Chapter 40: Erica hates Ansel?
“What’s the matter? Why did you suddenly go silent? I was right. You’re Erica Watson?” Ansel curiously asked when he noticed Erica’s silent and unpredictable expression. Ansel’s tone unintentionally revealed the satisfaction of a victorious person.
“That’s right. I am Erica Watson. But what’s the problem with that?”
With Ansel’s persistence, Erica finally had to admit it. Moreover, Erica also knew that if she continued to pretend ignorance, she might awaken the deep-seated monster within Ansel. Everyone has an emotional monster residing within them, don’t they?
“Finally, you’ve admitted it,” Ansel said with a slight chuckle. Inside, he was feeling very delighted.
“I am Erica Watson. Does that actually change anything?” Erica suddenly posed a very blunt question, containing multiple implications at the same time.
“Of course it does. There are indeed many changes,” Ansel eagerly replied.
“What kind of changes are those?” Erica pretended to ask for more. The facial expression she wore looked very stern.
“You are Erica Watson. That gives us a valid reason to talk,” Ansel immediately demanded. “Talk to me, Erica. A serious talk.
“What’s wrong with you? Haven’t we been talking all this time?” Erica asked in a reverse manner, momentarily catching Ansel off guard. How was Erica always able to effortlessly come up with logical responses that made it difficult for Ansel?
“I don’t mean that kind of talk.” Ansel corrected himself after a moment of confusion.
“So what do you mean?” Erica asked, annoyed. Indeed, Erica was annoyed when Ansel bothered her over and over again. When will Ansel ever stop?
“You are Erica Watson.” Ansel regained his seriousness and spoke with emphasis. “Therefore, I want to have a conversation with you about other matters unrelated to my illness or your duties at the hospital. What I want to discuss is…”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in having a conversation with you. And there’s no reason for me to do so,” Erica interrupted, bluntly extinguishing Ansel’s hope.
“Do you still hold a grudge against me for what happened at the restaurant?” Ansel asked directly, but Erica didn’t respond. Seeing this, Ansel thought Erica was giving him an opportunity to speak, so Ansel added:
“If that’s the case, I sincerely apologize to you, Erica. At that time, I acted without thinking. My behavior is really reprehensible. I know I was out of line, and I regret my actions. Please forgive me generously.”
Ansel bowed his head, showing remorse and repentance. Erica could sense the sincerity that Ansel was conveying. However, she wasn’t easily swayed or persuaded. Erica still felt that something was missing. To put it accurately, Erica hadn’t found a valid reason to accept Ansel’s apology yet.
Ansel waited with overflowing hope. However, in response, Erica remained silent, her face expressionless. Patience has its limits. After a moment of unease, Ansel lifted his head and gathered the courage to speak up:
“Erica, I understand that my apology might not be enough to make things right. But I want you to know that I deeply regret my actions and am committed to making amends. I’m willing to listen to you, to understand how I hurt you, and to do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness. Please give me a chance to make things right.”Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
Erica remained silent, appearing indifferent to Ansel’s words.
“Do you hate me?” Ansel cautiously probed, hoping that his thoughts were not accurate. “You don’t want to forgive me?”
“Perhaps,” Erica replied curtly.
Erica’s immediate response left Ansel feeling suddenly heartbroken. He must be going through a combination of disappointment and sadness. The resurgence of guilt haunted him as he realized his concerns had come true. The profound sadness stemmed from Erica’s apparent hatred for him. As for Erica, according to her, that was all she could think of to prevent Ansel from bothering her. If Erica feels comfortable, feel comfortable. Let Ansel believe that Erica hates him.
While Ansel fell into silence, contemplating what he could do to earn Erica’s forgiveness, Erica seized the opportunity and spoke up:
“I need to go out and attend to my work now,” Erica tactfully stated. “Unless it’s something urgent, please refrain from disturbing me. There are many other patients who require care and attention. I have to dedicate my time to them.”
Erica’s sincere and convincing reminder made it difficult for Ansel to refuse or object. After she finished speaking, Erica decisively left the room, leaving Ansel alone. With a mind in turmoil, he once again fell into contemplation.
As a patient, Ansel should have rested for a quick recovery. But despite that fact, Ansel allowed himself to overthink too much, and it was all related to Erica.
How can he make Erica listen, accept his apologies, and acknowledge his gratitude? How can he make her forgive him? Numerous questions pile up, weighing heavily on Ansel’s mind and causing him distress. He wonders when he will truly find peace and comfort. Unable to endure the discomfort in his chest and the uncontrollable chaos in his thoughts any longer, Ansel finally makes a phone call, requesting that Nika come to the hospital immediately. He truly needs Nika’s assistance.
When Nika received Ansel’s phone call, she promptly left her work and rushed to meet him without delay. Judging from Ansel’s tone of voice, the situation appeared grave, evoking a sense of urgency. Moreover, Ansel subtly conveyed the possible repercussions if Nika failed to act swiftly. Apparently, Ansel threatened Nika.
In the VIP room on the 9th floor of Hospital A, two young men were engaged in a serious conversation.
“So, that girl you’re talking about is Erica Watson?” Nika wanted to confirm some information after hearing what Ansel had just recounted.
“That’s correct,” Ansel affirmed firmly. “She admitted it herself.”
“This is truly hard to believe,” Nika remarked, slightly perplexed.
Ansel interjected, confiding, “I’m also quite surprised by this coincidence. When you said you lost your clues to find Erica, I felt disappointed and let down. Just when I didn’t know what to do, Erica appeared right in front of me.”
“Well, that’s great news then. You don’t have to go through the trouble of searching for Erica anymore,” Nika said optimistically. He was happy for Ansel.
“If things were as simple as you say, then I wouldn’t feel so bothered.” Ansel changed his tone to a more despondent one.
“So, what exactly is the issue bothering you?” Nika asked earnestly, seeking to understand.
“Erica doesn’t want to talk to me,” Ansel said, sorrowfully looking at Nika. “I want to apologize and thank her, but Erica seems unwilling to listen.”
“Is that why you urgently called me here?” Nika asked straightforwardly.
“Yes,” Ansel casually admitted. “I don’t know what to do now. I’ve thought about it a lot, but I’m truly at a loss. That’s why I wanted to seek your opinion. Nika, please help me.”
Faced with Ansel’s sincere request, Nika couldn’t refuse.
“First of all, stay calm. Don’t be too impatient. We will find a way together for Erica to accept your intentions,” Nika reassured Ansel. “I believe that Erica will soon be swayed by your efforts.”
“I hope it turns out as you say,” Ansel replied with a sorrowful expression. “I feel stuck in dealing with Erica’s stubborn nature. She always has a counterargument that leaves me speechless. I’m afraid that if this situation continues, it won’t lead to a positive outcome. On the contrary, something worse might happen.”
As Ansel spoke, he suddenly felt his self-confidence diminish significantly as he remembered Erica’s simple yet heart-wrenching words: ‘Erica hates him.’