The Rise of the White Lotus

440 I loved you, and still loves you.

"It took me a long time to realize that, didn't I?" A heavy sigh escaped from Morris Liu's mouth as the side of his lips ironically curled upward. "So, I'm sorry," he added.

"Brother Mo," Lexi lifted her head up and shook it sideways as she pursed her lips. "I already forgave you for everything. What happened before, both of us learned a lesson which made us both stronger as an individual. So, thank you." she said, followed by a meek yet genuine smile.

"It has been hard for both of us…" Lexi took a step forward without a second hesitation. "Brother Mo, I forgave you so please, forgive yourself." Slowly, Lexi raised her arm and reached out for his hand. It was cold with beads of sweats on his palm, showing that he was probably nervous this whole time.

The moment her hand touched his, Morris Liu momentarily stiffened. He had been avoiding to make any physical contact with her, and yet, he could not shrug her gentle hands away. He knew the longer he could feel her warmth, the more he would desire for more.

"Lexi…"

"Gosh, if I didn't know any better, I would think your hand was the hand of a dead person." Interrupting him to whatever he would say, Lexi humored to lighten up the atmosphere.

"Brother Mo, you know that I loved you, right?" Staring at his pale hand with his veins bulging beneath his skin, she smiled. On the other hand, Morris Liu remained silent as he let her thumb mildly rubbed the back of his hand.

"And you will always be a part of my life." Slowly, Lexi raised her head again to see the pair of emotional eyes staring down on her. "Our relationship as lovers might have ended a long time ago but, I hope when the time comes, we could be good friends." All the words that came out from her mouth originated straight from her heart.

Indeed, no matter how much he hurt her in the past, or how Lexi loved him so dearly, Morris Liu would always be a part of her life. Hence, if he ever moved on and found his own happiness, Lexi was more than willing to accept him as her friend… or, a big brother; just like their initial relationship before it escalated to them being engaged.

"I know someday, you will find your happiness."

Morris Liu peered at her kind heart that reflected in her eyes. He remained silent for a moment before he slowly pulled his hand away from her.

"I'm sorry, but I think that would be impossible." Morris Liu mildly shook his head as he responded. As usual, although he sounded cold, his tone had a touch of gentleness. Thus, Lexi was more confused than upset about his response.

"Brother Mo,"

"Lexi, I loved you… and still loves you." Without further ado, Morris Liu stated. He didn't even blink an eye as he confessed. Even so, there was this invisible line he clearly?drew between them.

She didn't expect that. He caught her off guard as Lexi knew that he would rather keep his lingering feelings to himself — like he always did.

"Just standing in front of you, you know the amount of effort I am doing just to respect your husband. I want to embrace you, pat your head, kiss you, and make you the happiest woman." With every word he dropped, the emotional atmosphere suddenly made its huge turn as it gradually became tense.

Shortly, Morris Liu took a step forward, which made her take a step back. However, being reminded of the trust that he wouldn't do anything, Lexi stopped retreating as he drew closer.

"If only there's another way to repent, I'd do it if it means not entirely losing you." Slowly, Morris Liu tilted his head as he leaned his head forward — closer to hers.

Time seemed to stop. Lexi's heart pounded that surpassed a person's normal heart rate. He drew closer and closer to her face, and Lexi's body seemed it was not listening to her.

"But clearly,?there isn't any other way because even before you can think, your instinct was to?reject me." Inches away from her, Morris Liu stopped as Lexi turned her face to the side.

It was clearer than the day that his sudden aggressiveness caught her off guard, again. Hence, she could not move. However, she protected the one that she believed would be violated by someone.

This move of his, Morris Liu knew that it would just be another dagger going to pierce his heart. However, he needed to do it. At the very least, he wasn't just honest by words, but also by action. Sadly, his transparency was not needed anymore.

Retrieving his head back, he faintly chuckled in mockery. "Again, forgive me. I know my limitations but, I don't think I will ever stop loving and longing for you from a distance." He placed his hands back inside his pocket as he took a step back to give her some space.

"You…" Still in the process of?recovering, Lexi slowly looked at the gentle smile on his lips.

"Shameless, aren't I? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go overboard." Acting as if he was innocent and meant no harm, Morris Liu nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.

"Tch," For a brief second, Lexi glared at him. All that emotional vibe they had earlier was completely ruined by him. "Yes, you went overboard. Nice talking to you." Rolling her eyes, Lexi grabbed the hem of the blazer on her shoulders before she returned it to him.

"I'm serious though." As he received the blazer suit, Morris Liu inexpressibly murmured. Alas, Lexi didn't reply anymore as she turned her back against him when he had his hands on the blazer.

As she was walking away, Lexi stopped on her tracks before she opened her mouth and then resumed her steps. Whatever she said, no one heard aside from him. But, by the looks of his reaction, it was intriguing as he chuckled.