Chapter 74: Ansel admits to loving Erica
Noticing that Nika had suddenly become silent and lost in thought, Ansel asked him, “What’s on your mind? Why did you hit me?”
“You don’t even know, and you’re asking me?” Nika snapped back at Ansel.
“I really don’t know,” Ansel replied, feeling irritated by Nika’s attitude. “If you hit me, you should at least explain why, right?”
After saying that, Ansel struggled to get up and face Nika.
Facing Ansel’s naive attitude, she did not understand anything. Nika was no longer polite, revealing everything:
“Ansel. I ask you, why are you using Erica?” Nika’s voice was filled with accusations.
“Nika. What are you talking about?” Ansel was taken aback and retorted, “When did I take advantage of Erica?”
“Don’t play dumb.” Nika scolded loudly, making Ansel startle.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.” Ansel also lost his temper and replied loudly.
The two stared at each other intensely, their hostility palpable as if they were enemies.
“If you have something, say it clearly. I will not tolerate baseless accusations, even if you are the accuser.” Ansel asked softly.
“Well, listen carefully then,” Nika solemnly reminded her, “you previously proposed to Erica as an excuse to abandon Desi. And now you dare to demand that Erica have an early wedding? If you’re not taking advantage of Erica, then what do you call those actions? The things you’ve done have caused trouble for Erica, making her the target of idle attackers.”
“That…” Ansel was about to say something, but Nika cut him off coldly.
“Don’t explain; I don’t want to hear. Are you still human, Ansel? You really let others down.” Nika criticized Ansel fiercely.
After hearing Nika’s words, Ansel felt scared. He thought Nika had misunderstood and unfairly accused him.
“I’m not taking advantage of Erica.” Ansel calmly explained: “I never had such evil thoughts, let alone do.”
“Are you kidding me?” Nika sneered, “If you’re not using Erica, then what would you call it? Why did you suddenly propose to Erica and even suggest that she get married within a month? You obviously have a hidden agenda for doing so. And I know what your motive is, so don’t even think about fooling me.”
“Things are not as you think, Nika,” Ansel tried to explain. “It’s true that I had a reason to do that. But I absolutely didn’t take advantage of Erica.”
“It’s not, huh!” Nika laughed disdainfully. “So how do you explain your despicable actions?” Nika asked angrily.
“I love Erica,” Ansel stated firmly. “I proposed and asked Erica to marry me completely sincerely.”
“You’re lying,” Nika denied.
“I’m not lying,” Ansel said, almost shouting.
“Before, when I asked if you loved Erica, you said something different. Now you’re saying you love Erica. How can you say two different things about the same person? Do you think I’ll believe you?” Nika asked.
“I was very confused at that time,” Ansel admitted, feeling embarrassed. “I doubted myself and was scared of that feeling, so I denied the truth.”
“I never thought Ansel Brown was such a coward,” Nika sneered.
“I know that,” Ansel agreed. “And I also know that I was wrong when I tried to run away from my feelings. Nika, you may criticize and insult me, but please don’t doubt my love for Erica.” Ansel spoke urgently, his eyes looking at Nika with sincerity.
“Do you really love Erica?” Nika asked calmly.
“Nika, I’m telling the truth. What can I do to make you believe me?” Ansel begged. “Please tell me, Nika.”
“You have to prove your words with real actions,” Nika sighed and said to Ansel. “If you can’t do that, I will never believe in your love for Erica.”
Ansel responded with a vow: “I will never lie to you, Nika. If I say that I love Erica, it is the truth. If I lie, I will die in the worst way possible.”
With Ansel’s resolute and serious attitude, Nika no longer had any doubts. Breathing a sigh of relief, Nika asked further, “Besides the words you said that night, have you told Erica about your true feelings?”
Before the sensitive question, Ansel was silent, not wanting to give an answer. This confused Nika.
“What’s wrong?” Nika asked, “Is there a problem?”
Seeing Ansel’s suddenly downcast face, Nika felt something was off.
“To be honest, I really want to tell Erica. But…” Ansel trailed off, leaving Nika curious.
“What’s the matter?”
“I’m afraid,” Ansel revealed, “that Erica won’t believe my feelings are true. “I’m afraid that Erica will think I’m using her to reject Desi.”
“It will not happen.” Nika optimistically said, “Erica will definitely…”
“Erica said she helped me because she saw me as a friend,” Ansel cut Nika off. “Erica thinks my proposal was fake.”
“Did Erica really say that?” Nika exclaimed in surprise, wanting to confirm. Ansel nodded gently.
A sudden silence spread as Nika immersed himself in his inner world. Nika realized that Erica also loved Ansel. So why did Erica lie? Could it be that Erica no longer loved Ansel, or were there other reasons? Did both sides misunderstand each other? Nika was stunned by his discovery, as it became clear that only a misunderstanding could lead them to behave in such a way.
“Ansel, what are you going to do now?” Nika asked Ansel, who was lost in thought.
“I will conquer Erica’s heart.” Looking straight at Nika, Ansel declared with determination, “I will try my best to make Erica love me.”
Although surprised, Nika concealed his reaction so that Ansel wouldn’t notice.
“If, in the end, Erica doesn’t love you, then what?” Nika asked this question to test Ansel.
“I believe that my sincerity will touch Erica’s heart,” Ansel said with uncertainty. “But if Erica loves someone else who is more deserving of her than me, I will try to learn how to let go.”
Nika smiled silently, feeling sorry for Ansel and also worried for Erica. Nika knew that both Ansel and Erica were good people. Nika didn’t want to see them suffer because of an unsuccessful love affair. So he decided to help.
“Ansel, you should let Erica know your feelings soon,” advises Nika. “Erica deserves to know the truth, and it’s okay if she doesn’t feel the same way. I believe she will understand and still maintain your friendship.”
Ansel thanks Nika for his advice and promises to do the same. He also understands that his feelings for Erica are real and that he will do anything to win her heart.
“Are you okay, Nika?” Ansel asked his friend.
“What do you mean?” Nika didn’t understand what Ansel was trying to say.
“I mean, you have feelings for Erica too, right?” Ansel was a little hesitant.
“Come on, say it. Walking around is annoying. That’s not my style,” Nika replied.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
Nika’s encouragement prompted Ansel to muster the courage to ask, “Why are you supporting me with Erica?”
“Wanna know why?”
“Yes.”
With Ansel’s curiosity piqued, Nika smiled and said:
“If you want to know the answer, you’ll have to find out for yourself. I’ll give you a hint, though: I confessed my feelings to Erica, but she turned me down.”
“You confessed to Erica?” Ansel couldn’t believe what he just heard. He felt a bit sorry for Nika, but at the same time, he was happy that his biggest rival had failed. “Why did Erica reject you?”
“Take your time to find out,” Nika said mysteriously. “Sooner or later, you will know the answer.”
Ansel was truly curious, but he respected Nika’s decision to keep things to herself. He didn’t want to pressure his friend. So, Ansel decided to be patient and do as Nika suggested.
The conversation came to an end. Nika apologized for hitting Ansel, and he forgave her. Then Nika left Ansel’s room.