Chapter 89: Erica, I love you.
The morning sun gently streamed through the half-drawn curtains, casting a soft light into the disheveled bedroom. It signaled the passing of a peaceful night, leaving behind the lingering presence of love in the small room. Erica woke up from a deep slumber, opened her eyes, and found herself naked, lying in the warm embrace of Ansel.
Erica lay motionless, her delicate features bathed in the warmth of the morning light. Memories of the night before flooded back, sending her mind reeling, torn between the ecstasy of the night before and the fear of what was to come. Anxiety gnawed at her, questioning the future of her relationship with Ansel.
Erica felt happy that she could help Ansel, the person she loved, even though it meant sacrificing something precious to her. It was a night they shared, immersed in love and appreciation. Despite the influence of a stimulant drug, Ansel maintained a gentle and affectionate demeanor, ensuring he neither acted rough nor caused discomfort or pain to Erica. Alongside the happiness, fear was also nurtured in Erica’s mind. She feared that after the incident, their relationship could change in a negative way. Ansel might become distant, avoidant, and create a distance between them out of concern for facing unwanted consequences.
In the face of overwhelming emotions, Erica took the initiative to leave the bed before Ansel woke up. She tried to gently place her feet on the floor, hoping to make her way out of the room without causing any attention. However, as if sensing Erica’s intention, Ansel’s eyes opened wide, fixating on her retreating figure. In an instinctive reaction, Ansel reaches out, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against her bare skin.
“Erica,” Ansel softly called out.
As Ansel held her hand, Erica’s heart raced. She turned her face away, not daring to face Ansel’s fierce stare. His sudden action startled Erica, who felt frightened. However, after mustering enough courage, Erica spoke up, trying to sound natural. She forgot that she was naked.
“Ansel, you’re awake now. I’ll cook breakfast. What would you like to eat?” Erica asked, trying to appear casual. At this moment, Erica’s bare back was facing Ansel’s intense gaze.
After speaking, Erica tried to free herself from Ansel’s tightly grasping hand. Sensing her feeble attempt, Ansel decided to release his hold on Erica’s hand.
Silence enveloped the room, with Erica seemingly awaiting Ansel’s response. Meanwhile, Ansel pondered carefully about his next course of action. Then, Ansel decided that it was time to demonstrate seriousness and clarity in his conversation with Erica.
“Erica, about last night…” Ansel nervously swallowed, mustering up his courage before speaking. As he spoke, he sat up, unintentionally causing the blanket on his chest to slide down to his thighs. In a fleeting moment, his eyes caught sight of the red stain where Erica had been lying. This surprising discovery took him aback, and he couldn’t hold back his exclamation.
“Erica, you’re still a virgin.”
Erica was trying to find an excuse to decline further conversation with Ansel; she immediately found herself in a state of surprise and confusion upon hearing his unexpected question.
Ansel’s gaze shifted from the bloodstain on the bed to Erica, expectantly.
“Erica…” Ansel noticed Erica sitting motionless, tension visibly radiating from her. Impatiently growing, Ansel attempted to open his mouth to ask again, but Erica immediately interrupted him.
“Ansel. Listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”
Erica feared having to hear hurtful words from Ansel. But above all, to protect herself, Erica made the decision to express her thoughts fully before those words escaped Ansel’s lips.
“What is it, Erica?” Ansel allowed Erica to speak first.
“Ansel, you don’t have to feel guilty, and you don’t have to take responsibility.” Erica’s voice trembled, her words containing a mix of complex emotions. “I don’t want you to bear the burden of taking my virginity. It was my choice; consider it my way of thanking you for saving my life and helping me in so many ways.”
Clasping her hands tightly, Erica let out a soft sigh, relieved that she had finally finished speaking. Now, all she had to do was wait to see how Ansel would react. Deep down, Erica didn’t hope for Ansel to behave poorly, as she had feared.
Upon hearing Erica’s words, confusion mixed with doubt furrowed Ansel’s eyebrows. The harboring of such thoughts by Erica was unbelievable to him. Ansel was upset at Erica’s rejection; he felt like Erica was pushing him out of her life. Unable to bear it any longer, especially the fear of losing Erica, Ansel made up his mind to express all his thoughts and feelings, regardless of the outcome. He would face it with courage.
“Erica, I think we need to talk,” Ansel suggested earnestly.
“I don’t think it’s necessary. We have nothing more to say to each other,” Erica refused without hesitation.
“Erica,” Ansel pleaded, “please don’t be like this.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
“That’s enough; no more words. Let’s pretend that last night never happened,” Erica said firmly, decisively getting up from the bed. However, Ansel quickly grabbed hold of Erica’s hand, preventing her from leaving.
“What are you doing, Ansel? Let me go,” Erica demanded, feeling uncomfortable. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Ansel.
“Don’t go,” Ansel said softly, but his tone carried love and pleading. “Please stay. Give me a chance to share my thoughts with you.”
Erica’s heart pounded, full of uneasiness. Erica was then forced to sit back on the bed, unable to overcome Ansel’s physical strength.
“Erica, look at me.” Ansel’s voice begged.
Erica shook her head in denial, still stubbornly avoiding facing Ansel. Erica was afraid of not being able to control her emotions; most of all, she was afraid that she would be weak and burst into tears in front of Ansel. Erica didn’t need Ansel’s pity.
With overwhelming concern and longing, Ansel reached out, gently cupping Erica’s face and urging her to look into his eyes. Ansel’s caring gesture captivated Erica, and she could no longer escape his gaze. She had to battle conflicting emotions within herself, with one side longing to listen while the other side feared what Ansel was about to say. However, a sense of determination and trust in Ansel began to rise within her. Taking a courageous step, Erica turned back, facing Ansel, and spoke:
“What do you want to say?”
Ansel held Erica’s hand, his eyes filled with reverence.
“Erica, you didn’t understand.” Ansel’s voice was sincere, and his gestures were gentle yet resolute. “To me, last night was not just about physical desire or a gesture of gratitude. It was about the connection we shared and the growing emotions between us.”
Erica’s breath suddenly caught in her throat, her eyes widening in astonishment. She dared not interrupt, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaited Ansel’s continued words.
“You have become more than just a friend-someone I saved and someone who saved me.” Ansel’s voice trembled with emotion. “You have become the reason I want to be a better person-someone I want to share my life with. Everything I said to you last night was true. I love you; I want you, Erica.”
The weight of Ansel’s words hung heavily in the air, enveloping Erica in a whirlwind of emotions. Her lips quivered, and tears naturally streamed down her face. It took a moment, but she finally found her voice.