When Scarlett arrived at Grandpa Robert's office, soone grabbed her hand and pulled her to the ergency stairs.
Scarlett didn't resist; she was just confused, looking at Francis. Why had he suddenly appeared in this place?
"Brother Francis!! What's with the pull? Just ask nicely, and I will follow you. No need to do this," Scarlett said helplessly.
Francis ignores her and continues to walk.
"What do you want?" Scarlett asked when they finally reached the ergency stairs. She noticed the thin lines on his forehead, the look of annoyance and fatigue etched on his face. His red tie hung loosely, and his black suit wrinkled, like he was working tirelessly without rest. He seed utterly exhausted.
Francis didn't rush to answer her but stared into her eyes as if he wanted to read her mind. Scarlett returned his sharp gaze with a chuckle. This was the first ti she had witnessed him so restless like this; this man was usually so calm and rarely showed any flaws before her.
After just staring at each other for a few monts, Francis finally said, "Since when did you get married?"
"Last year," Scarlett answered calmly. She could see shock and anger flash through his eyes.
"Why did you do this to ?" Francis asked, taking another deep breath, his eyes still sharply focused on her. "Why did you break my heart with this news?"
"Oh, co on, Brother Francis. Stop exaggerating, and please release your grip; you're hurting ..." Scarlett said while staring at her hand, which was tightly held by Francis. "Release , and we can talk properly." She continues.
Surprised his hand still tightly held hers, Francis imdiately ca to his senses and released it. "I…I'm sorry, Scarlett, I—" he said with an apologetic tone, then ran his fingers through his hair, feeling annoyed with himself for losing control of his emotions.
"I understand, but why do you look so annoyed now that I'm married? Brother, you don't have any reason to be angry with !" Scarlett said.
"There is!" Francis replied in a low tone, but Scarlett frowned as she looked at him.
'There is!? How so?' She was puzzled hearing his answer.
"What do you an?" Scarlett asked. She starts to feel helplessly speaking to him. "We never dated, Brother. Grandpa Robert tried to match us at that ti, but I never agreed. And you are well aware of it and even accept it. You should rember that—" She couldn't finish her words, afraid of hurting him deeply.
Francis' shoulders slumped at her words. He felt like a slap in his face, making him realize how foolish he had been, always hoping she would eventually accept his feelings. He had been waiting for her to open her heart, and now he saw how wrong he had been.
"Scarlett, I understand, but you should have told if you didn't have feelings for . All this ti, you only said you weren't ready and weren't interested in having a boyfriend," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"It's because I didn't want to hurt you deeply," Scarlett wanted to say, but she held herself back, fearing it would shatter him even further.
"Brother, are you sure you want to hear this? It might be painful for you," she said softly, avoiding his gaze. She couldn't help feeling sorry as she saw his eyes slowly welling up with tears.
"Yes, please. Tell so I can wake up from this," his voice trembled.
Scarlett took a deep breath before eting his gaze again. She continued, "Brother, I already told your father that I couldn't accept you as my partner because all this ti, I didn't see you as a romantic interest, but rely as an older brother... I can't force my feelings on you, brother," she paused when she saw him slowly remove his tie.
"Brother, you should know that I had drawn a line between us from the beginning. I never gave you any hope," She paused again, taking a deep, long breath this ti before continuing, "I'm sorry if I hurt you..."
Scarlett really felt sorry because she knew Francis was a kind person. Even though they had only t a few tis, she could tell this man was kind, just like his father.
Francis cast his gaze outside through the glass walls, avoiding her eyes. What she had said was true, and he understood it. However, deep down in his heart, he still wished for a glimr of hope between them.
Since their encounter a few days ago, he had been in denial about her being married, even after his father confird it. Today, when he received a call from his father that Scarlett was in the hospital, he couldn't control himself and rushed here to see her.
He needed to convince himself to wake up from his imagination and dream. He needed to hear from her directly that she didn't have romantic feelings for him. He truly needed that closure.
"Scarlett," he began to feel a bit better after a few monts of silence. He looked at her with a calm expression. "You don't have to apologize. This is not your fault. I can't force you to love ..."
"Brother—" she started, but he raised his hand to stop her, smiling to reassure her that he was okay.
He continued, "I'm grateful you finally expressed your true feelings towards . It will help move on from my foolish emotions..." He chuckled. "Scarlett Piers... From the bottom of my heart, I want to say congratulations on your marriage."
Scarlett finally felt relieved, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "Thank you, Brother Francis. I hope we can be friends..."
Francis shook his head, declining her offer.
Scarlett frowned, "Oh, co on, Brother, are you still mad at ?"
A playful smile finally appeared on Francis' face as he said, "I want to be like a brother to you. No... No... We can't be brothers... But, from now on, you have to call Uncle. After all, you call my father Grandpa!" He gently ruffled the top of her hair. It was fun to tease her.
Scarlett, "..."
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