“Of course.” Rayan smiled. “You know that I won’t sit back and let Jenna take the shot for me. I’m a guy. How can I let a woman take the shot for me? You must have considered that when you pulled the trigger, which was why you did not aim straight for the heart. Otherwise, with your shooting skills, it would be impossible for me to survive.”
Back then, the bullet only deviated from his heart by one millimeter. She was a well-trained assassin, so she would not make an error like this. She had everything under her control. Nobody else saw through her intentions but Rayan understood at once what was on her mind.
“Rayan, my father has a grudge against you. If he pulled the trigger, then everything would be different. However, I was deeply in love with you, so how could I let you die? I might have lost my mind and aimed my gun at Jenna. My apologies for that and I should probably apologize to her as well. Fortunately, you took the shot for her. Otherwise, I would forever be indebted to her.” Hilda became agitated as she reminisced about the past. “To be honest, I knew that you would take the shot for her. Hence, before pulling the trigger, I aimed the muzzle slightly to the right. Nevertheless, my dad was watching. Hence, I had to pull the trigger.”
At that point, the atmosphere at the table was heavy.
Hilda’s face flushed with embarrassment and a shadow of guilt darkened her eyes. Sorrow crossed her face and it grew pale.
It was a good idea to talk about the past. After settling the misunderstandings, they could finally let go of the past and start afresh.
Rayan stared into the horizon and said lightly, “Hilda, everything will pass. Let’s not talk about the past anymore. We must move on.”
“That’s right. People must move on no matter what happens.” Hilda seemed to be lost in thought as she assumed a vacant expression and her gaze slowly softened. “Rayan, my dad has passed away. He died in a global anti-drug operation.”
“Oh.” The news caught him off guard but it was as though he had foreseen it. He did not speak further but he was clouded by a sense of sadness.
Jonas helped him before. He owed him. Although he did not have a noble status, not everyone was born into a prestigious family. No matter what, it was not right to forget those who had helped him before.
“Hilda, how are you doing now?” He raised his head and asked, being careful to avoid that question. There was anguish in his eyes.
At the mention of her father, Hilda felt as if she would choke with sorrow. She could barely utter a word.
“I’m fine. My dad sold all his properties back then and got me a place and started a business over here. I now have my own company and life is pretty good.” After a while, the sorrow faded from her face and she spoke in a low voice. A slow smile worked its way across her face and into her eyes.
Rayan nodded his head and did not ask any more questions.
He knew the answer from her expression. She would live a happy life.
Not long after, a middle-aged man appeared with a boy.
“Mom.” The little boy dashed over and threw himself into Hilda’s arms. The anguish on her face vanished in an instant, replaced with a loving smile as she responded and carried him in her arms.
“Hilda, do we have guests?” The middle-aged man entered and beamed. It was clear that he cared about Hilda very much and listened to her.
“Yes, this is my cousin. We ran into each other here today.” Hilda flashed him a smile and introduced him to Rayan.
She had invested in some properties at this tourist attraction site. They were here on a business errand and she did not expect to see Rayan over here.
“Oh, it’s your cousin. Come and have a seat at our house.” The man had tanned skin. His jaw was broad and his eyes were bright. In short, he looked like an honest man who valued his family. After Hilda introduced Rayan to him, he immediately greeted him cordially.
Rayan was finally satisfied when he saw the scene. It was a good ending for Hilda. He was truly relieved. If she was having a rough time, then he would feel uneasy. Right then, he could finally be at ease.
“It’s okay, I still have something to do, maybe next time. My wife is still waiting for me over there. I’ll take my leave first.” He beamed and rejected the offer.
“Well, I’ll see Rayan off.” Hilda handed the boy over to the man and followed Rayan out.
“Hilda, there’s no need to do so. Go back and enjoy your life. Appreciate those who are by your side. Cherish the love and joy as they did not come by easily. Your father gave this to you. You must live a happy life so that your father can be at ease even though he is no longer here. Your husband seems like a trustworthy man.” After taking a few steps, Rayan came to a halt and turned around as he spoke to Hilda with a serious expression.
“Okay, I will.” Hilda nodded her head. She was still a little reluctant to let him go and she was still a little drawn to him. “Rayan, it was really a pity that I did not manage to send a gift over on your wedding day with Hannah. However, I can see that Hannah is the right woman for you. I wish you guys all the best, and stay happy and sweet.”
She spoke in earnest. Her face lit up with anticipation as she asked solemnly, “Rayan, can we still hang out in the future like siblings?”
She did not have any other relatives in the world. Her Mom passed away a long time ago and her father was no longer here as well. Only Rayan was left. Rayan, whom she had been deeply in love with back then had been by her side as she grew up. Her feelings for him were irreplaceable and not many would understand it.
At that moment, Rayan also understood what was on her mind. He reached out his hand to stroke her head and chuckled. “Hilda, you have always been a sister to me. Whether it’s in the past or the future, this will never change. If you happen to run into any trouble in the future, then feel free to find me. You will always be my little sister.”
“Thank you, Rayan.” Having received Rayan’s assurance, Hilda was so jubilant that tears streamed down her cheeks and she choked with sobs.
“Go back, don’t let your family wait.” Rayan smiled and reminded her in a gentle voice. He then waved his hand and strode away.
“Rayan, who was it that wished to see you?” Hannah was waiting anxiously for him by the beach. Upon noticing him approaching her with a smile on his face, apparently in high spirits, she walked over immediately. Her eyes were filled with concern and her features creased with worry.
Glancing at her anxious expression, Rayan’s heart was filled with warmth. He pulled her into his arms and said affectionately, “Don’t you trust me?”
Hannah was slightly stunned when she heard his reply. He seemed to be indicating something, but Hannah let it go after a while.
She trusted him. She had always done so. For certain stuff, if a man was willing to reveal it, then he would do so, but if he wasn’t, nothing good could come from pestering him. It would be a fruitless attempt. Hannah was an easygoing person. She refused to be that pathetic.
“Rayan, let’s book a plane ticket for next week. I just called Hansen. He is going to take Jenna back to A City next week. I want to go back and see my best friend.” Hannah changed the topic and said gently. She looked at him dearly.
“Okay, I’ll listen to what you say.” Rayan agreed immediately.
Time really changed people. Even an independent woman such as Hannah would change in a relationship. She had changed completely and had attained the happiness of her life.
The two snuggled up to each other and walked away.
Giggles and laughter filled the air as the gentle sea breeze swept over the beach.