Chapter 394

The accusation was fair, and Emmeline knew it. She had allowed her insecurities to override her trust in him, had permitted her fear of abandonment to dictate her response rather than waiting to hear him out.

The realization was humbling, forcing her to acknowledge a pattern in her behavior that had caused problems before.

Emmeline’s eyelids trembled in response to his outburst, fear momentarily overriding her other emotions.

She had rarely seen Zavian this angry. She extended a tentative hand toward his chest, a peace offering amid their emotional battlefield.

“I won’t make that mistake again,” she promised softly. “I swear to you. Next time, I’ll listen completely before letting my fears consume me.”

Her voice was steady despite her inner turmoil. She meant every word—this evening had shown her how quickly her insecurities could poison something precious, how easily fear could override reason and trust.

The lesson was painful but necessary, one