Chapter 40: You Rely On My Love For You

Derrick’s face was gloomy and angry. He looked up at Gabriella with a perfunctory, nonchalant air and said, “Gabriella, marry me. I’ll give her to you. I’ll make you very happy.”

Gabriella was unhappy with the abbreviated proposal but, unwilling to risk her only chance, 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 froze.

Gabriella, waiting for the ring, asked, “Derrick, what’s wrong? Who’s the message from?”

Derrick abruptly stood and turned to leave, his sudden change of demeanor perplexing everyone. He walked over to Olive, grabbed her arm, and dragged her upstairs.

Gabriella’s face flushed red. Grabbing her gauze skirt, she ran after them, crying, “Derrick, where are you going? Where are you taking Olive? Don’t leave me behind!”

She attempted to chase them upstairs but tripped on her skirt, falling to the ground. The beautiful dress tore, exposing her thighs. She screamed, covering herself with her hands. Some guests pointed, showing sympathy and pity; others simply watched. Once the main character, she was now reduced to a spectacle. Many people took out their phones and began taking pictures. Monica rushed over, covering Gabriella with a blanket, shouting, “No pictures! No pictures!” Monica hadn’t anticipated the engagement party’s dramatic turn. She’d invited Olive only to humiliate her, but Olive had unexpectedly upended the engagement.

What was the message? What did it have to do with Olive?

Derrick dragged Olive upstairs, threw her on the bed, and locked the door. He moved toward her, firmly grasping her shoulders. “What did you mean by texting me?”

Olive’s eyes were clear as she smiled. “Can’t you understand the hospital’s diagnosis report? I am still a virgin.”

The text message, from Olive, was simple. The hospital report proved her virginity. She had promised a special gift, and this was it.

Derrick’s face was clouded with disbelief. “I don’t believe you! You’re not clean anymore! I saw you hugging a shirtless man in that cave—I saw it with my own eyes! And now you’re married into the Red Villa. Elvis has also… you’ve been with so many men, you’re not pure anymore!”

Olive looked at his furious face, amusement evident. “Are you done? It seems even the hospital report can’t erase the dirt in your heart.”

“You’re lying to me! Olive, the report can be faked! Even if it’s true, you could have had hymen surgery…”

Olive slapped him. Breaking free, she threw the original hospital report at his face from her bag. “Don’t overestimate yourself. Are you still worthy of my attention?”

Derrick picked up the report and reread it several times. “Derrick,” Olive said, “I don’t think you’re very smart. Back then, 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 placed a hand on Olive’s shoulder. “Olive, I was wrong. I misunderstood. I’m not engaged to Gabriella. Give me a chance; let’s start over.”

Olive glared at him, sneering. “Why did you stab me in the back? Why didn’t you defend me when I was accused of pushing Grandpa? Tell me the reason now!”

Derrick’s eyes were cold. “Let’s put that behind us. I’ll make it up to you. I promise to love you.”

Olive had been unable to understand why he slandered her for all those years. Her mother had liked him. She still 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, as if she saw through his soul. He wished sometimes she wasn’t so perceptive. “Olive, I love you. You should know I love you so much. Isn’t it because of my love for you 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 for 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, “isn’t there a single chance for us?”

“Derrick, you’ve chosen your path. Don’t look back, because I’m not compromising for you, never.”

Olive opened the door and left the room.