Chapter 7
On the day of the birthday banquet, Dad personally hosted the engagement ceremony between Frank and me.}
Frank insisted on throwing me a brand–new, grand wedding. So, the wedding had to be postponed by half a month.
Dad called me into his room, worry etched on his face, “Rose, your engagement with Frank is settled now, but if you don’t like him, Dad can still step in …“)
“Dad, I’m willing.” I said.
I thought back to the day Gary left me alone at the marriage registry. I called him over twenty times, none were answered.
Finally, he picked up. What came through the line was deliberately loud moaning, it was Mariska’s voice, “Gary, do you like me more or Rose?”
He said, “Of course it’s you, you’re my precious baby. Rose is just a dog I can call and dismiss at will. Once I get the Parker Family’s fortune, she can be your maid. Do whatever you want with her.”
Five years of sincere love and in his eyes, I was nothing but a dog. In that moment, my heart turned completely cold.
I left the Register Office in despair, not even noticed a truck had run a red light and was speeding straight at me.
By the time I realized it, my mind went blank as I watched the truck barrel toward me. At the last second, someone yanked me out of harm’s way.
As we rolled to safety, that person shielded me with his back from hitting the curb’s edge. I was completely unharmed. He, on the other hand, broke two ribs, That person was none other than Frank.
Actually, Frank and I had grown up together. When we were kids, our families lived next door and when our parents were busy, he was the one who took care of me.}
Later, the Gilmore Family moved their business abroad. Before he left, Frank secretly slipped me a bracelet and told me to wait for him. I waited year after year. Until I turned eighteen and I was kidnapped.
The kidnappers were after money and blindfolded me. But even after getting the ransom, they turned on me with evil intentions.} When I woke up in the hospital, I saw Gary’s bruised and swollen face.
He grinned at me, “You’re okay? Good. I nearly died saving you.”
At eighteen, with a boy who risked his life to save me, I fell in love.
I got swept up in his sweetness and forgot all about my promise with Frank.
Until today, when he saved me again. That familiar feeling brought buried memories rushed back.
I never could believe that the one who once risked his life for me could be someone as heartless and two–faced as Gary.
So I paid a hefty sum to reinvestigate. The truth proved I had been wrong all along.
The one who saved me from the kidnappers and the one who broke his ribs saving me from the car were both Frank.
He nearly died at the hands of those criminals to save me, yet Gary stole the credit.
And not only did I forget our promise, I also let him suffered alone, watched the woman he loved fall for another man while he was hovering at death’s door.
Every time I think about it, my chest felt like it being crushed by a weight too heavy to bear.
This time, I told Dad with unwavering certainty, “Dad, I truly want to marry Frank. I won’t regret it.”
Dad finally relaxed and smiled with relief, “Frank’s a good kid. All these years, he’s been quietly asking about you, but wouldn’t let me tell
you. I’m really glad you’ve seen who truly cares. I can hand over the company to you two without worry now.“M
When I left the room, I saw Frank waiting outside the door, I walked over and took his hand, “You can rest easy now.”
He wasn’t a man of many words. He simply wrapped my hand in his, it was tight and warm.
