Chapter 185
1712words
Right after I ended the call, I suddenly felt weak, and my arm dropped to my side, not even giving me enough strength to hide my phone in my pocket.
I leaned back on the wall and looked up to the sky, praying that the heaviness I felt would ease up a bit.
But it didn’t. Instead, memories of the past event kept repeating in my mind like a broken film record.
“Don’t forget to call Albert.”
“But what about Albert?”
“Have you talked to Albert?”
“About Albert… When did you have news about him last?”
Those were just a few words of hints given to me by Fae, Stella, Troy… and even Jackson.
I wanted to hit myself for being so stupid. Why didn’t I catch up to their hints? They’re trying to tell me something based on their words' odds.
But no, I was so oblivious, which I usually wasn’t.
Guilt rushed through me. Was I so comfortable with Albert and at ease already that I looked past his feelings? Did I disregard him that much?
I suddenly questioned myself. Would I have been more thoughtful if it were any other friend of mine? Would I have been more nosy?
“I told you! You should have listened to me when I told you how I felt so uneasy. Whenever we talk about Albert,” Trisha suddenly surfaced in my mind, scolding me.
She’s right. She did tell me something.
“You always said it’s merely because of your friendship with him, and I don’t know if it was or if it was more than that! But I’m sure the bond is strong. I’m sure I want him. How else can you explain why I feel something, too?”
Because…
I looked down, kicked a pebble, and sighed. “I’m sorry,” I replied to her.
Constantly, I’d deny any signs because I wanted to put a line between Albert and me – to make it clear that there’s nothing between us but friendship. Especially after I made up my mind that I’d be getting back with Kylian.
“Look! Albert can sacrifice and give his life for you, too! Why not just accept him? I want him!” I was shocked to hear Trisha’s utmost support for Albert.
“Trish! Please! We’re pregnant with Kylian’s pup. I’m sorry, but whatever that is you’re feeling, I’m sure you’re just worried about him like I do. And it’s because he’s our friend.”
After saying that, I felt that she was about to protest again, so I blocked her.
Once I was able to calm myself better, I raised my arm and dialed Albert’s number.
Jackson’s right. For whatever reason, I needed to call Albert. He’s, after all, my friend and someone who’s sacrificed a lot for me.
“Della!” Albert’s hoarse but excited voice came from the other end, followed by a cough.
I was about to ask how he was when he suddenly bombarded me with a series of questions. “Are you alright? I heard about what happened! How are you? I’m supposed to come with Fae, but I got injured a few days ago, so I can’t. Are you sure you’re okay?”
My heart clenched as I heard the panic and worry evident in his voice.
“W-was it because of what’s happening in the Wakeland?” I asked in a low voice, feeling more and more guilty.
“No! Why would you think that? It’s just a small accident. No need to worry. I’m more worried about you. You haven’t answered me yet,” he asked, insisting.
A small accident? He’s the one who’s injured, but there he was, more worried about me. He even lied about his injury being an accident just so I wouldn’t worry about him.
My breathing became fast as my heart clenched while annoyance radiated in me.
Not answering his question again, I scolded with frustration instead, “Don’t lie to me! I already know what happened!”
“W-what are you talking about?” he stammered at first, which made me narrow my eyes. How stupid did he think I was? Despite how hard he tried to hide it, I still caught on to it.
“Don’t play with me! Jackson already told me everything!”
Silence filled the air for a while before he spoke again, “I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to worry you.”
Immediately, he added, “Don’t worry Della! I’ll strive to be much stronger from now on and give you everything you want. Everything you deserve.”
Warmth rushed in my heart. To say his words didn’t move me would be a complete lie, and I could attest that I’m not the only one by how I felt my wolf being all giddy.
“He likes you! He really does!” Trisha rejoiced, jumping and running around.
Indeed, it brought butterflies to me as well, but what’s there to do now? I am already determined to choose Kylian, and that won’t change. All it brought was more guilt for me.
Then… I froze as realization hit me.
I remember back when Nancy drugged Albert. He insisted on dying rather than being intimate with Nancy.
So… Did he like me from then? But that’s been so long!
If guilt was a devouring monster, I would have been swallowed up whole already.
“Della…” he called out in a very tender tone. “I want to tell you something. I know it’s probably long overdue but I wanted to give you more time and–”
“I decided to be with Kylian again!” I shouted, interrupting him from his sentence that was obviously starting to lead to a confession.
I tightly shut my eyes and mentally hit my head over and over again at how stupid and insensitive my words were.
But what could I do? I went into an instant panic. All I could do was say that.
“Hey! Are you alright?” I shouted and called over him as I heard a shuttering sound from the other end.
Della! You’re so stupid!
I’ve been hurt too, for many years. I knew what my words probably brought to him. But as painful as it was, he deserved to know it.
“I-I’m fine. My cup just fell. I didn’t hear you properly. What did you say?” he answered. Although he was trying his best to hide it, I could still hear his voice trembling.
Swallowing hard, I repeated in a much firmer tone. “I’m getting back with Kylian.”
“No! Stop! I’m sure he must feel terrible right now!” Trisha growled in protest.
“No, I have to do this. Trisha. I have to clarify it to him. I owe him that honesty,” I insisted. Deep in me, I could feel that Trisha felt miserable and bad, but it’s what I must do. If I couldn’t reciprocate his love for me, I should at least shouldn’t led him on.
Without waiting for Albert’s words, I continued my refusal. “I know what you want to say… I know that you like me and sacrificed a lot for me, but still… All I can do is apologize. I’m sorry, Albert.”
Pain radiated all over me as I spoke that. It’s as if I could feel the same pain he was feeling.
“W-what about your fated mate? Would you rather lose him than you lose Kylian? The same man who repeatedly hurt you?” Albert asked in a trembling voice, involuntarily making my eyes moist.
What should I say to that? Nothing. Nothing because he was right.
I could feel how much he was hurting right now and probably even more. But he’s one of my best friends, and I hope he can also bless my love for Kylian.
Bitterness formed on my lips as I silently cursed myself for being selfish.
“Yes… And I hope… you can give me your blessing.”
I heard a bitter scoff at the other end, which seemed like a sharp knife that struck my heart. “Della, don’t you think this is too cruel for me?”
Of course, it’s cruel. And it’s even more cruel that I was aware of it and still kept saying hurtful words.
I could never imagine how much he probably loved me to the point that he’d not only sacrifice so many things for me but would also not want me to worry despite how crucial of a situation he had fallen into.
It’s a pity. He’s a perfect man that many women would die for… but here I was, only knowing how to love one man. And that’s Kylian.
With a heavy heart, I sighed. “I’m very grateful for all your efforts and understanding, Albert. And if you no longer want to be my friend or partner… I’ll understand. I won’t take it against you, and I’ll always wait for the time we can be friends again.”
I swallowed hard and looked up to stop my tears from streaming down my face. “You can leave Wakeland at any time, and as compensation for everything I caused you, I’ll give you anything in return: a title, finance, anything—anything I can and anything you need. I will–”
“I don’t want any of that! All I want is you!” he suddenly shouted, taking me aback. That was the first time I heard his loud voice that was directed at me.
I heard heavy breathing from the other end before he took a deep breath. With a gentle voice, he repeated, “I just want you, Della. Nothing else and no one else.”
“Sir Albert, you can’t sit up! Your wound will burst open!” A loud shout from the other end could be heard.
By his words, I’m assuming that it’s a doctor. I suddenly stood up properly, feeling alert as my heart throbbed.
Panicking that I had probably made him worse, I said in a gentle tone, “Please, have a good rest first, Albert. And just know that my decision can’t be changed anymore.”
“You can’t be this cruel, Della. I want to talk to you…”
Before he could finish, I hung up the phone.
“Della! Finally, I found you!” Fae approached me from the hospital door, so I met her in the middle.
When she saw my state, she froze and asked with wide eyes, “Are you alright?”
“Fae…” I deeply looked into her eyes and asked, “Do you think I’m cruel to Albert?”
