Chapter 4

For the next few days, neither Ophelia nor Cordelia came back to the hospital.

Because of the system's companionship requirements, Alastair couldn't be away from Ophelia for more than three days.

On the evening of the third day, Alastair called Ophelia. He had to call over a dozen times before she finally picked up.

Ophelia's impatient voice came through the phone.

"Alastair, are you sick in the head? Why do you keep calling me?!"

Alastair's voice was flat as he said, "Ophelia, it's been three days since I last saw you."

"It's only been three days. I wish I never had to see a vicious man like you ever again."

If he could, he would want to never see her again either.

"Ophelia, I've told you before, if I don't see you for more than three days, I'll..."

Ophelia mocked him, "You'll feel like you're dying? Alastair, stop with these boring tricks. It used to be cute, but now it just disgusts me!"

With that, she hung up the phone.

Alastair looked at the darkened phone screen, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

Back when Ophelia had gone on a business trip, she had said she'd be back in two days. But she hadn't returned until the evening of the third day.

Alastair's entire body had felt like it was being bitten by insects. There were no visible injuries, but the pain and itching were unbearable. He had wanted to take a knife and scrape off his own skin.

The longer he went without seeing Ophelia, the worse this feeling became.

That night, Alastair had bought a plane ticket and flown to Ophelia's side.

When Ophelia saw him, she was both surprised and pleased. She asked why he had come.

At the time, his eyes had been red-rimmed, his tone carrying a hint of barely detectable grievance as he said: "Ophelia, don't ever go more than three days without letting me see you again. Being away from you feels worse than death."

Ophelia had hugged his waist, laughing softly as she nuzzled his chest. "You really can't bear to be apart from me, can you?"

Alastair had nodded emphatically.

Then Ophelia had solemnly promised that from then on, she would definitely take him with her wherever she went.

She had always kept that promise.

But now she thought he was just playing tricks. She said he disgusted her.

Just as Alastair was about to call Ophelia's assistant to ask about her whereabouts, Caspian sent him a video clip.

[Alastair, so what if you've been by her side for seven years? So what if I ran away from the wedding back then? The one she loves has always been me.]

In the video, Ophelia was wearing an elegant evening gown, her arms around Caspian as they danced the opening waltz.

The suit Caspian was wearing was the one Alastair had custom ordered from a certain brand a month ago.

The two gazed at each other and smiled, their eyes conveying unspoken emotions.

Alastair pulled out the IV needle, got out of bed and changed his clothes, then took a taxi to the jewelry exhibition.

By the time Alastair arrived, the exhibition had reached its climax. Ophelia was in a bidding war with someone else over a diamond watch called "Eternal Time."

In the end, Ophelia won the auction for $180 million. As she went on stage to sign for it, the host asked her: "Ms. Blackwood, you seemed very determined to win this 'Heart of True Love' during the bidding. May I ask, what made you so set on acquiring it?"

Ophelia took the microphone and said: "Because I once promised someone that I would give him all my love. By twist of fate, we weren't able to be together in the end. I hope this watch, which symbolizes eternal time, can accompany him in my place."

The host said: "There are so many regrets in love. Though regrettable, it's unforgettable. Ms. Blackwood and her beloved may not have ended up together, but I believe this love will be passed down eternally along with time."

Applause thundered through the hall.

Caspian gazed at Ophelia on stage with tears in his eyes, accepting everyone's congratulations.

But when Ophelia saw Alastair standing in the doorway, her heart inexplicably skipped a beat.