The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 573

Ferris was in love with Zoey, not me.

That was the exact reason I had given up all hope and decided to leave him in the first place. How could I ever turn back?

I offered Caspian a soft smile. "Thank you, Caspian. But I'm going to have to decline your generous offer. I won't go back to him, and I don't need to."

"Decline? Selena, if you're not going back to him, I'm thrilled. Why would I feel declined?" Caspian looked as if a massive weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His lips curved up into a bright, dazzling smile that lit up his handsome face.

He gave me a live demonstration of what it meant to go from gloom to sunshine. His eyes sparkled instantly, and his whole demeanor became vibrant and clear.

"Then why did you just..." I trailed off, thoroughly confused.

"I did it on purpose, to test if you still had feelings for Ferris," Caspian admitted his motives without a shred of guilt. "I want to pursue you, Selena. I originally thought Leon was my only competition, but then I found out Ferris is your ex. I was worried he might try to win you back, and I was even more worried you might let him."

He flashed a wicked, charming grin. "But honestly, even if you did want to go back, I really would have helped. I would have helped you destroy that thought completely. I'm going to replace Ferris and take my spot in your heart."

"You..." I knew Caspian was direct, but I hadn't expected him to be this bold. He effortlessly admitted his manipulative little scheme. He was literally laying all his cards on the table.

It completely threw me off balance. Looking at his devastatingly handsome face, the way his sharp, predatory eyes curved into crescent moons, practically glowing with intensity—I was utterly speechless.

"I'm confident that I'm better than Ferris. Someone as precious as you deserves to be cherished by me. And I promise you, I will love and protect you properly. I will never let you suffer even an ounce of grief or pain." Caspian tilted his chin up slightly. The teasing glint in his eyes was completely gone, replaced by an overwhelming, undeniable sincerity.