Five Years as His Secret Lover

Chapter 7 The Rejected Proposal

The entire hall erupted in an uproar after Vivian rejected the proposal. People whispered openly, their shock barely concealed.

"She actually turned down the Prince of Harborfell's proposal? Who does she think she is?"

"Exactly. Countless women would do anything for that honor, and she just refused it."

"Embarrassing the Prince of Harborfell in front of everyone? I doubt she'll be able to stay in Harborfell City after this."

Even I was stunned.

Following the direction of the voice, I looked up and saw Vivian walking straight toward me. She stopped in front of me and spoke gently.

"Ms. Hartwell, I don't want you to live with regrets. This is the last chance I can give you."

I waved my hands quickly.

"There's no need. Adrian and I have already…"

But she didn't let me finish.

"If you get what you wish for, don't forget it was I who made it possible."

With that, she turned and left.

Adrian arrived just in time to hear her last sentence. He immediately chased after her. As he passed by me, the hatred in his eyes felt almost tangible, sending a chill down my spine.

The proposal banquet ended in complete failure. Some people felt sorry for Adrian, while others secretly enjoyed the drama. And somehow, I had become the unexpected victim caught in the middle.

Thinking of Tessa's reconciliation letter, I grabbed my suitcase and ran after them. The moment I stepped outside, I ran straight into Adrian.

He looked completely lost. But the instant he noticed the suitcase in my hand, something in his expression snapped. Like a madman, he grabbed me by the throat.

"This is all your fault."

The fury in his eyes burned as if he wanted to reduce me to ashes.

"You think that by ruining things between Vivian and me, you can move into Wynthorne Estate and become my only woman? Stop dreaming. You will never compare to her, and you will never replace her in my heart."

Wynthorne Estate was the mansion Adrian had prepared as his future marital home, the place meant for the woman he would one day marry. I had known that for a long time.

Once, I had even imagined what it would be like to live there. I had foolishly imagined that one day he might fall in love with me. But those dreams had always been nothing more than fantasies.

Now, I was finally awake.

Adrian's eyes were red with rage, and his grip around my neck tightened.

"If she refuses once, I'll propose twice. If she refuses twice, I'll propose ten times. One day she'll say yes. But you, no matter what tricks you play, I will never look at you again."

Air slowly drained from my lungs. Desperately, I clawed at his hands.

"I… didn't…"

But anger had replaced all reason in him. The murderous intent in his eyes was unmistakable.

Fortunately, several of his friends rushed over and pulled him away just in time.

"Mr. Cross, even if you kill her now, it won't change anything," one of them said urgently. "You should think about how to make Vivian change her mind."

The words gradually brought Adrian back to his senses. He grabbed my arm and dragged me toward his car.

"You're coming with me to explain everything to Vivian. Once she knows there's nothing between us, she'll stop rejecting me and accept my proposal."

I no longer had the strength to argue.

"Alright."

His hand paused on the car door. He looked at me with a strange expression, his lips moving slightly as if he wanted to say something. In the end, he remained silent.

When Vivian saw me, shock flashed across her face. Her eyes held a complicated mix of confusion and disbelief as she walked toward me.

"You still haven't told him the truth?"

Adrian immediately pulled her back into his arms.

"Vivian, I brought her here just to tell you something. There's nothing between her and me. Even if there was something before, it's already over. The only person I've ever loved is you. Please give me another chance."

Vivian looked at me as if waiting for me to say something.

The proud Prince of Harborfell had already humbled himself for love. What more could I possibly add?

I simply nodded, confirming Adrian's words.

Vivian turned away from me gracefully.

"I can accept your proposal," she said calmly. "But first, answer one question honestly. If the person who saved you back then wasn't me, would you still love me?"

Adrian glanced at me instinctively before nodding.

"Of course."

My heart sank, yet the pain was far less than I had expected.

Vivian slowly extended her hand toward him.

"Then I accept."

The sudden happiness brought tears to Adrian's eyes. He quickly took out the ring he had prepared and dropped to one knee.

"Vivian, please marry me. I promise I'll make you the happiest woman in the world."

The ring didn't even fit her finger perfectly, but Adrian had finally won the woman he loved.

The lovers had reached their happy ending.

I thought I would feel heartbroken. Yet as I watched them embrace passionately, all I felt was calm. Perhaps letting go of someone you had loved for years wasn't as difficult as I had imagined.

Just as I turned to leave, Vivian called out to stop me.

"Ms. Hartwell, you're the only witness to Adrian's proposal. When we get married, would you be willing to be my bridesmaid?"

I shook my head. But Adrian clearly didn't want Vivian to be disappointed. He looked at me with silent pressure.

Left with no other choice, I finally told the truth.

"I'm already… married."