Chapter 450

Alexander locked eyes with Esme. For the first time, he didn’t want to give her a straight answer. Esme bit her lip, sensing Alexander’s hesitation. In a burst of anger, Esme stripped off her clothes and turned her back to him. A shocking scar marred her back. Alexander’s eyes darkened immediately.

“What are you doing?” He quickly grabbed a coat to cover her. Esme pushed the coat away, refusing his help.

“Look at this scar. See everything I’ve sacrificed for you!” Her voice trembled, tears streaming down her face. “Alexander, I’d do anything for you. But your constant hesitation is killing me! It makes my sacrifices feel meaningless.”

Alexander draped the coat over her shoulders, feeling her tremble. He opened his mouth to speak, but words felt useless, leaving only a heavy silence. Esme shoved the coat away again. The scar was right there, in front of him. He raised his hand, gently touching it.

“I’m scared of the dark, of water, even of being depressed. But I’m not scared of dying. Alexander,” she lowered her eyes, her voice soft, “What I fear most is that you don’t love me, that everything I’ve sacrificed is just a joke. If you really love Elizabeth, I’ll step aside.” Esme closed her eyes.

Alexander lowered his head, stroking her scar. He listened as she continued, “Don’t say you want to marry me if you don’t love me. When you hurt me, you’re really hurting yourself too.” His fingers stopped, cold against her skin. Esme had always thought his touch was as cold and indifferent as he was.

After a moment, he hugged her from behind and said, “Thank you for everything. I won’t let you down.” Esme lowered her eyes. Even though Alexander tried to comfort her, as long as he didn’t marry her, she couldn’t find peace.

“Will you marry me?” Esme asked, looking down.

“I will marry you,” he replied.

“I want you to marry me because you love me. Do you understand?” she asked again.

Alexander chuckled softly, “Of course, I’m marrying you because I love you. Esme, don’t overthink it. I won’t marry you just because you saved me.”

Esme looked up, a hint of a smile forming in her heart. But they were both smart. Alexander couldn’t fool her, and she couldn’t fool him.

“I’ve already divorced Elizabeth. Soon, we can get married. So, Esme, don’t doubt me, okay?” Alexander turned her around, not wanting to see the scar anymore. Esme gazed at him, and slowly, her heart leaned towards him again. Alexander was truly exceptional. Whether it was his looks or his character, he had qualities that made him irresistible. Esme loved him deeply. Maybe her love was a bit obsessive, but as long as she could have Alexander, she was willing to do anything.

Esme went home first to prepare her dress. Alexander looked at the empty villa and slowly sat on the sofa, pressing his temple with one hand, feeling exhausted. Images of Elizabeth still in the house flashed through his mind. Elizabeth would run to the door with a smile, asking, “Are you tired today?” She would stand at the kitchen door, wearing an apron, and gently ask, “Alexander, do you want something sweet or savory?”