Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 318

At the time, Winnie had felt utterly defeated. Veronica's words had come true once again: everyone who got involved with her ended badly.

Later, Oscar even came to the house demanding an explanation. Perhaps Michael leaving her was the best thing for him. So she had agreed to Oscar's request—not to bother Michael again.

But she could never bring herself to say this to Michael. She was proud and didn't want him to pity her.

"Grabbed the wrong person? You think I'd believe that excuse?" Michael's voice carried a hint of amusement. "If that's the case, why didn't you visit me once while I was in the hospital? And those words you said to others… 'Michael would be better off dead'? What was that about?"

"I didn't visit you… because your dad forbade it. And what I said to others… that was just out of anger," Winnie admitted, her voice unusually soft, her gaze lowering slightly.

But what she said was true. After recovering, she had sneaked into the hospital, hoping to see Michael. But Oscar's men were always on guard, never allowing her near.

During that time, Veronica had spread stories about her and Michael everywhere, leaving Winnie publicly humiliated at every turn. She had always been sharp-tongued and accustomed to hiding her true feelings, and in a moment of frustration, she had spoken harshly to preserve the little shred of dignity she had.

She never expected Michael would overhear. Afterwards, she regretted it deeply, hating her own sharp tongue, knowing he must have been hurt by her words.

It was precisely because she wasn't one to explain herself that she had wanted, more than once, to clarify things with Michael. But Michael had clearly intended to cut ties completely. He had finally given up chasing her, and Winnie naturally didn't want to interfere any further. Perhaps it was better for both of them.

"Are you… telling the truth?" Michael hesitated for a moment. His eyes, which had held suspicion, softened, replaced by emotions too deep to dissolve.

Winnie glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her face betraying a trace of awkwardness. "Believe it or not—it's up to you."

"I know. You'd never like me."

Before she could finish, Michael spoke first. He had heard these words from her before, so many times that it had left him with a mental scar. His expression darkened.

He hadn't expected her to feel differently toward him. All of Winnie's previous boyfriends had been completely opposite to him in personality. He had understood long ago that he wasn't her type.

Since he could never become the person she wanted, being friends was enough. At least he wouldn't have to endure the pain of unrequited longing.

And now, finally, they could speak openly and settle old grievances. That alone made him satisfied.