Chapter 72

Maya’s POV

A sharp sting lingered on my palm as I pulled away.

“Adrian?” I whispered, voice barely audible.

But when the tears finally blurred from my vision, I realized the man in front of me wasn’t him. It was Elias.

His eyes widened in shock. The faint red glow of my palm’s imprint still shone on his cheek. Passersby gasped at the sight, though none lingered beyond a swift glance.

“Okay. What?” Elias recoiled from the slap, his head snapping to the side before he slowly turned back toward me.

“H–Elias, I—I’m so sorry…” I choked out, cradling the hand that had struck him against my chest. Tears brimmed anew as I stared at him.

He didn’t look angry; more stunned, especially when he saw me crying. Gently, he lifted his h