Chapter 183

Alexander's head jerked up in alarm upon hearing those words.

He met Cedric's gaze firmly. Then, he attempted to see Daniela, but she was completely obscured by Cedric.

This unfamiliar sensation unsettled him.

In a rough voice, he called out, "Daniela?"

Silence followed.

He called again, "Daniela."

Raising his voice, he shouted, "Daniela!"

Yet, there was no reply. And there never would be.

Daniela had always been emotionally distant, like a block of ice. No action of Alexander's could stir any reaction from her.She remained indifferent.

Alexander realized it was futile. Daniela was unmoved by anything he did.

She had openly admitted she did not understand love. She could not love.

Her responses were limited to polite apologies and logical rebuttals, nothing more.

Feeling heartbroken and defeated, Alexander abandoned the pretense he had maintained for so long, only to be met with acold "Sorry."

He bowed his head, releasing a bitter chuckle.

Looking up once more, his expression resumed its usual detachment. He turned to Cedric and spoke evenly. "Cedric, do you see what I mean? How many years can you afford to waste on someone like her?"

Alexander was not jealous but spoke with conviction."Your passion now will become a joke. Or perhaps it won't bother you. But Daniela is unchangeable.She's too cold. And why would you try? She grew up in a loveless environment, losing her mother early. How much genuine love can remain in her heart? Cedric,understand this: Daniela loves only herself. No one else matters. Do you see what I'm saying?"

Daniela had been chasing Alexander for a decade.

Ten whole years!

Yet, her feelings never deepened. She simply went through the motions to marry him.

Common belief held that the Bennetts were coerced into agreeing to the marriage by the overpowering influence of the Harpers.

What remained unknown was that without his consent, the marriage would not have occurred.

Suddenly, Alexander yelled, "Daniela!"

Lightning flashed across the sky, thunder booming immediately after.

Alexander's voice, deep and menacing, blended with the thunderstorm. His face contorted in rage, and his cry seemed almost cursed. "You are destined to be alone and unloved forever! You have no heart!"

As he spoke, lightning struck a massive tree outside,which then toppled over.

Cedric quickly covered Daniela's ears as Alexander's furious voice escalated.

Dazed, Daniela looked up.

The thunder was overwhelming, and Cedric's hands firmly covered her ears, blocking out Alexander's tirade.

In the brief illumination, Daniela's gaze met Cedric's bright, unwavering eyes.

"Don't be scared," Cedric whispered, his voice soft and soothing as a melody on a warm summer night,filled with promise. "I'll never leave your side. You'll never be alone."

Daniela blinked slowly, meeting his gaze. Cedric reassured her, "Do what makes you happy.Pursue what you enjoy. Love isn't crucial. Just focus on your happiness, and I'll handle everything else."

In the reflection in Cedric's eyes, Daniela saw herself.She blinked again and said, "I feel as though I've known you from a distant past."

Cedric offered her a tender smile, reserved only for her.

Leaning in, he tapped her nose playfully. "What's with the puzzled look? You're not as sharp as everyone thinks."

Curious,Daniela tilted her head. "Really?"

Cedric chuckled, stood up straight, and gently tousled her hair.

Alexander stood a few steps away, observing their intimate exchange with fists tightly clenched.

Internally, he was consumed by rage and despair,eagerly awaiting the day Cedric would face disgrace and abandonment as he had. Alexander was convinced of one thing-Daniela was incapable of true love.

Turning away, he addressed Katrina. "I accept your proposal."

Katrina was visibly taken aback by his abrupt agreement. "What?" she gasped.

"I have one condition," Alexander stated, his voice as detached as ice.

"Anything!" Katrina responded eagerly, nodding."Whatever you desire, I'll consent!"

Katrina presumed Alexander would demand a portion of the Harper family's fortune.

Instead, Alexander, eyeing Daniela speaking with Cedric, declared, "As Joyce's fiance, it's appropriate for me to move in early-to acclimate to married life."

Katrina beamed at the mention of "fiance.""Absolutely," she agreed cheerfully.

Alexander's face remained expressionless. "Then kindly prepare a room adjacent to Cedric's. I'll be moving in tonight."

He was eager to personally witness Cedric's ruin.

He yearned to see if Cedric could withstand a decade of loving a woman who was incapable of returning his affection.

Having stated his intentions, Alexander returned home to collect his belongings.

Joyce, phone in hand, watched his resolute departure and tugged at Katrina's sleeve.

Brimming with joy, Katrina exclaimed, "Darling, did you hear? Alexander has agreed to marry you!"

Joyce's response was devoid of joy. "But he never once looked at me when he proposed."

His gaze had been fixed on Daniela the entire time.

Katrina brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and comforted Joyce."Marrying into the Bennett family is now your best course. Alexander is astute and capable. Your future is secure. He may seem distant,but your father and I are here to support you.Remember, men are straightforward beings. Don't emulate Daniela's stubbornness. There's a time to concede. Men inherently want to dominate in relationships, craving that control. It's essential to distinguish between being merely someone's partner and truly integrating into their life. Don't hesitate to fulfill his needs. Otherwise, he might seek them elsewhere. Men operate this way. You must learn how to appeal to him, how to captivate his heart.Daniela's inability to grasp this led to her failure.Take this as a lesson, okay?"