Goodbye My Arrogant Ex (Marguerite and Leonard) novel Chapter 344

A deep sense of self-reproach settled in his chest. He hadn’t realized his recent preoccupation with work had created such a rift between them. How could he have been so neglectful that she’d started to question his very love for her?

“Things at the company have been overwhelming lately, and I let it consume me,” he admitted, his voice laced with regret. “I was so careless. I thought our relationship was stable, that we were fine. It never occurred to me that my absence would make you feel this way. I’m so sorry, Marguerite. I’ve failed to make you feel cherished and happy.”

Leonard had always believed that his unwavering support—his meticulous care and his readiness to solve any problem she faced—was enough. He never realized he had neglected her emotionally, creating a false impression that their bond was one of convenience rather than love. The thought frustrated him, leaving him at a complete loss. He was a man of action, but when it came to matters of the heart, he felt hopelessly inexperienced. Their life together had been smooth, almost devoid of arguments, each quietly considering the other, but perhaps that tranquility had been a mask for a deeper lack of connection.

“I know you’ve been wonderful to me since we got together,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “You take care of everything, and you’re always there to help me through any trouble. But I can’t shake the feeling that we’re just playing the part of a husband and wife to satisfy our parents. It feels… dutiful. I don’t think we’re truly happy.”

She paused, gathering her courage. “When I’m with you, it feels like I’m with a close relative—one I was assigned to care for. I feel this obligation to be good to you, to think of your needs, and honestly, sometimes it’s exhausting. It makes me feel lost, like I don’t know how to navigate what we are to each other.”

“I find myself wondering, is this how we’re going to spend the rest of our lives? In this… peaceful but passionless state? And a part of me thinks, maybe that’s fine. Maybe this is enough.”

Now that she had started, she felt compelled to lay all her cards on the table. There was no point in hiding anything anymore. Their relationship was, at its core, an arrangement orchestrated by their parents, an outcome everyone else seemed to desire for them.

Leonard understood. He realized that words were meaningless now; no matter what he said, she wouldn’t believe him. The only way forward was to show her, to prove his love through his actions. He had to make her see that for the rest of his life, there was only her. Marguerite was the only one he would ever want.

“Maybe I failed to express what’s truly in my heart,” he said, his gaze intense. “But I need you to know that you should never doubt my feelings. I would never have agreed to this if I didn’t love you, because I believe true happiness is only found with the person you love. I see now that I have my own faults. I thought that making you happy and solving your problems was my way of showing love, but I was wrong. It wasn't enough. I’ll reflect on this, and I promise you, starting today, I will change.”