Bianca watched as the car drove away, disappearing into the night.
A heavy feeling bothered her so much, making it hard to relax.
“They’re gone. What are you staring at?” Diana teased.
Bianca sighed and turned away. “I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong with Blake.”
“I think he’s just tired. Let him rest. With his leg, he wouldn’t enjoy the night anyway,” Diana comforted her. Then, with a teasing smile, she added, “Bianc, you haven’t told me yet. What’s the story with you and Blake? How did you end up engaged?”
“It’s pretty much like he said on the show; that’s just how it happened.”
Standing by the roadside, Bianca’s shoulder-length hair fluttered in the autumn breeze, a hint of sadness in her expression.
“So, his mother and your mother were really good friends and arranged your engagement when you were kids? Who exactly is Blake’s mother?” Diana asked, not letting the chance pass.
She knew Vincent and Paige adopted Blake, but he’d never mentioned his biological parents, which sparked her curiosity.
Bianca shook her head. “I don’t know. Even he doesn’t remember. His mother passed away before he could form any memories of her.”
“And what about his dad?”
“His dad left him. It’s said his father remarried and never came back.”
Diana’s eyes softened with sympathy. “I didn’t realize Blake’s childhood was so painful.
But being adopted by Vincent and Paige, his life must have gotten better.”
“True, but when you don’t know your biological parents, it can feel like your life lacks an origin,” Bianca said softly, and her eyes drifted away.
The heavy topic hung over them, and for a moment, they stood in silence.
Wanting to lighten the mood, Diana took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Bianc, when you start to feel compassion for a man, it often means you’re falling for him. Are you…”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Bianca, startled, quickly cut her off. “With Blake, it’s just… I feel like I owe him.”
“Okay.” Diana shrugged her shoulders, understanding that Blake had injured his leg while saving Bianca, so her feelings of guilt made sense.
“Honestly, I think Blake would make a great match for you. Since you’re single now, why not consider him?”
Bianca turned her eyes away. “I don’t love him, so I won’t give him false hope. I’ll stay with him until he’s back on his feet. After that, I’ll leave, hoping he’ll find someone who loves him the way he deserves.”
“Are you sure your heart won’t ever belong to him?” Diana asked, confused.
Bianca lowered her eyes, struggling to explain. But Dave’s face came to mind every time she thought of love.
She despised him, but deep down, she knew she still loved him. That love had settled deep in her heart, so firmly rooted that she couldn’t let go of it no matter how much time passed. It was as if it had become a part of her, making it impossible to love anyone else.
Thinking about it, Bianca couldn’t help but smile bitterly, eyes turning slightly red with unshed tears.
“I will never fall in love with anyone else.”
Bianca looked up at Diana, her gaze firm and determined, almost like a vow.
“Are you going to lock away your heart for a scoundrel? Is he worth it?” Diana asked, her brows furrowing as she stared at Bianca in confusion.
With a soft grin, Bianca asked, “And what about you? Does Brandon still have your heart?”
“I…” Diana paused, unsure of what to say.
Just then, Sophia’s car pulled up in front of them.
The window rolled down, and Sophia called out, “Bianc, Diana, hop in!”
They decided not to continue their conversation. Instead, they opened the doors and got into the car.
****
The hospital came into view.
Once the car was parked, Reese and the assistant carefully helped Blake into a wheelchair.
“Thanks a million. I’ll take it from here. You should go get some rest,” Reese said to the assistant before pushing Blake toward the inpatient department.
The ride had been tense, with Blake silent the whole time.
Wanting to break the silence, Reese said gently, “Blake, the moon is beautiful tonight. How about a walk in the garden?”
His response was bitter and stinging. “No, you’ll have to join Bianca later,” he rasped.
Reese’s heart tightened. She paused and dialed Bianca’s number.
Blake listened carefully as Reese’s voice filled the air.
“Hello, Bianca,” Reese said, her tone calm. “Blake’s safely at the hospital. Don’t worry. There’s actually a celebration at your brother’s research center tonight. They just called, and they’d like me to attend…” she trailed off, leaving a pause. “So… I’m afraid I can’t come find you. But we can celebrate next time.”
After hanging up, Reese waited for Blake’s reaction.
He turned his wheelchair around, his face confused.
“Why did you do that?” he asked, his voice cold.
Reese looked into his eyes, biting her lip. “Because I want to be here for you,” she said simply.
“I don’t need that,” he replied quickly, rejecting her without hesitation.
A lump formed in Reese’s throat, but she swallowed it down. “Blake,” she pressed, “You want to be with Bianca alone tonight, right? You have a reservation, I know. Why can’t you just tell her? With her personality, she’d understand. Even if she’s hesitant, I’ll talk to her!”
Blake scowled, gripping the armrests harder. “It’s none of your business.”
Frustration built up in Reese. “Here’s the thing,” she said, her voice sharp with anger. “Before, you didn’t pursue her because she had a boyfriend. Now that they’ve broken up, you’re still holding back. What kind of man does that? If you care about someone, fight for them! What’s the point of sitting here alone?”
A hollow laugh escaped Blake’s lips. He had confessed his feelings and promised her to wait forever.
Hadn’t that been fighting for Bianca? He had swallowed his pride, hoping for just a glance from her. But her attention was always on someone else.
When she did look at him, her eyes only showed pity. And then there was his injury and the uncertain future.
How could he ask Bianca to wait? How could he ever make her happy?
“It’s not your concern,” Blake said again, his voice tight.
Reese crouched down in front of him and stared at him. “Actually, it is,” she said firmly. “You can’t shut me out with a few cold words.”
His eyes faltered. “Why?” he asked in a small voice.
Reese took a deep breath and uttered her words with deep emotion: “Because I want you to be happy, and I want Bianca to be happy, too. I want both of you to find joy.”