Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

Gladwin knew who Phoebe’s husband was. They attended the same university back then. Not a close friend of Gladwin, not even a close friend of Freddie, his friend. Gladwin knew from Freddie that Phoebe married the son of their university’s rector while being pregnant out of wedlock a few weeks after Gladwin left America.

From Freddie, he also knew that the man, Phoebe’s husband, was obsessed with her.

Sultan, that was the man’s name. Groveling under Phoebe’s finger.

“Lucky I didn’t fall in love with her. Like, she and her mom probably looked down on me. What can I do? I’m just the son of a small shop owner. Not comparable to Gladwin, the son of a cement worker. Especially with Sultan, the son of a ruler.

“A handshake is probably brushed off; if I propose, maybe I’ll be hit by a bucket of dung. Every time I see her, her gaze is disgustingly gross.” Freddie’s voice from across the line made Gladwin want to laugh. This friend of his could be considered absurd.

At that time, Freddie was about to tell him about the news of his upcoming marriage. And suddenly, his friend brought up their other friends. Although Gladwin didn’t ask anything. Gladwin was more interested in the news about Flavia, who suddenly disappeared from his reach. But Gladwin was used to Freddie’s chatter, so he let the guy talk.

“Didn’t expect that the one I thought was innocent turned out not that innocent. I don’t even know how many men have been her bed companions.”

Then, two years ago.

“Our rector was caught embezzling student scholarships. His position was revoked. And he’s even in jail now.” Freddie announced to the public back then. He was truly an authentic informant. “What’s more painful is that Phoebe is suing Sultan for divorce, bro. Sultan is accused as his father’s puppet. He’s under investigation now, and instead of supporting him, Phoebe is demanding a divorce.”

And some time ago.

“Is everything you said on the phone a while ago a fact?” Gladwin deliberately visited Freddie’s house just to satisfy his curiosity.

“Which fact?”

“About Phoebe and her husband.”

“Oh, that. Yes. That’s true. But there’s even more shocking news.” Freddie said.

“What else?”

“Until now, there’s still a question about who the biological father of Phoebe’s child is.” Freddie’s answer made Gladwin furrow his brow. “After being acquitted, I accidentally met Sultan. He looked so embarrassed to see me. Because he used to undercut Phoebe when he found out I liked her. I told him that I’m not angry because destiny has its own plans, and that’s the reality.

“I’m not angry; in fact, I’m grateful not to be destined with Phoebe.

“I asked him casually about the reason they divorced, even though they seemed harmonious all this time.

“Sultan frankly answered, ‘because there’s no more money.’ Apparently, Phoebe demanded a divorce on the grounds of domestic violence, and I even read the divorce certificate that she presented at that time. Even though we know Sultan is someone who is so against violence. Yes, even though in reality, no one knows. They say a patient person’s emotions are scarier than someone who explodes.

“Phoebe also demanded custody rights for Gisel. But not only that. What’s more shocking is the visa letter that Phoebe submitted to the court. It turned out to be a fake visa. She engineered everything with one of her friends who worked in the forensic department. Those injuries never even existed. The evidence belonged to someone else.”

“I really didn’t expect it. Whether it’s the truth or just slander accused by Sultan out of anger. But I think karma is indeed real,” Freddie replied with a thoughtful look.

“What do you mean?”

“You know, with the ‘chance for those who want to change’?” Gladwin nodded. “About three months after the official divorce, Sultan got married again. To a good woman. And their married life is good now.

“Isn’t God fair?” Freddie exclaimed with emotion. Gladwin smiled in agreement. “But why are you suddenly interested in Phoebe?”

Gladwin shrugged. “Just a little curious.”

“Is she pursuing you?” Freddie asked curiously. Gladwin raised an eyebrow. “Of course, you’d be an easy target. An old wealthy bachelor forced to marry.” Freddie teased again. “Her mother must see you as a potential son-in-law. It’s always like that, isn’t it?”

And Gladwin didn’t care. Even if he was considered a potential son-in-law, Phoebe wasn’t the ideal wife for him. Call him evil, but he didn’t care.

Gladwin was back at the hospital. Abigail was still there, engrossed in her phone. Antony was also still there. He edged closer to his brother-in-law. “I want to get married.” Gladwin unexpectedly said to Antony.

Gladwin suddenly knelt before Antony, making the fifty-year-old man startle in surprise. “What do you mean?” Antony’s voice rose one octave. Abigail, who had been busy with her phone, now stood facing Gladwin.

“Sir Antony Quirino. I, Gladwin Hampton, am currently requesting from you to give your eldest daughter to me. I wholeheartedly ask for Flavia Quirino to be my wife. I plead, please accept my proposal.” He requested with his head bowed.

“Uncle…” Abigail was lost for words. Her eyes instantly felt warm hearing Gladwin’s words.

“Gladwin, are you serious?” Antony stared at him sharply. Gladwin looked up and met the middle-aged man’s gaze with a determined face. He nodded. “But Flavia is still in a coma,” Antony said hesitantly.

Gladwin shrugged. “That’s why I want to marry her as soon as possible. Before she wakes up and decides to reject me.” There was a mischievous smile on his face. Abigail was even surprised that her uncle could joke. She laughed along with him.

“Please, accept me as your son-in-law.” Gladwin held Antony’s knees with a pleading face. “Even though I’m too old for her, but I’m a potential son-in-law. I’m a doctor. My business is also stable, and my stock values are good.” He praised himself. “She won’t lack wealth. And, of course, she won’t lack my love.” He continued. “Please, accept me.” Gladwin even bowed his head on Antony’s knees.Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

Abigail still stared at him in amazement. Could this be considered a romantic proposal? Even her uncle could still act silly like this. What if Antony responded to it as a joke too?

“Uncle…” Abigail called Gladwin again, but then turned to look at Antony. “Uncle Antony, just accept it, Flavia will surely be happy about this.” Antony now looked at Abigail with a smile on his face. Oh my, the middle-aged man still looked handsome even though his face had wrinkled a bit. His white hair even made him look sexier. Like Richard Gere, that grandpa.

Antony patted Gladwin’s shoulder and squeezed it hard, even causing Gladwin to wince. “I accept you.” He said with emotion. “As her father, I know she loves you. And I know that she would reject you to death.” He affirmed Gladwin’s statement. “So, as a kind father, I will give her the happiness she needs. And I’m sure, just like Claire is my happiness, for Flavia, her happiness is you.” Gladwin looked up, observing the seriousness on his brother-in-law and future father-in-law’s face before rising and hugging Antony without hesitation.

“I promise. I will always try to make her happy. I know it’s cliché, but as much as possible, I will keep trying to make her happy. I will always be the forefront person to take care of her.” He said in the midst of their hug.

“I believe you.” Antony replied without hesitation. “When will you marry her?” Antony’s question surprised him.

“Tomorrow morning. I have to prepare everything first. Is it okay if I marry her even though she’s not fully conscious yet?” Gladwin asked hesitantly. Antony nodded. Matters with paperwork could be dealt with later. The sooner they got married, the better. Hopefully, after they got married, Flavia would finally wake up.