Chapter 78. Leave Me Alone!

My words ricocheted in the air, causing River’s eyes to widen as he took a step away from me.

This is the first time I showed this kind of emotion. Ever since the Millers took me, they taught me not to show any emotions.

I’ve undergone therapy, but even up until this day, I’m having a hard time telling myself that it’s okay to show people what I really feel.

That it’s okay to be vulnerable. That it won’t kill me. Not literally.

“I made mistakes,” River said quietly, to the point I had a hard time hearing his voice. “But believe me, Seraphina. Every risk, every step I took to save you… has been for you. Not money. Not for leverage. Just you, and nothing else mattered.”

I closed my eyes as I let those words sink into my mind.

I wanted to believe him, but Hans’ words planted seeds of doubt in my mind, gnawing at me.

“He made a deal with the syndicate. Once River finds the lost princess, which is you… He’ll have more money and leverage in return