In the apartment living room, only Rebecca Quentin and Howard Geoffrey were left.
At that moment, Rebecca looked up, her gaze calmly meeting Howard’s. After what seemed like deep consideration, she slowly asked, "Can I ask you a question?"
"Will you be good to me, and only me, for the rest of life?"
Hearing Howard’s answer, Rebecca slowly unbitted her lower lip. A dazed smile touched her lips as she replied, "Alright, wait for me downstairs. I’ll get my documents, and then I’ll go with you."
Howard planted a deep kiss on Rebecca’s forehead before turning to leave.
When Rebecca entered Aunt Clare’s room, Aunt Clare was sitting on the edge of the bed, her back to Rebecca, sulking.
Rebecca walked over and gently called out, "Aunt Clare."
Aunt Clare didn’t turn to look at Rebecca, her voice laced with disappointment as she said, "I heard what you said to that man. Your life is your own; I have no right to dictate your decisions. Do whatever you want!"
For the first time in her life, Rebecca sensed the absence of Aunt Clare’s usual warmth and the anger in her voice as she spoke.
Rebecca stared blankly ahead, enunciating each word slowly, "If I could change my life, I wish I had never met him in this lifetime."
Hearing Rebecca’s words, Aunt Clare immediately spun around and exclaimed passionately, "Miss, you still have time to change your life, as long as you refuse Howard now."
"No, it’s too late..." Rebecca shook her head blankly.
Aunt Clare asked, unable to understand, "Why?"
"Because, whether it was four years ago or now, I want to be with him. I love him, very, very much." Rebecca almost cried out the last few words.
Aunt Clare stood up. "Miss..."
Tears fell like pearls from a broken string as Rebecca cried out, "For the past four years, I’ve constantly thought that I must forget him, stop thinking about him, and completely banish him from my life...
"Four years later, I thought I had succeeded. But when I saw him again, I realized just how incredibly hard it is to forget someone...
"Seeing him with Christine Quinn still pains my heart; it still makes me miserable. Even when I’m with Skyler Jones every day, he’s the one on my mind.
"I know I’m being so foolish and useless, and I know Skyler is far more worthy of my lifelong pursuit than he is. But I can’t control myself, Aunt Clare. He’s the only one I like, the only one I miss..."
Aunt Clare’s eyes reddened as well. She hugged Rebecca tenderly, her voice choked with emotion as she said, "How could I not know what’s in your heart? Miss, if you can be with the man you love until you both grow old, that is the outcome I would most like to see.
"But he is so inscrutable, so calculating. He’s not suitable for someone as pure and kind as you. I’m truly afraid you’ll be hurt by him again..."
"No, Aunt Clare, I believe what he said to me today."
"Silly child, even if you end up with him, you can’t trust him completely. A man’s promises are sometimes just words to be heard, not always kept. Even devoted couples can’t honor every single vow..."
"Aunt Clare?" Rebecca’s eyes suddenly shone bright. "You agree?"
Aunt Clare smiled through her tears. "How could I not agree? Your heart has already gone with him; I couldn’t stop you even if I wanted to. Besides, you and he have already... well, these past few days...
"Oh well, let’s trust him this once. In any case, it was unexpected that he came looking for you today. And it was the first time I’ve ever seen him willing to patiently speak with an old woman like me!"
"Go on, I’ll help you pack. See if there’s anything else you want to take with you..."
"Aren’t you going with me?"
"No, I’ll pack my things later and go back to T City. I’m not used to life in America; I still prefer T City. If you two come back to T City, be sure to visit me..."
Rebecca never imagined that the moment she stepped out of the apartment, someone would sweep her off her feet, hoisting her by the waist.
"AH!" Rebecca shrieked, shyly swatting at him. "Put me down! There are so many people around!"
Completely disregarding the onlookers, Howard carried her to his car and eagerly settled her inside.
Watching Howard, who had returned to the driver’s seat and was now fastening her seatbelt, Rebecca couldn’t help but ask, "Hey, what’s the big hurry?"