Breaking Free, Loving Again -The Flash Marriage with Mr. CEO novel Chapter 240

Ryan remembered it was the last year of the university and the announcement was made that the prestigious opportunity to represent Cralens on the New York City Ballet stage was offered to one of their university candidates. At that time, the name of that particular dancer was kept secret, but they all knew it was no other but Arwen Quinn.

He had even heard Gianna congratulating her for it, but later when the announcement was made official, Delyth’s name was put forward. Not just him, but the entire university was surprised because everyone knew with Arwen in the picture, Delyth stood no chance. People were so sure of it that on behalf of Arwen, they were ready to go against management.

But then Arwen announced that she was retiring from the stage and dance was not her priority. Many were disappointed, especially the coaches that have trained her over the years. But since it was her choice, no one had anything to say. Many speculate that it was for Ryan, even though he believed the same. But Ryan never believed it so.

"If you have taken up that chance, you would have to go abroad for a few years, leaving everything back here. So, was it that clause that made you give up the idea?" Daniel asked, hesitating a little.

Arwen glanced at him, her lips curling up, deepening her previous smile. "You want to ask if it was for Ryan?" No one might have asked her, but she knew people were speculating the reasons behind her decision. Some were suggesting that she just gave up the opportunity so that she could grab one with Ryan. At that time, she found it ridiculous, but ultimately she couldn’t deny it, knowing that it was part of the reason.

Daniel hesitated but didn’t refuse her. After all, he did think it like that.

"No, he wasn’t the true reason," Arwen finally said. "I didn’t give up my dream opportunity for him," she clarified, adding. "Why would I give that opportunity for a man who didn’t even value me or my dreams? People were ridiculous to think me infatuated with him when I never was."

Daniel’s brows tugged together as he stared at Arwen, not understanding her words. She clearly followed around Ryan before, caring for him. Though she wasn’t clingy, he had seen her efforts —always. Was that all truly nothing?

"Ryan was an arrangement for me, same as I was for him. It was just that I took that arrangement more seriously than he did," Arwen began. "And believe me, I didn’t do that because I was attracted to him or anything similar. Rather, I did all that because I knew how to value the promises better than him. Especially the promise I have given to my mother. All my efforts were just to fulfill that promise. I was ready to disappoint the world for her."

"But apparently…" her voice faltered, but she kept her composure, completing, "later I realize none of it was worth it. Not because I didn’t get anything in return, but because I expected something to come out of it. At least a decent humanity."

Arwen still remembered that dark night. She was stuck in the car, expecting him to come and help her. But in the end, he appeared —not to save her but to leave her to die all so cruelly there.