Cheap?

It was as if a knife had been plunged into Leona Grant’s heart.

The rims of his eyes instantly turned red as he growled at Annabelle Linton, "Then whose love do you think is so precious? Aaron Wyatt’s? Annabelle Linton, we’ve known each other for twenty years! Does that mean nothing compared to a man you’ve only known for six?"

Annabelle Linton looked at the disbelief on his face and smiled faintly.

Once again, she was struck by the difference between Aaron Wyatt and Leona Grant.

She hadn’t known Aaron Wyatt for even half as long as she’d known Leona Grant, but he had given her so many wonderful memories.

As for Leona Grant... she had loved him for twenty years, and for twenty years, he had hurt her.

Even now that she no longer loved him, he was still hurting her.

The corners of Annabelle Linton’s lips curved up as she said without a hint of hesitation, "At least our six years were filled with beautiful memories. All you ever gave me was pain."

Beauty... Pain.

Hearing this, Leona Grant laughed. It was a desolate, heartbroken sound.

His eyes slowly misted over as he stared at her, his gaze full of affection and sorrow. "But you loved me for twenty years. Now that I can finally return your love, are you really just going to abandon me? You’re the one who drew me in, made me drink your poison, and now you’re leaving without a second glance. What am I supposed to do?"

Leona Grant watched her, his own heart aching. It felt as if his heart was being relentlessly carved away, leaving nothing but pain. ’Annabelle Linton... no matter how capable I am in the eyes of the world, I’m still human, and I long for your love. I’m not asking you to love me back... just hold me, please? It hurts so much.’

Annabelle Linton looked at him and sneered. "Back when I loved you, you never offered me an antidote either."

Leona Grant’s eyes suddenly went hollow. He asked quietly, "So, Annabelle Linton, you really don’t love me anymore? You’re never going to give me another chance, is that right?"

"That’s right." Annabelle’s reply was firm.

Leona Grant laughed again, slowly composing himself.

He watched her calmly as he slowly walked toward her.

Annabelle Linton watched him approach, her expression cold and emotionless.

When he reached her, Leona Grant pulled her forcefully into his arms. The aggression in his demeanor vanished, replaced by an expression of tenderness. He brushed the hair from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. Then, his long fingers tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. "Say it again."

Annabelle Linton struggled fiercely, but couldn’t break free. She spoke with even greater conviction, "I could say it a hundred times and the answer would be the same. There’s no chance for us!"

"Then tell me who you love! Aaron Wyatt?!"

Annabelle Linton shot back angrily, "Yes!"

Leona Grant let out a soft chuckle and gave her a peck on the lips. "Got it," he said softly.

The next second, he abruptly released her. His voice was once again impossibly gentle. "Well then, I’ll take you to see your new love. It’s been a few days. You must miss him."

With that, he took her hand and led her outside.

As if on cue, the sky, which had been clear and sunny moments before, suddenly opened up in a torrential downpour.

Leona Grant led her through the rain, his steps growing more resolute with every footfall.

The rain blurred her vision, but it did nothing to slow Leona Grant’s pace.

He led her into a long corridor. Memories of the past surged back, and Annabelle Linton’s eyes widened in horror.

’No, no!’

’She’d sworn she would never set foot in this place a second time!’

’This was the place where she had been imprisoned for four months in her past life, the very place where she had died a tragic death!’

Annabelle Linton froze, too afraid to move, but Leona Grant gave her no chance to retreat, dragging her forward.

BANG—

The iron door was kicked open. The smell of dampness and blood filled the air, and Annabelle Linton immediately saw him—Aaron Wyatt, slumped against the corner, barely breathing!