League 449
League 449
Winston looked into Joanna's eyes. For the first time in his life, he dared not answer her question.
She bit her lip. She knew it! Winston was swayed by Millie.
In a fit of anger, she removed all her clothes and turned to show Winston the horrifying scar on her back. The light in his eyes dimmed. He quickly draped his jacket on Joanna. "What are you doing?"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Joanna refused to wear the jacket and shoved it out of her way.
"I want you to take a good look at my scar and the sacrifices I made for you!" she bellowed in a shaky voice.
She sounded more tearful as tears slid down her cheeks. "Winston, I'm willing to do anything for you, yet you hurt me over and over. You make me feel like it's not worth it to risk my life to protect you."
He felt her body shaking when he draped his jacket over her shoulders. He wanted to say something, but no words could address the situation. He sta Joanna removed the jacket and exposed her scar to him. He gently stroked the scar on her back.
She slowly began, "I am scared of the dark and the water. I am depressed. But I'm not afraid of dying. Winston Greer..."
Her voice softened. "I'm most afraid of losing your love and getting left behind. I'm scared that my sacrifices will end up a joke. Winston, if you are in lo
Joanna closed her eyes.
Winston hung his head as ran his fingers across her scar.
She added, "Don't promise to marry me when you don't even love. me. Don't delay the marriage. You're hurting both of us."
He paused. His fingertips felt cold to the touch, just like his personality, as Joanna often liked to think.
Moments later, he hugged her from the back. "Thank you for all your sacrifices. I will not let you down."
She stared at her feet. Although he often provided her with reassurance, she would never find peace as long as they weren't married. She asked, "Are you willing to marry me?"
He grunted and said, "I will marry you."
"I want you to marry me out of love. Do you understand?” she asked again.
Winston let out a muffled laugh. "Of
е
course I'm marrying you out of love.
Joanna, don't overthink it. I'n not
marrying you because you saved my
life
She looked up with a smile. Too bad they were painfully aware of the truth. He could never lie to her, and she could never deceive him.
"Since I've divorced Millie, I can
register our marriage anytime. Joanną, do not doubt me. Alright?" He turned Joanna around to face keep her scar out of his
him
and
sight.
Joanna glanced at him. Once again, she felt attracted to him. He was such a perfect man, be it his looks or his worth. For most women, he was irresis
Joanna loved him deeply, even if her love came off as obsessive. She would be willing to do anything just to win his heart.
After that, Joanna left Winston's place for her home to get ready for the party.
Left behind in the empty villa,
Winston slowly settled on the couch and massaged his temple tiredly. Suddenly, memories from the time Millie resided in this villa flooded back.