Chapter 47: Ansel wants to help Erica
Although Erica had nodded in agreement with Ansel’s proposal, he still didn’t feel completely satisfied. There was a lingering uneasiness that continued to bother him. Ansel decided to confront and dispel this unease. To do so, he needed to clarify the doubts that were present in his mind.
“Erica, I have something to ask. Please answer me honestly, okay?” Ansel’s voice sounded like she was asking for help.
“If I can help you, I will. What do you want to know?” Erica replied, slightly surprised by Ansel’s request.
“I want to know about you.”
Ansel confidently stated this, oblivious to Erica’s astonished expression. Did Ansel realize that he had used language that could be easily misunderstood? Not only did he perplex Erica, but he also managed to stir unexpected emotions within her. And then heat from nowhere spread throughout Erica’s body. Finally, it gathered all on her face, causing her cheeks to flush bright red.
Erica didn’t blink, gazing intently at Ansel’s excited expression. Nika pretended to cough to remind Ansel. And then, when Ansel realized that Erica was blushing because of his earlier words, he immediately explained clearly.
“Actually, I do want to know about the story of your life. Honestly, I’m quite curious.”
From a state of shyness, Erica turned to astonishment, to the point of restlessness. Erica also had some hesitation about making a choice. Should she be honest or hide her secret? What if Ansel’s question posed difficulties for Erica? What should Erica do? Look, Ansel’s expression and attitude appear very serious, and his gaze reflects a definite sincerity. This made Erica feel awkward.
“I’m a boring person. My life isn’t really worth talking about,” Erica skillfully said about herself. The main purpose was to refuse Ansel’s request: “So, you would be disappointed if you knew. You’d better spend your time watching dramas instead of learning about me.”
Erica concluded her advice with a forced smile. Whether Ansel agreed to follow it or not, Erica didn’t care. As for Ansel, knowing that Erica was deliberately avoiding the question, he didn’t waste any more time and straightforwardly asked:
“Why are you down there? I mean, beneath the foul-smelling sewage pond?”
Not only was Ansel curious, but Nika also wanted to know. Earlier, when telling the story, Erica didn’t mention the accident that landed her in the hospital. Erica didn’t expect Ansel to ask about it. Consequently, she immediately fell into a state of confusion this time. According to Erica, it was a private, personal matter. It wasn’t appropriate to share or complain about it with someone else, especially someone who wasn’t close to her. Erica also had her own sense of pride; she didn’t want others to pity her.
“What’s up?” Seeing Erica’s thoughtful expression, Ansel probed. Ansel was patiently waiting for Erica to answer.
“That…” Ansel hesitated, avoiding direct eye contact with Erica. “I’m afraid it’s not something I should share. Anyway…”
“Go ahead and speak; I can help you.” Ansel firmly interrupted Erica’s intended refusal.
“Help me? Help with what?” Erica immediately looked at Ansel with a puzzled expression.
“Help solve your problem.” Ansel made no secret, frankly admitting his intentions.
Upon hearing that, Erica immediately panicked and shook her head in denial.
“No need; please don’t think too much about my matters. I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t accept it. Thank you for your good intentions.”
“Why not?” Ansel furrowed his brow and asked, “Do you underestimate my abilities? Or do you not trust me?”
“I don’t want to be indebted,” Erica explained hastily, fearing Ansel’s anger. “To be precise, I don’t have the ability to repay the kindness of someone who helps me. Therefore, I’m sorry, but I have to decline.” Erica displayed her determination.
“I do this not just to repay your life-saving grace,” Ansel emphasized. “I genuinely want to help you. I don’t require you to repay me in any way.”
“It can’t be like that!” Erica exclaimed, unsure of how to stop Ansel. “In any case, I can’t accept it.”
Erica still stubbornly refused. Knowing that Erica could not be persuaded easily, Ansel suddenly confessed his wrongdoing:
“Erica, I know that what I’m about to say might make you angry, but I feel like I need to confess something to you.”
Ansel paused to gauge Erica’s reaction. As expected, his voice suddenly turned serious, which made Erica feel a little uneasy. She anxiously awaited Ansel to complete what he had started, which heightened her curiosity and also caused her to feel anxious.
“What is it?” Erica couldn’t bear it any longer and urged, “Please tell me quickly.”
Ansel took a deep breath and finally revealed his confession to Erica:
“I asked Nika to find out about you. So, I already know some things about you,” Ansel confessed. “And now, I want to hear a different version of the story from you. I also want to hear your opinion about my wanting to help. If you still insist on refusing, I will find my own way to do it.”
Ansel’s words hung in the air, waiting for Erica’s response.
“Why did you do that?” Before Ansel’s blunt confession, Erica couldn’t keep her composure. She stood up from her chair and exclaimed, “What is your purpose in delving into my personal matters?”
Erica was indeed feeling unsettled. In addition, she also felt a sense of fear. Was Ansel harboring ill intentions toward her? It was truly a suspicious situation that made her wary.
As if reading Erica’s thoughts, Nika decided to speak up. He had a justification to offer on behalf of Ansel.
“Erica, don’t doubt our intentions,” Nika emphasized with a tone that demanded attention. As expected, Erica immediately shifted her stunned gaze from Ansel to Nika, looking at Nika with great suspicion.Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.
“What do you mean?” Erica demanded an explanation.
“Actually, initially we sought to understand you just to discover your weaknesses,” Nika shared honestly. “Once we know your weaknesses, that’s when you give us a chance to have a serious conversation. But now there’s another reason. We genuinely want to help you.”
“What?” Erica looked perplexed, shifting her gaze from Ansel to Nika. She couldn’t believe that these two men could do such a thing.
“What we’re saying is true. We can vouch for it. Please trust us,” Nika declared loudly, and Ansel nodded in agreement.
“That’s right. We will swear if that’s what you want. But afterward, Erica, please tell us your story.”
“You have every right to be angry with our actions.” Nika added, “But please, don’t refuse anymore. We’re doing this for your sake.”
“Erica, please. Let me help you.” Ansel’s voice was incredibly sincere. It was rare for Ansel to plead with someone, especially a woman.
Silence took over the room. Erica once again looked hesitant at Nika, then stopped at Ansel. She was deeply moved by the sincerity of the two young men. There was nothing wrong with sharing her story with others, right? Besides, Erica believed that Ansel had no ill intentions. Erica has nothing of value for Ansel to exploit. And after all, Ansel was her savior. Unable to contain herself any longer, Erica decided to release all her frustrations and grievances to Ansel and Nika.
“Alright then. What do you want to know?” Erica looked at Ansel and gently asked.
“As I mentioned earlier, why were you unconscious in that mud?” Ansel reiterated.
With a heavy heart, Erica struggled to recount the unfortunate events that had befallen her. A solemn atmosphere filled the air as Erica painfully recalled her sorrowful past. The two young men listened attentively to Erica’s story, showing a special level of concern.