I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 509

Horace looked down at me, his gaze wavering slightly as his hand gently stroked my lower back.

"She's not ready yet. Don't push her."

But I thought it made perfect sense. I looked at Horace and asked him, "Horace, is there any chance you could fall for someone else?"

Horace's expression changed in an instant as he stared at me.

"What do you think? Who else could I possibly love besides you?"

I said clearly, "Then let's get married."

A look of pure astonishment crossed Horace's face. His eyes suddenly focused, a mixture of shock and joy.

"Are you serious?"

"I'm serious," I said, biting my lip and looking at him with determination. "Right now, I want to focus on my career. I missed my chance at the semi-finals today, so my ranking is stuck, but I'll keep trying. I have to fight for it. But that doesn't stop me from learning to love you. And if I can never develop romantic feelings, marriage will be the greatest security I can give you. Is that okay?"

I owed Horace too much.

For me, getting married, or how I got married, wasn't really important.

As long as the path led to happiness and joy, I was willing to take it.

Especially since, on this path, the person I owed the most would find his own perfect happiness. That was enough for me.

Horace, who had been as tense as a fully drawn bow, suddenly pulled me into a fierce embrace, holding me so tightly it felt like he wanted to merge me with his very bones.

"I'm so happy, Zephyra. I'm happier right now than if I'd won a championship!"

Beneath his short hair, Horace's deep eyes were red-rimmed but shone with an extraordinary light.

"I'll be good to you. I'll never let you down. I'll make you the happiest woman in the world!"

I hugged him back and whispered, "Okay."

He closed his eyes, his breathing heavy and ragged, clearly restraining himself with great effort.

Gordon was terrified, asking cautiously, "Mr. Lancaster... while you were looking for Mrs. Lancaster, your grandfather called. He asked if you were still bringing her home."

Steven opened his eyes. He didn't answer right away. After a long moment, a sarcastic smile touched his lips.

"Have you ever been abandoned?"

His question came out of nowhere, leaving Gordon completely bewildered. "Huh?"

There were bloodshot veins in Steven's eyes. "To be deeply loved by someone, only to have her kick you to the curb just as your feelings for her are deepening, cutting ties with you completely, and then watching her fall for someone else. Have you ever tasted that kind of abandonment? I've tasted it twice now."

Gordon was shocked. "Mr. Lancaster..."

"So, there won't be a third time," Steven's voice was rough and low. "Make your move. Don't let the situation get out of control. Don't let her run from me for too long. Some things—it's time to lay them on the table."