Gao Jixuan didn’t struggle under the chokehold. He gasped, “Xiangyang, you’ve forgotten that you’re also your father’s son. Didn’t you also play with Jing Xin’s emotions? She waited for you for years, yet you married Jiang Xinyao. Is this how you love her? You made her suffer for so long, and to avoid causing trouble in your happy life, she’d rather compromise and marry me.”
Jiang Xiangyang’s hand slowly loosened. The wind blew his hair into disarray. “You’re saying Jing Xin will marry you to let me and Xinyao live well?”
His voice suddenly lacked confidence, low as if wounded.
“Yes, she’s always been foolish and kind, always thinking of others. This relationship forced her into a corner, and I took advantage, entangling her to marry me. When she said she’d marry me, her heart must have been bleeding.” Gao Jixuan closed his eyes in pain.
“Doesn’t she know I had no choice either? During these years away, I gradually discovered my love for her was intense. Although we haven’t been in contact for six years, my love hasn’t diminished. I tried to rely on time to forget her, but found it impossible. Perhaps in this lifetime, I’ll never love another so deeply. Yet, I can’t love again. I’m weak in emotions. I’ve let down Ruan Hongli and can’t let down Xinyao. Xinyao has sacrificed so much for me. I swore I’d always love and never leave her.”
He never thought he’d express these feelings. He believed they’d rot in his heart, dying with his emotions.
“Xiangyang, isn’t it too simple for you to not understand? Love isn’t charity. Only when facing someone you truly want to love will love emerge. Xinyao wants love, not your pity or care! She’s always been understanding. She’ll understand this. You’re too self-righteous.”
You think you’re doing the right thing, but you’ve hurt both Jing Xin and Xinyao.”
Jiang Xiangyang stared at him, finally releasing his hand and slumping into the chair. The overturned coffee cup had created a large stain on the tablecloth, with cream and sugar scattered everywhere. They stared blankly at the mess, silent for a long time.
