Chapter 40: You Rely On My Love For You
Derrick's face was gloomy and angry. He looked up at Gabriella with a perfunctory and nonchalant air, saying, “Gabriella, marry me. I’ll give you to her. I’ll make you very happy.”
Gabriella was unhappy with the abbreviated proposal. However, unwilling to risk her only chance, she quickly extended her fingers. “I’ll marry you, Derrick.”
Derrick began to place the diamond ring on Gabriella’s finger, but his phone beeped with a message. He paused, retrieved his phone, and opened the message. His body instantly froze.
Gabriella, still waiting for the ring, asked, “Derrick, what’s wrong? Who’s the message from?”
Derrick abruptly stood and turned to leave, his sudden change in demeanor leaving everyone perplexed. He walked over to Olive, grabbed her arm, and dragged her upstairs.
What was going on?
Gabriella’s face flushed red. She grabbed her gauze skirt and ran after them, crying, “Derrick, where are you going? Where are you taking Olive? Don’t leave me behind!” She tripped on her skirt and fell, tearing the dress and exposing her thighs. She screamed, covering herself with her hands.
Some guests pointed sympathetically; others simply watched. She, the intended star of the engagement, had become a laughingstock. Many guests took out their phones to photograph her.
“No pictures! No pictures!” Monica rushed over, covering Gabriella with a blanket. Monica hadn’t anticipated the engagement party’s chaotic turn. She’d invited Olive only to humiliate her, but Olive had ruined the engagement.
What exactly was the message? What did it have to do with Olive?
Derrick dragged Olive upstairs, threw her onto the bed, and locked the door. He grabbed her shoulders firmly. “What did you mean by texting me?”
Olive’s eyes were clear, and she smiled. “Can’t you understand the hospital’s diagnosis report? I am still a virgin.”
The text message, from Olive, was simple: a hospital report proving her virginity. She’d called it a special gift.
Derrick’s face clouded with disbelief. “I don’t believe you! You’re not clean anymore! I saw you hugging a shirtless man in that cave—with my own eyes! And you’re married into the Red Villa. Elvis has also been with you. You’ve been with so many men, you’re not pure!”
Olive looked at his furious face, amused. “Are you done? It seems even the hospital report can’t erase the dirt in your heart.”
“You’re lying! The report could be faked. Even if it’s true, you could have had hymen surgery…”
Olive slapped him, broke free, and threw the original hospital report at his face. “Don’t overestimate yourself. Are you still worthy of my attention?”
Derrick picked up the report and reread it. “Derrick, I rescued a man freezing in the snow; I had to hug him to keep him warm. How old was I? How could you be so biased?”
Derrick folded the report and took Olive’s shoulders. “Olive, I was wrong. I misunderstood. I’m not engaged to Gabriella. Give me a chance. Let’s start over.” Olive glared at him. “Why did you stab me in the back? Why didn’t you defend me when I was accused of pushing Grandpa? Tell me!”
Derrick’s eyes were cold. “Let’s forget about it. I’ll make it up to you. I promise to love you.”
Olive still couldn’t understand his years of slander. Her mother had liked him. She didn’t understand his actions, and he still wouldn’t explain.
“Derrick, from the moment you turned your back on me, you destroyed us. Do you know how disgusting you are to me now?”
Derrick stared into her clear eyes, feeling as though she saw right through him. He wished she weren’t so perceptive. “Olive, I love you. So much. Isn’t it because of my love that you brought this report?”
“Yes, I relied on your love for me, just as you stabbed me ten years ago with the trust I had in you. Derrick, we’re even now. There will be no more feelings, only grievances!”
Olive pushed him away and turned to leave. “Olive,” Derrick called hoarsely, “is there no chance for us?”
“Derrick, you’ve made your choice. Don’t look back, because I’m not compromising, ever.”
Olive opened the door to leave.