Forsaking the Years of Longing

Chapter 36 Callan's gaze trembled as he noticed the tear tracks on my face.

I looked at the blood staining his knuckles and gently wrapped my arms around him.

"Stop fighting, Callan. I'm scared. Let's go home, okay? Stay away from this madman."

"..Alright."

Callan held me close, ready to leave, not sparing Jason a single glance as we walked away.

Behind us, Jason's voice erupted in a desperate scream.

"Caroline! Come back! You're mine! You're mine! Don't go... I'm sorry, don't leave... You used to only care about me..."

I closed my eyes briefly, then made the decision to turn back.

When our gazes met, Jason's eyes lit up for a moment with hope.

But I said, "If you harass us again, I'll report you to the police."

"Jason, I'm begging you, please save a shred of dignity for yourself. Weren't you always the one who valued appearances the most? Stop doing this. It's over. I truly don't love you anymore." At my words, Jason's outstretched hand fell heavily to his side.

He had thought I would reach out to him.

But I didn't.

Instead, I drove a dagger into his heart.

The Wedding.

Although the wedding was organized in a short time, Callan spared no effort. The banquet, the arrangements, and every little detail reflected his sincerity.

Dressed in a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, I stood at the end of the red carpet and realized something.

Marriage... wasn't so bad after all.

Maybe, just maybe...

Marrying Callan was a good choice.

As we stood on the stage exchanging vows, my sharp eyes caught sight of Jason sitting in the far back corner of the guest seats.

Bandaged and bruised, his face expressionless, he simply sat there, staring at us.

The scene from three days ago replayed in my mind, and worry crept in. But before it could overwhelm me, Callan gently squeezed my hand. "What's wrong?" he whispered into my ear.

Following my gaze, he noticed Jason, and his expression darkened instantly.

I quickly whispered, trying to placate him, "I'm just afraid he'll cause trouble. Can you ask someone to throw him out?"

Hearing my words, Callan's lips curled into a wide grin.

"Don't worry. I've got his bodyguards stationed nearby. If he dares move, they'll escort him straight back to the hospital." Me: "..."

Surprisingly, Jason didn't create any commotion.

Later, Jasmine told me she had also noticed him.

She said that when Callan and I exchanged rings and kissed, Jason began trembling all over. Finally, he stumbled out of the venue before anyone else.

I nodded.

That's good.

At least he preserved his last shred of dignity.

That night the same scene played out - Callan holding the bedding for his makeshift spot on the floorchis face wearing the same pitifub expression.

"Caroline, how about tonight? The floor... it's hard."

I grinned. "Hard? What's hard?"

Callan froze, his face instantly turning bright red.

It was then realized that ever since. he confessed his high school crush me, this seemingly composed

on

man had been blushing more and more.

Amusing. Adorable, even.

So, I lightly kicked his shin again and repeated what I'd said before.

"Come on. I didn't marry you to live like a nun."