met you.” Ansel said it with the utmost sincerity.
“Yeah. I’m lucky to have met you too.” Erica replied with the same sincerity.
The two smiled at each other and looked up at the star-filled sky. It felt peaceful and comfortable.
The conversation lasted a little longer until Erica received a call from a colleague. The manager was looking for her, so Erica said goodbye to Ansel and went back to work. Ansel also needed to go to the conference hall to handle some necessary tasks. So the two parted ways and agreed to meet again later.