Silly Bride

Chapter 257

only natural that he had already fled. I think this is how I meet my end. Do you know—”When he stretched his arm toward her, she immediately squatted down next to him. “Shush, don’t talk anymore. Save your strength.”Winnie grabbed Christopher’s hand tightly. “We’ll try again. This time, we’ll do our best. There’s no doubt we can escape a mere basement.”Shaking his head gently, he uttered, “Don’t waste your effort. I much prefer you talk to me when we still have time. Rather than letting me die on the way to the hospital, why not just let me rest here for my final moments? I feel so tired.”A horrible feeling swelled in her heart as she gazed at him. “Don’t say that. You need to possess the will to live on.”“I do.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “That will is you. You know, I think I died earlier because I saw my dead comrades waving at me. I was about to meet up with them, but I suddenly heard you calling my name behind me. Your voice sounded so sorrowful. I didn’t want you to be sad, which then made me feel as though I still had unfinished matters to attend to. So I sprinted all the way to where your voice was coming from and saw you. When I came to, I realized the key was still in my hand and that I still haven’t set you free yet. I knew then that was what I came back to do. Once you’re free, it’ll be time for me to return.”“No, that’s not how it goes.” Winnie fixed her eyes on Christopher. “You don’t just die after you complete a specific task. There are still so many things waiting for you to do in real life.”His head shook lethargically. “There’s nothing left for me to do. My body’s condition won’t allow it. I don’t have any time or opportunity left. Can I say something to you, Winnie?”Staring at her, he saw the glimmers of light reflected in her teary eyes. Her look was tender and mournful. Winnie choked up somberly. “Can’t you wait until you get better before you say it to me? What if I say I don’t want to listen to it now?”“Then you’ll never have a chance to hear it in this life. Even if there is a next life, we may not have the chance to meet again. Are you that cruel to deny me a chance to speak?” As though Christopher was a wounded puppy, he peered at her with a pitiful and pleading look.In the end, she relented.Of course, she knew there was a chance he might not make it, even if she sent him to the hospital right away.Winnie squeezed out a grin. “Go ahead. I’ll listen.”“Okay.” Christopher’s smile turned joyous. The look in his eyes softened as he stared at their clasped hands. “I’ve always liked you in secret. When you rejected me after I proposed to you the first time, I thought I could wait until you and Xavier broke up before trying again. However, I know you’re the type of woman who won’t change her mind that easily once you fall for someone. Then I thought, maybe it’ll be my turn if, by chance, you no longer feel the same way about Xavier. As I waited, I realized the love between you and Xavier was tough enough to brave any hardships. Originally, my love life was never the only thing I cared about. I could go on a mission and not think about you. Nonetheless, I didn’t expect the heavens would arrange for us to meet here. It’s as if you fell from the sky, like a ray of light that cuts through the darkness. You never fail to stun me every time you show up. We’ve experienced so much together for the past few days, and I could not stop being deeply attracted to you. Originally, I didn’t plan to tell you any of these because I was afraid you would blame yourself and feel sad every time you thought about me after I died. That’s not the outcome I want, but I’m one foot in the grave right now. I’ve yet to hold a maiden’s hand, have a romantic relationship, and really fall in love with someone. Yet, all I want is for you to know how much I like you.”As he spoke, Winnie listened wordlessly.She didn’t know what to say because she already had Xavier.Staring at Christopher, she wondered what words she should use.He couldn’t help but feel disappointed when he saw her like that. Nevertheless, he understood that no one could force her to like or dislike someone.She could cry an endless river for him, abandon her dignity for him, and even lose an arm for him, but those had nothing to do with romantic feelings.Closing his eyes, Christopher painfully calmed his surging emotions down.In the end, he chose not to trouble her and betrayed his heart. “No need to feel pressured. While I am about to die, I’m not going to guilt-trip you. You don’t need to respond to my feelings. Although, I do have a small request.”“Tell me.”“Can I rest in your arms? I’m feeling a