Chapter 25

“In fact, I liked you long before he did.” Henry’s words prompted Calista to steal a few extra glances his way.

Ken laughed bitterly. “No wonder. I always wondered how you acquired so many unique gifts over the years. Music boxes, Louis Vuitton bags…”

“They were all specially chosen for Calista, weren’t they?”

Henry readily admitted, “Yes, they were.”

Ken felt as if he were losing his mind. He tugged agonizingly at his hair, his eyes vacant, before crumpling weakly to the floor. His best friend had married the woman he loved. Was this divine retribution?

But Ken wasn't one to surrender easily. He emptied his bag onto the floor. “Calista, look. These are all the little gifts you made for me. They hold precious memories of our time together.”

Calista couldn’t bear it any longer. “Ken, enough! I don’t have feelings for you anymore. Bringing this up now is pointless.”

“Back then, I was simply naive. I’m sorry for causing you trouble.”

Ken was stunned. He had intended to remind Calista of their happy times, not to elicit an apology. Utterly defeated, he realized the futility of his efforts. “I won’t accept this. I won’t accept you marrying him!”

Calista gave him a conflicted look. “I’ve already discussed the marriage with Uncle Johnson. He knows, and he’s given his blessing.”

At that moment, Henry ushered in several security guards. They approached Ken, saluting before explaining, “We apologize, sir, but unauthorized personnel are not permitted on the base. Please cooperate with us.” They restrained Ken and escorted him from the premises.

Ken thrashed against them. “Let go of me! I’m not going anywhere! I’m not leaving! Calista, look at me! Just look at me…”

Even after Ken’s shouts had faded, Calista remained somber. “I truly don’t know how he found his way here.” She gently touched Henry’s bruised cheek, concern etched on her face. “Why did he have to be so brutal? Are you in pain?”

“I’ll fetch some ointment for you.”

As Calista turned to leave, Henry grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace. “Don’t go…”

Calista froze, sensing the fear in his voice. Her heart melted, and she rubbed soothing circles on his back. “Okay, I’ll stay. I’ll stay right here with you.”

Henry rested his chin on her shoulder, sniffling. “Calista, I’m so jealous.”

Calista’s hand paused, momentarily.

After a few seconds, Henry continued, “I’m insanely jealous of Ken. Why does he get to have so much of your past…”

“What’s there to be jealous of? The past is the past.”

“My present and my future belong to you now.”

Calista had no desire to compare their jealousies. “Henry, you mentioned you had feelings for me even before Ken did. Is that true?”

A hint of bashfulness colored Henry’s face.