“After escaping, I discovered my grandpa had recovered and regained control of the Evans Group. I waited on the road he always traveled until I saw him again. He took me in and brought me home. He became my protector, mentor, and support. I’ll always be grateful to him, but during that time, I discovered something horrifying…”
Dave paused and turned to Bianca. Her face was frozen in shock.
He had never told Bianca the full story of his past.
Even the little information he shared was enough to frighten her.
Bianca couldn’t believe that Dave, only ten years old at the time, had faced such cruelty in the world when he still needed care and protection.
It felt like someone was crushing her heart, the pain sharper than any physical wound she had ever endured.
But a moment later, Bianca steadied herself. After being deceived by Dave for so long, trusting him again wasn’t easy.
“What did you find?” she asked, her voice calm and controlled.
Dave’s eyes darkened as he looked into her eyes.
“I realized that every woman who got close to me started disappearing without a trace. Eventually, I found out it was my grandpa. He was the one behind their disappearances. He made sure they were removed from my life.”
Bianca was stunned after she heard it. “What? Why?” she exclaimed.
“He despises any woman who reminds him of my mother,” Dave said in a lonely voice. “He’s placed all his regrets and expectations on me. He controls every part of my life, including who I should marry. He won’t rest until he makes that decision himself. He’ll treat you like the others who disappeared if he finds out about you. I’ve seen how ruthless he can be and how brutal the power struggles are in my family. I’m scared you’ll get caught up in it. I can’t promise I’ll be able to protect you all the time.”
Dave’s hand tightened as he said that, and his eyes turned dim, shadowed with pain. He avoided looking at Bianca.
Seeing the loneliness etched on his face, Bianca bit her lip. She would have believed him without hesitation before.
But after what happened that night, she wasn’t so sure. He felt like a stranger now, yet somehow still familiar.
She wanted to trust him, but doubt lingered.
“You’ve lied to me so many times,” Bianca said softly. “How do I know you’re telling the truth now? Maybe this is just another one of your lies.”
Dave didn’t flinch. He knew she wouldn’t accept everything right away. He didn’t expect her forgiveness so easily. He understood it would take time to rebuild the trust he had broken.
Speaking gently, Dave said, “You’re the first person I’ve told about my past-things even my grandpa doesn’t know about my time in the asylum. I’m not saying this to ask for forgiveness now. I’m sharing the darkest parts of my life to show that, from this point forward, there will be no secrets between us. I’m committed to being honest and proving my sincerity through my actions. I’ll mend the heart I broke, no matter how long or hard it takes. I won’t give up because I love you. Married or not, you are the one I love.”
Tears filled Bianca’s eyes as she listened. She was moved but fought against the urge to trust him blindly again.
She kept reminding herself not to fall for his words this time.
His lies had been so convincing before, and she had fallen for them too many times.
The thought that he could win her back with words alone felt ridiculous.
Clenching her fists, Bianca stared into his eyes, searching for even a trace of sincerity.
But his eyes, dark and deep like whirlpools, seemed to pull her in.
Unable to bear it, she quickly looked away.
“I won’t fall for your lies again,” Bianca said firmly.
“I understand,” Dave replied. He looked at her with a gentle yet determined expression. “You might not trust me now, but I’m willing to earn it back.”
Bianca avoided his eyes, afraid she might fall into his charm again.
“You can stay in my room tonight,” Dave offered sincerely. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with until you trust me again.”
Seeing the hesitation still lingering in her expression, he added, “I’m doing this to protect you. You may not trust me, but will you let me protect you? You know how my grandpa is…”
Bianca interrupted him, looking up. “I can stay in your room, but I won’t share a bed with you.”
Hearing her agree, Dave felt relieved. He smiled gently and said, “Okay, we’ll do it your way.”
As the night grew colder, Dave removed his suit jacket and placed it over Bianca’s shoulders. “Let’s head back,” he said softly.
Bianca nodded, keeping her head down.
Meanwhile, in his lavish suite, Lucas paced nervously, unable to sit still.
His butler, listening on his earphones, suddenly said, “Understood.”
Turning to Lucas, the butler reported, “Sir, Dave has taken Bianca Scott to his room.”
Lucas’s anger erupted. He threw his cane to the floor and staggered over to the sofa.
“That ungrateful brat!” he shouted, his face red and lips trembling. “Dave gave up the Evans Group for a woman. After everything I’ve done for him, it’s all wasted. Just like his father. I should’ve known better than to expect anything different.”
The butler, standing nearby, sighed and said, “It’s not entirely Dave’s fault. He hasn’t been around many women since he was young, so it’s easy for him to be influenced by someone like Bianca.”
Lucas squinted, his face darkening.
“You’re right. This is all Bianca’s fault. I don’t know how she’s made him lose his mind, but I won’t allow it. She has to go. We won’t wait any longer. Make a move tonight.”
“If we act now, Dave will know it’s you, and he’ll hate you for it,” the butler said, leaning closer, a sly look in his eyes. “The best way to make him give up on her is to show him she’s not trustworthy or deserving of his love.”
Lucas’s eyes lit up. “What are you suggesting?”
The butler smirked. “Let’s pretend to support his relationship with Bianca. At tonight’s cruise party, I’ll arrange for Dave to find her in another man’s bed by morning. Imagine how he’ll react.”