Chapter 916: Chapter 916 Learning to Refuse (6)_1

“Madeleine, I’m not joking with you anymore. I’m serious this time.” As Rusell Henris spoke, his expression turned particularly serious and solemn, as if he was discussing an extremely important matter. Looking at Madeleine, he said in an even tone, “Madeleine, stop playing dumb with me. You’ve always been a smart girl. You must know that my feelings for you have always been different from others. Over the years, you’ve pretended not to know, and I’ve played along with you, acting clueless, saying ambiguous jokes. I know you never took them to heart, but, Madeleine, do you realize, every single one of those ambiguous jokes, how important you are to me, that I would take care of you, and if you really couldn’t get married when you are old, I would be with you… and so on, each of those words is my heartfelt truth.”

Although Andrew Henris spoke in Chinese, there was a trace of a European and American accent that gave his words a unique charm, reminding Madeleine of the way Wang Leehom talks.

“Honestly, my specific trip to Ciawell was first to celebrate your birthday, and second, to tell you these things. I’m thirty-three years old. I’ve lived for quite a while, and I am not exactly a man with a clean slate. Up to now, I have had four girlfriends, but not a single one made me feel the urge to think about marriage. Madeleine, you are the only woman who has made me want to take you home as my wife.”

When Andrew Henris said this, he paused for a moment, then continued, “Especially after you returned to the country, I’ve found that your place in my heart is far more important than I ever imagined, so important that,”

He paused again to find the right words, “it’s beyond my control. I think I have truly fallen for you.”

Madeleine had been confessed to by many people before, but she had never heard a confession like this. It wasn’t the pretty words expressing ‘I love you’ feelings, but this very real and plain tone of voice, which, to be honest, for a woman who had experienced the setbacks of a relationship, was indeed quite touching to the heart.

But, more than anything, it was frightening to Madeleine.

With her eyes cast down, Madeleine fell silent for a while before she spoke, “Andrew Henris, today isn’t April Fool’s, and it’s getting late. I need to go back and rest.”

After speaking, Madeleine gave Andrew Henris a faint smile, “Goodbye.”

Andrew Henris suddenly reached out and grabbed Madeleine’s hand that was about to push the door, looking into her eyes with exceptional seriousness, “I know, I know it’s a bit abrupt for me to suddenly speak to you like this, but please, stop feigning ignorance with me.”

“Andrew Henris…”

“I’m not asking you to give me an answer right now. Although most of the time I see you, you’re smiling, I know that you’re not happy at all. The best way to get out of pain is to find someone to replace that pain, Madeleine, I really don’t mind if you think of me as a substitute.”

When Andrew Henris said this, his tone suddenly slowed down, “Madeleine, if you don’t want to talk about romance right now, I can respect that. We don’t have to talk about love, only about support. I can give you any support you need.”

“Madeleine, no matter how painfully trapped you feel right now, don’t forget that you still have a future. If you’re willing to step out of that pain, I would be very happy to lend you a hand.”