Chapter 192

"Th-That's not true. I-It was a difficult decision. It's going to be… hard for me too."

"Then…" Riftan paused as though stopping to quash some emotion. "Come with me."

Tears welled in Maxi's eyes. Unable to stop them falling, Maxi covered her face with her hands. Riftan hugged her waist and desperately tried to persuade her.

"If leaving me is not what you truly want, then come with me. Don't think about anything else! I'll make sure you have everything again — a castle, servants, all of it. We can finally be together. I refuse to be separated from you again. I can't endure another three years!"

Maxi thought that a dagger to the chest would not have been as painful. Anguish and desperation stirred in his black eyes.

The desire to give in felt as though it would split her in half. Her heart vehemently nodded in agreement, while her reason adamantly shook its head. It was clear to her which of the two she had to follow.