Crystal’s One Night of Love

Chapter 171 This Ends Here

Henry was in a meeting on the other end of the call.

His voice was gentle. "I'm still in a meeting and will be back before nine. By the way, Jamie's going over to collect a document. It's on my desk in my study. Please pass it to her." Crystal acknowledged with a soft hum.

She didn't hang up immediately, for she missed him.

It wasn't convenient for him to chat with her in the conference room, so he said gently, "I'll be hanging up

now.

After the call ended. Crystal thought of asking Jamie to keep the surprise a secret when the latter arrived and saw everything.

Crystal waited for twenty minutes, but Jamie didn't come. She called instead, and she sounded anxious over the phone.

Jamie's voice sounded anxious. "Crystal, my child is running a fever, so I must hurry home. Could you please help me deliver a document? It's the one on Mr. Miller's desk." As Crystal was quite close to her, she agreed to help.

Jamie couldn't thank her enough.

Crystal went to the study, grabbed the document, and headed downstairs to drive to the firm.

I can come home with Henry later after his meeting is over. He'd be surprised to see the decorations I put up. Crystal's lips curled into a smile.

In the darkness of the night, a white BMW traversed the busy roads and stopped in front of Adroit Law Firm after about half an hour.

Crystal went upstairs and was surprised to see the lights were turned off almost everywhere.

There was no one in Henry's office except for his other secretary-Sarah, who didn't expect to see Crystal. "Mr. Miller left in a hurry half an hour ago after receiving a call." Crystal's expression changed slightly.

Sarah thought Henry had left for his Valentine's date but soon realized she might have been wrong when she saw the look on Crystal's face.

Cautiously, she observed Crystal's expression.

Not wanting to frighten Sarah, Crystal forced a smile. It's all right!"

Then, she headed downstairs and got into the car.

What she should do at that moment was to return to the condominium, wait for Henry, and spend a boring Valentine's Day with hum before flying to Ferropene. However, instead of doing so, she grabbed the steering wheel and stepped on the accelerator, heading to

the hospital.

The dark night sky began drizzling, ruining Valentine's Day for many young couples.

The pedestrians on the street scurried away to take shelter.

Crystal drove to the hospital but didn't head upstairs right away. Instead, she sat in the car silently for at long time.

I know things won't end well if I go in there, but if I don't, this issue will haunt me my whole life. It's not my style to just ignore it.

In the end, Crystal unbuckled her seat belt.

Audrey was somewhat of a celebrity, so Crystal effortlessly found her ward after inquiring around.

It was a VIP ward. The door was slightly ajar.

One could clearly see and hear the conversation inside the ward.

Before Crystal even reached the ward, she heard Audrey screaming hysterically, stirring up a huge commotion. However, when Crystal reached the door, dead silence ensued in the ward, save for some faint breathing. Standing at the door, she saw Audrey hugging Henry from behind.

Henry appeared tense and rigid, his expression stiff.

He only ever looked like that in the presence of Audrey.

Suddenly, he pushed Audrey away forcefully.

His tone was frosty as he said, "Why wouldn't I hate you? If it weren't for you, I would still see marriage as

a blessing, not a worthless agreement, a constraint, and a means to keep someone by your side against their will! Tell me, Audrey. Why wouldn't I hate you?"

"Please don't hate me! Henry, please don't do that! Can we please start over?"

Henry didn't answer her.

Dressed in a loose hospital gown, Audrey threw herself into his arms and buried her face in his chest.

She said dreamily, "I know you can't forget me! I know you don't love Crystal!"

Henry's body trembled.

A smirk appeared on Audrey's face. "If you love her, you wouldn't put the ring on her middle finger! Henry, I know you wanted to propose to me back then. You bought that diamond ring after measuring my ring finger, right? You won't marry her!"

Henry shoved her away once again.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "My parents and Melora adore her. Why wouldn't I want to marry her?"

A thud sounded from the door.

The document in Crystal's grip fell to the ground.

Crystal froze on the spot.

Countless versions of distressing scenes played out in her mind before she reached Audrey's ward, but this was not one of the scenarios she had envisioned.

I can't believe Henry said marriage is a constraint, a worthless agreement, and a means to keep someone by one's side against their will. No matter what it is, they all sound ridiculous and pathetic. It turns out that the ring that I treasured, the one that offered solace during times of heartbreak, carries such a disappointing backstory. He refused to let me wear the ring on my ring finger because he doesn't love me; his heart is set solely on marrying Audrey. How ludicrous it all seems! I used to mock Audrey for being delusional and clueless. It turns out I'm the one who's clueless.

She waited for him like a fool, prepared him a delicious meal, and was willing to spend two years in Ferropene so that he would have time to settle his and Audrey's affairs. As if that wasn't disheartening. enough, he told her he needed to work on Valentine's Day, a special day she had been looking forward to, but all it took was one call from Audrey to summon him over.

Why did I think they would stop seeing each other after two years? It's obvious they're ready to spend the rest of their lives together, and they enjoy the relationship they have now. I'm clearly the outsider here. Yet, I still thought I was right all along. That's enough, Crystal. This must stop. This ends here!

Crystal didn't want to cry as it was embarrassing and humiliating, but she couldn't hold back her tears.

"Crystal!" Henry was shocked to see her.

The next second, it dawned on him that she must have heard their conversation earlier.

He wanted to explain, but Crystal stopped him and said, "Don't come closer, Henry! Stay away from me!"

She picked up the document and handed it to him before stating softly, "Jamie's kid is sick, so she asked me to help deliver the document. You weren't at the firm, so I thought of dropping by to see if you're here."

Henry took the document.

Frowning, he said, "Crystal, it's not what you think!"

Lowering her eyes and flashing him a faint smile, she stared at the ring on her finger.

As tears blurred her vision, she continued staring at the ring though all she could see was an indistinct shape. She kept telling herself nothing good ever came from sympathizing with a man. I've felt sorry for Henry, and now see how humiliated I am!

Slowly, Crystal took off the ring and held it high.

Gulping. Henry knew what she was trying to do.

Crystal fixed her gaze on him, remembering how he once said he couldn't give her what she wanted.

She then dated Ritchie for some time.

That was when Henry showed up and started pursuing her.

He said that he wanted to date and marry her besides sleeping with her. She was so surprised when he gifted her a ring and expressed his desire to welcome her into his family.

At that moment, however, she finally realized he was merely settling for her because he didn't have a better option.

He only wanted to marry her because his family adored her. Plus, he was satisfied with her figure and her skills in bed. Deep down in his heart, he never wanted to marry her. Instead, he thought of their marriage as a lavish gift he was bestowing upon her..

That was why he never told her he loved her, not even once.

A bitter smile played on Crystal's lips, Devastated, she asked, "Henry, do you love me?"