A Moment in Destiny

“It’s in me to be fierce against my opponents. If I don’t act that way, how could I be myself? Being kind to your opponents is being cruel to yourself! So, I will protect myself and all that is mine!”  

Cassius let out a slight smile, “Young man, Sylvie isn’t your woman; she’s your cousin’s woman!” 

Ernie paused, then very calmly replied, “And do you think my cousin is worthy of her?” 

Cassius was speechless; for a moment, he didn’t know what to say.  

“Sir, even you don’t think he’s worthy of her, right?” Ernie raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly. A tinge of pain flickered in his eyes. It was full of the kind of desolation and loneliness that he was all too familiar with.  

Cassius continued to look at Ernie, who had the same desolate look in his eyes. It was as though he was recalling something. After a while, he jokingly said, “Well, that’s Sylvie’s choice. Young man, have you ever loved someone deeply in your youth? A love during the purest, most innocent adolescence is one you never forget your whole life. If you have, you’ll probably understand what Sylvie’s going through. It’s like saying her Prince Charming saved her, so her feelings of gratitude for him have been deeply ingrained inside her. And now, after five years, those feelings have bit by bit evolved into a kind of longingness and made her now fall in love with your cousin!” 

Ernie’s breathing became short and rapid, but he tried hard to suppress it from showing, “Sir, have you loved another woman in your own youth? If so, then you must know what I’m going through!” 

Ernie was never one to hide his thoughts. He wanted Sylvie, and he wanted her badly.  

“I appreciate that you like my granddaughter this much, and I can also sympathize with what you’ve done to Bonnie for Sylvie’s sake! But you’re too late! I admire you, but it’s too bad that the timing isn’t right.” Cassius let out a deep sigh. It was true, he really did admire Ernie, and felt that Ernie was better than Marley… Alas!  

“The timing isn’t right?” Ernie continued to mutter this under his breath. That’s right, the timing wasn’t right! He met her right after she got married to Marley. Was this divine providence?  

Wasn’t there a saying; it’s a blessing to meet the right person at the right time, but a curse to meet the wrong person at the right time. Meeting the right person at the wrong time was a pity, and the wrong person at the wrong time was just unavoidable.  

Sylvie’s small face floated into Ernie’s mind. The sadness in his eyes seemed to grow even more and more, but he looked at Cassius with a bitter smile.  

A pure, innocent girl like Sylvie was his cousin’s woman. To date, Ernie still couldn’t exactly tell how he felt about her. He thought back to the first time when he met her, when she was noticeably afraid of him but still stubbornly tried so hard to protect Marley.  

There was nothing but bloodshed and darkness in his world, as well as turmoil and fake smiles hiding intentions. But it was the first time that Ernie felt such a delicate, pure smile that had a certain kind of grace from a woman, and she was going against him in order to protect another man.  

That was the moment when he became interested in her! He knew he shouldn’t pursue her, and that he just wanted to get revenge, but he had fallen in too deep. That girl was quite smart and kind at the same time. She trusted him, and saw through his guises. She was able to see through him when no one else could. So, how could he possibly bear to hurt her?  

“You’re quite the man, I’m sure you’ll eventually get through!” Cassius said.  

Ernie looked out at the window; the sun was setting, and the sky was a blood orange.  

“I’m very grateful that you’ll watch over and guard my granddaughter. If you need my help in any matter, just ask. But please, just don’t bother her peaceful life. Sylvie had fallen for Marley more than five years ago. She won’t just quit, you know she’s like that. So, I think you know what you must do!” With this said, Cassius got up and ready to leave. He called his helper to go pay the bill.  

paid, then laughed, “Sir, aren’t

lightly laughed, “I believe you! If something were to happen to Bonnie, it’ll definitely affect Sylvie as well. Since you love Sylvie, I’m sure you’ll protect her reputation, I’m sure of

He felt slightly touched, but instead, he raised an eyebrow

much rather you be my granddaughter’s husband as well, but unfortunately, you’re not the one she loves! My other granddaughter is a lost cause. If I had another granddaughter, I’d definitely let them marry you two!” Cassius said as he patted Ernie on the shoulder. “Young man, it’s fine to be brash

and he headed toward his own car! 

seaside

take in the fresh air in the villa. There was a garden, and she had prepared some tea,

incredibly at peace. They were like a normal couple, the wife waiting on the husband to get off work. She

Sylvie looked up to see the car pull into the front entrance of the villa. The car parked close to her, and her man got out the car full of smiles. He was a tall, handsome figure, and his smile rang from ear to ear

see his wife waiting for him in the garden, he was beyond exhilarated, and asked as soon as he

handsome face was already getting closer, and his dark hair and eyes shone brighter than the

and headed

her tightly in

“Did you speed your way home? How did you get back so quickly? Weren’t

were relatively empty, and he wanted to see her, so he sped up. To think that she’d take notice. “Yeah, I might have sped a

do it again, alright?”

like it!” Marley was really happy that she

at him and asked again, “Promise me, you won’t drive so

so he nodded. He flashed a giant smile at her and said, “Alright, I promise! I’ll be sure to keep safety first, I’ve still

better not be irresponsible!” Sylvie smiled and said in a

lovey-dovey in the sunset, which was a sore sight for the person in the

caught up in each other than they completely ignored

rays that shone in the sunset. 

distance as he took in the sight of the villa and watched the sun and the moon cover over the earth. The

in his heart, to the point that it

lips turned pale, and his face was cold and stiff, as though trying to preserve his last shred

inside the car, so no one could see his broken

did Sylvie not even take a look at

To think, he treated her with such preciousness, but she never bothered

a bit longer and see.

thoughts. He looked at his

the villa, his stare was fixated on the woman that was in another man’s arms. An intense feeling of loneliness lingered in his