Chapter 459 Raegan had no desire to engage further and turned to leave.
But Henley swiftly caught her wrist, holding it firm. "Mitchel had caused you pain, and yet you decide to return to him? Do you value yourself so little?" Henley's eyes were bloodshot, like a creature from the depths, gazing at Raegan with intensity. "He only married you to satisfy his grandfather's wishes, not because he loves you. He's exploiting you as well. Why is it acceptable for him to do so and not for me?" Raegan found herself at a loss for words.
Henley had a knack for pinpointing vulnerabilities. He knew just how to strike at Raegan's insecurities, exploiting them at this critical moment.
Even Mitchell, who had been mustering the strength to stand up and have Raegan back to his side, froze in his steps. He wanted to hear her thoughts.
‘Raegan, it's true | initially approached you with a motive,
but I genuinely fell for you as time passed. Do you understand the depth of my despair when you rejected me? | saw you leave with him, and during my nights in solitude, you invaded my dreams. You were the beacon that guided me back to consciousness!" Henley continued.
At that instant, Henley shed his pretenses, speaking with genuine, raw emotion. "Raegan, whatever Mitchel can provide, | can match or surpass. Return to me. Let's erase the past and begin anew, shall we?" Raegan observed the desperation in Henley's eyes, perceiving it as madness. She responded firmly, "Henley, can't you see the truth? | was never with you, so there's no ‘returning’ to your side. There was no beginning for us, so there's nothing to begin anew." Raegan's words cut deep.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHenley's face lost color and then flushed with a mix of shame and frustration. After a brief pause, he mustered the courage to ask, "Why?" Why indeed? Raegan pondered that perhaps it was
Mitchel's unwavering dedication and his willingness to embrace Janey as his own before knowing Janey was actually his own, that resonated with her deeply. And the times he saved her from peril... Especially when he risked his life to leap with her, that moment was utterly astonishing.
Mitchel had done so much for Raegan, quietly and without demanding anything in return. Her heart was responsive to these gestures. After all, when she knew the man she once loved dearly had done so much for her, how could she remain indifferent? Feelings, indeed, were complex. In relationships, it was not the grand declarations that counted the most. It was sincerity. Sincerity stood out as the most valuable currency in love.
Raegan faced Henley, speaking with conviction. "It's his genuine care. He's put himself in harm's way for me, and | cannot disregard that." With those words, Raegan turned and re-entered Mitchel's ward.
Henley's gaze followed her assertive departure, his hand clenching tighter. Sincerity... That was something he lacked.
Raised amidst adversity, Henley refused to be belittled. So, he velled himself in a facade, pretending to radiate positivity.
But with time, this facade became so ingrained that it seemed inseparable. Only he knew the decay festering within. How could someone so corroded genuinely interact with others? Henley gazed at the shut door of the hospital room, envisioning the intimacy within. His clenched fist nearly exploded before abruptly relaxing.
A chilling smile crept over his face. This was merely the opening move in a longer game. The victor was yet to be decided.
In his world, once he achieved his goals, manipulating relationships was just another strategy.
Raegan turned the doorknob and walked in, only to be greeted by Mitchel by the door. He stared at her with deep, dark eyes, not even blinking.
Raegan's cheeks grew warm. She thought that since they had chosen to be together, honesty was key. So, she stayed close enough for him to hear and be reassured.
Yet, despite her determination, being in front of Mitchel made her shy about her previous words.
Raegan gazed at his pale, attractive face with a look of worry. "Why are you up? Let me help you get back to bed." Was it really wise for him to be on his feet with a cane right after waking up? Raegan extended her hand to assist Mitchel, but he quickly grabbed her, pulling her into a firm embrace, making it difficult for her to catch her breath.
"Mitchel?" Raegan stiffened, wondering if he was in pain or too weak to stand.
She quickly asked, "Are you in pain? Should | call the doctor?" Her concern was evident.
"No," Mitchel said in a low, calming voice, comforting her from above.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHis tone was full of excitement yet seemed strained as he earnestly and gently expressed, "Thank you for choosing to return to me..." Raegan's heart felt like it was overflowing with warmth, as if she might dissolve completely.
"Mitchel, thank you." Reegan hugged him back, saying, "Thank you for holding on to me." Without Mitchel, Raegan assumed she might not have survived. His bravery in saving her life was something she deeply appreciated.
Mitchel looked down, his eyes reflecting a joyful smile. The effort he had put in was finally showing results. How could he not feel joy? "You don't have to thank me. As your husband, I'm here to support you." Raegan's cheeks turned pink again, whispering, "What husband..."
They didn't have a marriage certificate, so they were more like a couple than spouses.
Mitchel gave a playful smile. "We were once married. You can't get rid of me." He knew it wasn't easy for her to take this step. Therefore, he waited with patience, ready to get the marriage certificate with her when she was prepared to open her heart completely.
Raegan's ears warmed up, and she nudged him gently.
"You should lie down now. You've been on your feet too long." Mitchel's gaze intensified, and he whispered close to her ear, "It is difficult.” Difficult in a way that came from a deep yearning to be close when his condition resisted...
Before Raegan could reply, he kissed her, a quick touch of their lips before he drew back.
It had been almost a month since they last shared such closeness. Even this brief contact made Raegan's face heat up.
Mitchel ceased his playful behavior. "Please help me lie down." Raegan assisted Mitchel to the bed with careful movements.
Once settling Mitchel down, Raegan moved to take her usual seat beside it but was halted by his grasp on her hand.
He looked at her earnestly. "Lie beside with me."