Chapter 49 - Chapter 48

CHAPTER 48 CAN I REJECT HIM?

@International_Pen

((( CLAIRE )))

Derick's handsome, no doubt about it. He has it all. But I wasn't that selfish to fool us both. I just felt nothing for him.

"I just woke up one day extremely longing for you. I don't know what happened to me but I just know I love you thereafter," he continued.  

I remained speechless.

All the things I wanted to say receded at the back of my tongue.

"You're different from all the women I've met. That's why I love you."

I looked him in the eye,

"I'm sure that's what you've said to all those women too."

"Would you believe me if I say I didn't make an effort like this for all the girls I've dated?"

"How many?" I got curious.

"Sixteen."

I suddenly bit my tongue. I expected that much.

"Man slut."

"I've changed…when I finally met you," he confessed.

My jaw felt heavy and something cold made my stomach twirl.

Silence.

"How about you Claire?" his gaze passed through me to somewhere far and unknown,

"Do you feel anything for me too?"

I fidgeted with my fork and decidedly stared at him. My smile was gone and I want everything I'll say to finally sink in on his mind. He's a kind man so I didn't want to lie any further.

"Truth is, I tried to love you-"

"And thanks for giving me a chance," he cut my sentence before I could even say it wholly.

"I'll be here until you love me the same as much as I love you. I can wait."

I felt numb.

Any girl in my place would have fainted already for all the sweet words he had said.

"Sorry if I'm like this," I said.

It was harder to admit now.  

"I don't care about your social status. I don't care what you think you are."

"I'm just an ordinary woman. And somewhere out there…there are many girls like me. You could even have someone better."  

He dissented.

"Nope. You're unique."

He reached for my hand and kneeled in front of me. I was suddenly Cinderella whose clothes had turned shabby, and whose carriage and horsemen were nothing but limp pumpkin and street rats. But whom the prince still loved nonetheless.  

God, not today.

"Could you be my girl?" he was smiling but his eyes showed a vague hint of fear.

Is he that afraid to be rejected?

I guess not.

@ International_Pen