Chapter 246 - Goodbye Kiss

In the blink of an eye, Danson and Marissa's one-week relationship ended up lasting almost 2 years. The two secretly dated on the weekends, made out behind school buildings and chatted on the phone at night. During these chats, Marissa would share her insecurities about her looks and Danson would support his girlfriend by offering to pay for various procedures to boost her confidence.

After she sold the necklace and earrings that Danson initially gave her, she managed to visit a dermatologist and clear up her skin. She then convinced Danson to help her get braces to straighten her teeth and made him gift her eyelid surgery for their one year anniversary.

She even made him pay for her gym membership so she could 'stay healthy'.

But in the end...everything she did was for Emerson...

...and Danson had no idea.

One week before high school graduation, Marissa finally decided it was time to end things with Danson and confess to Emerson. Never once did she take her relationship with Danson seriously, nor did she consider his feelings. She simply treated their relationship like a business deal: her time for his money. It was fair, right?

But, Danson fell sick and could not come to school on that particular day. So, after school, Marissa went to visit him at his home with some food and decided to break the news to him lightly. When she arrived, Danson's parents were at work and Danson was home alone. It took him a while to get out of bed and open the door for her, but when he saw her, his usually cold eyes lit up.

Was she worried about him?

Marissa looked at the weak and pale young man and felt her heart ache a little. Even though she didn't take their relationship seriously, he was still a good friend of hers and he had done a lot for her, so she pushed the man into the house and headed straight for the kitchen.

"Go back to bed and get some rest. I'll make some food and bring it to you," Marissa said.

Danson shook his head and sat down on a stool. 

He then rested his chin in his palms and watched as the young woman prepared food for him. Even though they had been together for almost 2 years, he constantly found new things to love about her. Perhaps, that was the reason why he broke his one week rule and continued to be with her for so long. Every time he discovered something new, it was like he was dating a new person. Plus, her constantly changing looks also contributed to this.

He could definitely imagine spending the rest of his life with her and not feel bored.

Soon, Marissa finished making him a pot of congee and scooped out a bowl for him.

He sat there happily and scooped one spoonful after another into his mouth. Congee never tasted so good.

"You need to take care of yourself. I can't always be there to take care of you," Marissa said suggestively.

However, Danson didn't get the hint as he continued to enjoy his congee.

After he finished, Marissa shooed him back to his bedroom. "Go rest, I'll wash the dishes."

This time, Danson returned to his bedroom obediently and climbed back into bed.

While she was washing the dishes, Marissa gathered her courage to break the news to Danson. She knew it wasn't the best time to break up with a person, but time was ticking and she needed to confess to Emerson. If she didn't grab onto him before they graduated, who knew if they'd ever see each other again after high school?

So, she walked into the bedroom and walked straight up to Danson.

"Danson, there's something I really want to tell you," Marissa said quietly.

Danson looked up at the young woman. This was the first time he had seen her from this angle. 

She had certainly changed a lot in the last 2 years. Her skin was smooth, her teeth were straight and her eyes were mesmerizing. He subconsciously lifted his hand and ran a finger across the woman's jawline. "You're beautiful,"  he suddenly said.

Marissa paused and looked at the young man. She never imagined anyone would ever call her beautiful. Would Emerson think she was beautiful too? Marissa blushed a little and smiled at Danson. He looked so vulnerable in his sick state. It was the first time she actually found him slightly adorable.

"Thank you, but I have something serious to say," Marissa hesitated. She then bit her lip nervously.

But, this action was unconsciously seductive.

"We are graduating next week and moving onto the next stage of our lives..." Marissa started. She wanted to use this as an excuse to go their separate ways and 'discover themselves', but Danson suddenly sat up and wrapped his arms around her waist.

His weak eyes looked into hers and she felt her mouth freeze and heart melt. Did she feel this way because he was sick? Was it like staring into the eyes of a helpless stray puppy and feeling the urge to rescue it?

"We may be graduating and our lives may change...but you will forever be mine..." Danson suddenly said as he stared into Marissa's eyes. His voice was soft, but there was a sense of dominance to it.

Marissa took a deep breath and felt her heart skip a beat. Why was her heart beating so fast? Was she intimidated by this man? She had to remain focused. Her aim was Emerson.

"No, I..." 

But, just as Marissa opened her mouth to refute, Emerson suddenly kissed down on her lips. From the moment he opened the door and saw her, he had wanted to kiss her.

He was domineering and cold, but his kiss was soft and gentle. Marissa wanted to push him away, but her body subconsciously fell limp, like all the energy had been sucked out of her body. His hands ran up her neck to the back of her head, sending tingles down her spine, "I think I'm in lo..."

This time, Danson wanted to speak. But, before he managed to finish his sentence, Marissa shoved her tongue into his mouth and stopped him. His kiss was always so intoxicating that she couldn't control herself. So, she convinced herself that it was the last kiss: a goodbye kiss.