Chapter 11

Deadly blind love, those are the two words that deserve to describe Zavier's decision at that time. Because of his love for Ayano, as well as his loyalty to the promise given to his grandfather, Zavier foolishly agreed to the girl's request.

Who would have thought that instead of finding a way to prove the truth, the girl would betray him by running away and abolishing the bond between them?

"Do you know that the girl you desperately defended is now breaking off your engagement, huh?" snapped Gabriela while visiting Zavier in Ascarion prison before he was sent to prison on the remote Island of the Eye. "You want to know what he said?" Tears streamed down Gabriela's face as disappointment radiated strongly from her eyes. "He doesn't want to deal with a murderer!"

Because the man Ayano had murdered was the son of the second richest man in Ascarion city, Zavier was given the harshest punishment, a life sentence in prison. He was exiled and treated like an outcast. His once glorious name and reputation ended up being trampled on like dirt.

There was no more Zavier Forger, the young businessman who was the pride of Ascarion. All that exists now is Zavier Forger, the cold-blooded killer blinded by love. What a shameful name.

However, now the man with that shameful nickname was standing in front of Ayano again. "Zavier...," said the woman in her beautiful voice.

The beady eyes of the girl who had become a mature woman traced Zavier's tall, muscular body, the man's face was equipped with a firm jaw and sharp eyebrows that emphasized his authoritative aura. It made Ayano gulp, mesmerized by the good looks of the man she had not seen in years. It was just... seeing the way Zavier was dressed and the fact the man was supposed to be in prison made Ayano Cruch.

"Why are you here?" Ayano's face changed as if she was staring at a very horrible insect.

Zavier's lips parted, intending to reply, "I—'' However, his words were cut short when he saw a man behind Ayano.

"Hey, who's this?" cut in the man with cropped hair and a thug-like style. He put his arm around Ayano's shoulders. "Isn't this your murderous ex, Ay?" he asked with a mocking smile.

"Shut up, Parker," Ayano replied with her eyebrows knitted together, disgusted with her relationship with Zavier. "I have nothing to do with that killer."

Even if he hated Ayano, hearing that woman explicitly refuse to have anything to do with him made Zavier's heartache. No, not just because of the hurt over Ayano's betrayal, but because the woman did not hesitate to deny her own crime at all.

Zavier turned his gaze to the man named Parker. As Ayano's former fiancé, Zavier had come into contact with a number of the woman's family, and he had also met Parker. The man was Ayano's cousin's older brother.

Realizing Zavier was staring at him, Parker raised his right eyebrow, then asked haughtily, "Hey, how come a convict like you is here, huh? Shouldn't you still be in prison until you die? You've killed people, remember?" The man feigned fear as he hugged his body. "Gosh, are you watching me because you want to kill me too? Hiih, scared," she mocked.

Zavier furrowed his brow when he heard the man's words. For a long time, Zavier had known that Parker had the attitude of a gangster. Maybe the man had watched too many gangster cartoons or dramas to grow up like this, but it was clear that his attitude was enough to provoke Zavier's emotions.

"I'm getting remission," Zavier replied briefly. He turned his gaze to Ayano. "Unexpected, isn't it?" The right corner of Zavier's lips lifted, as if challenging Ayano. "There must be people who are worried about their lives being threatened after someone like me gets out, don't you think?"

Ayano gasped, knowing that Zavier was threatening her. However, she did not flinch.

Seeing the look Zavier was giving Ayano, Parker immediately said with a displeased face, "Hey, did you come here to chase Ayano again?"

Ayano's gaze became disgusted when she heard her cousin's words. "Zavier, go away, don't bother me anymore! I already have a fiancé," she said as she took a step back behind her cousin, as if afraid Zavier would touch her. "Our relationship cannot continue."

Zavier narrowed his eyes. He obviously knew Ayano was engaged, but... hadn't she been engaged since a few years ago? Why were they still not married?

Finally, Zavier decided to pretend he didn't know... "Engaged?" he repeated. "To whom?"

The gleam in Zavier's eyes struck a chord in the corner of Ayano's heart, but realizing that the handsome face would be no match for the wealth and reputation her current fiancé had to offer, Ayano snorted. "None of my business—"

"Ayano's fiancé is Julius Howard! The third son of the capital's famous Howard Family! President director of the Everest Group in Ascarion!" said Parker with a triumphant smile. "See, from family background, to career, to reputation, you and Julius are like dirt and gems, Zavier! So, don't even dream of getting together with Ayano again!"

Hearing that, Zavier repeated Parker's words, 'Julius Howard?' He felt familiar with that name.

Looking at Zavier's face, Ayano thought that he was still determined not to give up. Finally, she said, "Listen, Zavier. I don't want to see you in front of me anymore! You're an ex-convict, while I'm the only daughter of the main line of the honorable Cruch Family and the future Mrs. Howard. We're not in the same world anymore! So, stop chasing me!"

Zavier raised his gaze and looked at Ayano with his eyebrows knitted together. He was too shocked to even speak. Really Zavier couldn't believe this woman before him could be so shameless and think herself back for him!?

Chasing after Ayano again? Didn't that woman realize what a huge betrayal she had committed?!

Initially, Zavier was still a little hopeful that Ayano still had her old sweet demeanor, but it seemed that it was just the naive hope of the young Zavier that still remained. However, after hearing the woman's words, Zavier's stomach felt sick at the thought of the days when he was by Ayano's side.

"Your imagination is too wild," Zavier retorted, taking Ayano and Parker by surprise. His gaze turned very cold when he said, "I didn't even know you moved into this place." He swept the surrounding scenery. "I heard that only high-class people can come here, so I didn't expect to see your appearance in this neighborhood at all."

Ayano's eyes widened at Zavier's words, clearly realizing that the man had insulted her!

Parker, who also heard Zavier's insult, was not happy. "Hey, ex-con, are you insulting my little cousin, huh?"

Zavier glanced at Parker. "Insulting? Do you feel?" he replied casually. "I'm just stating that I didn't expect to see you guys in this area since it's high-class housing." Then, he continued, "But, considering Ayano's fiancé is the third son of the Howard Family from the capital, he must have bought her a house here, right?" The look in Zavier's eyes was questioning. "After all, the Cruch Family doesn't have that many assets to afford a house here."

Parker clenched his fists. "Son of a bitch!"

BUK!

"Argh!"

"Parker!" Ayano cried out when she saw her cousin grasping her wrist tightly, his expression one of pain.

Zavier, who had twisted Parker's hand, grunted and pushed the man to the ground. That made Ayano rush over to Parker, whose face was red from the pain.

"Zavier! You criminal! How dare you do this to my cousin!?" Ayano shouted angrily. "Aren't you afraid of going to jail again?! You unscrupulous bastard!"

Ayano's words made Zavier put a grin on his handsome face. "Between us, you know better who has no morals, Ayano," he quipped, making her freeze. "Our relationship has been over since the second you broke off our engagement after I replaced you in prison."

Zavier's words made Ayano wide-eyed, unable to believe that the man was openly talking about that. However, the cold gaze and tense aura of Zavier's body left the woman speechless.

With his black eyes as dark as the night, Zavier declared, "Thus, don't dream too far and think I still love you."