---- Chapter 9 I frowned skeptically at Benedict. "Will this really work? Somehow, it feels so unhinged." Benedict patted his chest and made mea solemn promise, "Don't worry. I already told Grandpa everything. Just wait and watch the show." Meanwhile, early that morning, Theodore noticed I was nowhere to be found. "Grandpa, where's Sansa? And Benedict's gone too?" he asked. Alexander paused midway through his morning reading, then looked up and said simply, "They left." Theodore's voice shot up in disbelief. "They left? Why didn't you tell me?" Alexander grunted softly. "What business is it of yours? You told Sansa not to like you. It's better this way, so no need to make a fuss. "Who knows? Maybe when they come back, they' II ---- already have their baby. You agree, right-" Before he could finish, Theodore dashed out of the house, his clothes barely changed. Watching Theodore's anxious retreat, Alexander sighed. "Both of them are so stubborn, you only win because Sansa likes you." At the airport, just as we headed to the lounge, I saw Theodore rushing wildly through the crowd in casual homewear, sprinting straight toward me. Theodore was always composed and dignified, so this was the first time I saw him so unkempt in public. Before I could say a word, Theodore grabbed my hand. "T know you and Benedict teamed up to deceive me, about the marriage, the paperwork, even the plan to go abroad! "T know about all those secret tests, the countless ---- covert confessions during your four years at university." My heart sank. It was over. I couldn't fool Theodore at all. "But I still came. I didn't dare gamble on the one- in-a-million chance that you would walk away. "7 felt it clearly as my heart slipped away from me, as reason vanished. I saw myself hold back and yet inch closer, acting so humbly and foolish before you, all just to win your love. "To hell with the age gap. I love you, Sansa!" While I was still stunned at Theodore's confession, his lips pressed fiercely against mine, and pain bloomed from the force. It was a desperate, relentless embrace as if the world was crumbling around us. It left me breathless. When we finally parted, my legs wobbled, and I could barely stand.