Chapter 8

Brent Haines leaned in Kayce Hathaway’s arms and cried for a long time. All the pent-up sorrow,and joy burst out at that moment. Kayce Hathaway gently patted her back, comforting her softly. She said nothing unnecessary, but her actions gave Brent all the security she needed.

Only when Brent Haines calmed down did Case Hathaway gently push her away. She reached out to wipe the tears from her face, her fingertips so gentle as to avoid being too forceful. “Stop crying. If you keep crying, it won’t look good.”

Brent Haines sniffled, his cheeks red and his eyes still moist. He glared at him reproachfully. “It’s all your fault for making me feel so embarrassed.”

Casey Hathaway laughed and reached out to scratch her little nose. “It’s not embarrassing at all. In my eyes, you’re beautiful no matter what.”

The blunt compliments made Brent Haines’s face turn red once again. She instinctively lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes.

Casey Hathaway watched her shy expression, and his love for her grew even stronger. He knelt on one knee, reached out his hand, his gaze so earnest it made her heart tremble. “Brent Haines, I’ll ask you one more time. I don’t have any grand promises, nor am I good at sweet talk. But I promise that from now on, I’ll love you dearly, protect you, and never let you suffer again. I want to be part of your future, to draw with you and help you achieve your dreams. Will you give me this chance?”

Brent Haines suddenly looked up, staring at Case Hathaway, who was kneeling on one knee. Seeing the determination and tenderness in his eyes, tears welled up in her own eyes once again. She glanced around, afraid that someone might see this scene. It wasn’t out of shame, but because this happiness was too precious to share with anyone else. She wanted to keep it to herself alone.

Time passed by, second by second. Brent Haines said nothing, simply staring at him quietly. Case Hathaway felt a growing sense of unease. He was afraid that her promise earlier had been nothing more than an impulsive decision. He feared that she might back out because of his own imperfections.

“Brent, would you like to?” he said again, his voice carrying a barely noticeable hint of nervousness.

Actually, Brent Haines wasn’t unwilling to answer; she was just distracted. Her mind was filled with images of spending time with Case Hathaway—painting together, eating together, enjoying the scenery together. Even if it was simple, it would still be wonderful. It wasn’t until Case Hathaway repeated his question that she snapped out of her thoughts.

“Case,” she said, reaching out to pull him closer. There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “Have you really thought this through? My eyes… they’re blind. I can’t give you the kind of companionship you deserve. In fact, I might even become a burden to you.”

Casey Hathaway held her hand tightly, pressing it against his chest so she could feel his strong heartbeat. “Can you feel it? My heartbeat won’t slow down even by a fraction because of your eyes. What I love is you, Brent Haines as a person—not your appearance, nor your perfection. In my eyes, your imperfections are what’s most precious.”

Brent Haines’s heart skipped a beat. She felt his warm body through their fingertips and heard the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. All her hesitations and worries vanished in that moment. Looking into Case Hathaway’s serious eyes, she felt a spark of mischief and wanted to tease him a little.

“But…” She deliberately stretched out the words, with a sly glint in her eyes.

Casey Hathaway panicked instantly. He quickly interrupted her, his tone tinged with self-deception: “No need to say anything. I know you’re willing, right? Give me a minute to calm down.”

He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his nervousness. When he looked at Brent Haines again, his eyes were filled with anticipation. “Go ahead, I’m ready.”

Brent Haines couldn’t help but laugh at his nervousness. But fearing that he might get angry, he held back his laughter and said softly, “I… I’m willing.”

Her voice was too soft, like the hum of a mosquito. Case Hathaway couldn’t hear her clearly. He frowned and said, “What did you say? I couldn’t hear you. Say it again.”

Brent Haines pouted, turned his head away, and said in a somewhat stubborn tone, “Hmph, I’m willing.”

The voice was still not loud enough. Case Hathaway couldn’t hear clearly, so he deliberately pricked up his ears. “I still can’t hear you. Speak up a little more.”

Brent Haines was so amused that he lost his temper. He stamped his foot, widened his eyes, and shouted at him, “I agree! I agree! I agree!”

The sound echoed across the night sky, filled with joy and determination.

Casey Hathaway broke into a smile instantly. All the tension and anxiety on his face disappeared. He picked up Brent Haines and spun around with him in his arms. “That’s great! Brent, you promised me! Thank you so much!”

“Ah—let me down! I’m dizzy!” Brent Haines was spun around so fast that he felt dizzy. He clung tightly to his neck and shouted loudly.

Casey Hathaway quickly stopped what he was doing and carefully set her down. He looked at her anxiously, asking, “How are you? Do you feel unwell? Should we go to the hospital? It’s all my fault. I was too happy and didn’t pay attention to my actions.”

Brent Haines leaned his head on his shoulder, shaking his head gently. His voice was weak: “I’m fine. It’s just a bit of low blood sugar. I’ll be okay after a while.”

Casey Hathaway frowned in concern. He touched her forehead and pinched her delicate shoulders. “It’s all my fault. I didn’t take good care of you. From now on, I’ll make sure you eat properly. You can’t stay this thin anymore.”

Brent Haines leaned in her arms, listening to his gentle words. Her heart was filled with happiness. But what she didn’t know was that Ilona Finch had already received the photos taken secretly by the waiter. She was sitting in her car, staring in the direction of Brent Haines’ house, her eyes filled with hatred. “Brent Haines, if you dare take my Case away from me, I’ll make you pay for it.”