A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1095

Bernard held her tightly, resting his chin in the crook of her neck as he tried to answer her question.

"Because you once loved Garett, just like you love me now..."

If Garett was just another guy, Bernard wouldn't have been so terrified, but Garett wasn't just any guy.

"He gave his life for you, sunk into depression, loved you so deeply, it scares me..."

Bernard took a deep breath, enduring the pain in his heart as he whispered:

"I'm afraid that out of pity, you might fall for him again..."

Just like the last time when he begged her, pleaded for her sympathy, pleaded for her to be with him.

Back then, he was healthy, without depression, and she was soft-hearted, agreeing to be with him.

Now, Garett had become like this because of her. She would probably be even softer, right?

What would he do if she fell for Garett again out of compassion?

He knew he shouldn't think like this, but...

Eleanor once loved Garett so much, but didn't she stop loving him eventually?

He was terrified, terrified that one day, she would stop loving him just like she stopped loving Garett...

When Eleanor understood what Bernard was worrying about, she raised her hand and gently stroked his hair, her actions full of affection and sympathy.

"Sweetheart, I don't love Garett anymore. A long time ago, when I was on my knees begging him, when his brother pretended to be him and rejected me, when I was on the verge of death in the hospital, I used up all my love for Garett. There's no way I could go back... After I let go of him, I slowly fell in love with you. You might wonder why I forgave you and chose to be with you, but not Garett, it's because... deep down, I've always loved you, that's why I chose you... My relationship with Garett was not just a first love, but a bond formed when he worked part-time to help me with my medical bills, allowing me to grow up healthy... If he was just a regular ex-boyfriend, I wouldn't care if he had depression or not, but because of this bond, I rushed to see him when I learned he had severe depression. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any interaction between us in this lifetime. Even though he lost his legs and has depression because of me, I won't fall for him out of pity. I only feel pity and guilt towards him. When I saw him today, I treated him as a relative and a patient, without overthinking."

"I won't overthink no matter how you take care of Garett in the future."

Upon hearing this, Eleanor was reminded of the matter she wanted to discuss with him.

"Now that we've had this conversation, I don't mind talking more about Garett."

Feeling the man holding her nod, Eleanor began to speak.

"I was going to tell you that Garett rejected my offer to accompany him, but when I saw the flowers he planted in the garden, all the ones I liked when I was young, I knew he was still stuck in the past, which is why he fell into depression and kept sinking deeper. So, I acknowledged him as my brother, hoping to help him let go of his past. He seemed to understand my intention and agreed. I was afraid I was too aggressive and he couldn't accept it at once, so I promised to go flower viewing with him next spring. When he agreed, his eyes were filled with relief. He must have accepted it."

After Eleanor told Bernard what happened in the garden, she looked up at the man holding her.

"He rejected me, so I won't take care of him anymore. I'll just visit him occasionally, as a relative."