淑女的欲望

Chapter 462 How I Met Your Mother (2)

Roland Gilwynn wore a fond smile as he reminisced. "From the moment our paths crossed, she captured my attention, and in that very instant, I knew she was the one I had been waiting for..."

Roland added, "Fortunately, Rosalie also had the same feelings as me. So, at that time, we started dating and ended up spending a few weeks together. However, when I was planning to introduce her to my family, especially my wife, Rosalie suddenly disappeared..." Roland\'s voice slowly trailed off, his words unable to find their way.

After a lingering silence, Roland\'s voice broke through once more, "So, my dear Scarlett, you must understand; your mother was not a woman who set out to destroy my marriages. I cherished her, and remarkably, I had obtained my wife\'s blessing back then to marry her..." He confessed, his voice carrying the weight of truth.

Scarlett was stunned. She opened her mouth several times, but the emotions welling up inside her made it impossible for her to say anything. She was utterly overwhelmed by what she had just heard.

"I understand your anger," Rolland continued, his gaze fixed on Scarlett as she lowered her head, avoiding any eye contact. He took a deep, silent sigh before continuing, "Scarlett, I hope that by learning the truth of the past, you might find it in your heart to forgive both me and your mother..."

Scarlett\'s hands clenched, her teary eyes hidden behind a fa?ade of strength. She was determined not to reveal her emotions to him in this vulnerable moment.

"As I mentioned before, I was unaware of Rosalie\'s pregnancy. Had I known, I would have relentlessly searched for her," Roland\'s voice wavered as he pictured the pain of Rosalie giving birth to their daughter alone. "Scarlett, I will never impose the role of a father on you, but I do yearn for the chance to earn it—a chance for you to consider..."

Scarlett remained silent, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.

Another minute slipped away, yet Scarlett remained in silence. Roland\'s concern and anxiety deepened as he observed her.

\'Is she okay? Does this truth have a negative effect on her?\' Roland began to speculate about Scarlett\'s inner turmoil.

Just as Roland was about to break the silence, he saw Scarlett gradually lifting her head, causing his heart to feel tense. Her beautiful turquoise eyes met his gaze, and he was taken aback by the slight reddening around her eyes. He knows she struggles to hold back her tears.

"Thank you for sharing this with me," Scarlett\'s voice shook slightly as she spoke.

She paused, drawing in another deep, steadying breath before resuming, her words laced with mixed emotions. "I understand that I shouldn\'t harbor anger towards either you or my mother, but right now. I\'m struggling to grasp what I should do. All of this feels surreal to me..." Her voice trembled, revealing the vulnerability within.

Roland felt Scarlett\'s sorrow but refrained from speaking. He only listened to her words because he had been waiting for this, hearing what was in her heart.

"I... I\'m afraid of your family," Scarlett\'s voice broke the silence once more. Scarlett finally voiced her concern; The extent of the empire and family status was intimidating. "I can\'t deny that you\'re my biological father, but I also can\'t force myself to become a member of your family," she honestly admitted, meeting his gaze firmly.

Instantly, a shade of gloom crossed Roland\'s face. He had hoped that Scarlett might embrace her place within the family upon learning about the past. However, her rejection dashed those expectations once again.

"I respect your decision, Scarlett," Roland replied with an air of understanding. "Nevertheless, you must remember that my blood runs in your veins. You are a part of the Gilwynn family. And I assure you, no one shall cast aspersions on you... That\'s my solemn pledge." Roland\'s voice carried a soothing reassurance, his intention clear—to extend a warm welcome.

Scarlett was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond to his words and the promises he made.

"I only wish to remain hidden, at least for now. Especially from Aunty Melinda," she softly voiced her worries, fearing possible hostility from Aunt Melinda.

Roland\'s brow furrowed in response. "Why are you concerned about her? Were you two particularly close?" he asked, a tinge of confusion coloring his words.

Not hearing a response from Scarlett, Roland inquired once more, "Did something happen when you met Melinda? Please share with me so I can understand more..." He sensed an underlying unease in Scarlett\'s demeanor.

Scarlett redirected her gaze towards him, her words coming hesitantly. "Aunt Melinda believes my mother is responsible for the death of the late queen. She openly said that she hated my mother..." Her voice faltered as she struggled to voice the rest.

Roland\'s face turned red instantly, and a glint of annoyance flashed in his eyes. "Melinda! How could she say those words to you?" His anger echoed throughout the room, surprising Scarlett with the intensity of his reaction.

"Please don\'t be angered by Aunt Melinda\'s past actions. At that time, she was unaware of my true identity." Scarlett added swiftly, concerned that Roland might hold a grudge against Melinda.

Attempting to soothe his emotions, Roland offered a gentle smile to Scarlett. "Very well, I won\'t harbor anger at her. Put your worries to rest. However, would you consider claiming your rights as part of The Gilwynn if Melinda changes her viewpoint regarding your mother?"

"Yes," Scarlett responded promptly. However, later on, she scolds herself for saying that. How could she answer him so fast? Gosh!

Upon hearing Scarlett\'s affirmation, a sprightly smile now adorned Roland\'s handsome features. "Thank you, Scarlett. I appreciate this," he remarked. "I shall converse with Melinda and the rest of my family..."

Scarlett simply nodded, her heart struggling with a sense of awkwardness and surreal progress. However, a thought struck her. "Uhm, Sir—"

"Father, please refer to me as such," Roland interjected, understanding her hesitation.