Chapter 388

Zavian sighed harshly. His hands moved to her face and gently wiped away the tears that continued to fall.

“You are my everything,” he murmured. “Just having you by my side is enough for a lifetime of happiness. I’d sacrifice anything, even myself for you.”

The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable, making his words all the more devastating.

Emmeline could see the conflict within him. The man who had always been her pillar of strength was now crumbling inside, faced with a situation he hadn’t anticipated and couldn’t control through sheer force of will as he did most obstacles in his path.

“However, I refuse to be the cause of a rift between you and your family.” His voice was steady despite the pain flickering in his eyes. “I know you’d never be truly happy if I asked you to cut ties with them. You’d resent me for it—and I could never bear to be the reason you hate me.”

His thumbs continued their gentle path across her cheekbones, wiping away tears th