CHAPTER 236: NEVER HAD ANY DESIRE

Gabriel returned to the room with a grim and weary expression. The tension in his shoulders and the hardened look in his eyes made it clear, his father had given him an earful.

Amelie and Karmen looked up, waiting for him to say something. A heavy silence lingered until Gabriel finally spoke.

"We’re leaving for San Ravendale," he announced, striding over to the closet and pulling out two cabin-sized suitcases.

Amelie’s brows furrowed slightly, while Karmen turned to look at her. Their eyes met in quiet concern before Karmen asked, "Did you inform anyone yet?"

"Not yet," Gabriel replied curtly. Then, glancing at Karmen, he added, "You can stay here a while longer if you want."

Karmen shook his head. "No, I’ll come with you both. I should head home first and pack my things." With that, he gave a nod and stepped out, gently closing the door behind him.

Amelie walked to the door and locked it from the inside. She gazed at him for a moment before turning to face Gabriel, who was already focused on packing, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Amelie quietly joined Gabriel, helping him pack. She moved to the closet, pulling out their clothes and bringing them over. Sitting on the bed beside the suitcase, she began folding and placing the shirts carefully inside.

As she laid down the first shirt, she glanced at him. "What happened? Did you get scolded?" she asked gently.

"No," Gabriel replied promptly.

Amelie paused, holding another shirt in her hands. She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Then what is it?"

Gabriel didn’t meet her gaze. "Let’s just get home first," he said.

Sensing his reluctance, Amelie didn’t press further. Instead, she silently resumed packing, sliding the shirt into place.

A few moments passed before she spoke again. "I’ve been thinking... someone must have helped Riley get into the palace. It doesn’t make sense otherwise."

Gabriel finally looked up, locking eyes with her for a beat. "Hmm. I thought the same," he admitted. "She wouldn’t have made it through security on her own."

But even as he answered, Amelie could tell, his eyes were distant, filled with numerous questions.

"We can stay until—"

"No," Gabriel cut her off firmly. "We aren’t staying here, Ame. We only came because you wanted to. I never had any desire to be here in the first place."

Amelie’s eyes softened. "I understand," she whispered.

Gabriel exhaled, his voice lowering. "You’re too forgiving. You trust people too easily. I’m not like that."

He paused, his gaze settling on her.

"But I admire you," he added, gentler now. "The way you try to stay strong, even when everything around you is falling apart. Still... you don’t always have to be. It’s okay to feel weak. It’s okay to lean on someone."

Amelie remained quiet, her hands still against the edge of the bag.

"I know you’ve been wondering if you’re a burden to others," Gabriel continued. "But you’re not. You never were."

His words offered her the comfort. A sense of relief passed through her, making her feel better.

~~~~

Zilia and Idris stood upright as Dane informed them, "Prince Casaio will be here any moment now."

Moments later, Casaio entered the room.

"You and Idris won’t be coming with me," he said directly.

Zilia blinked, caught off guard. "Huh? Why not?"

"Luke and I are meeting for a negotiation. This time, he hasn’t asked for either of you. So just stay here," Casaio replied. "I’ll be accompanied by my second brother. I wanted to inform you both before leaving."

Zilia frowned, concern flickering in her eyes. "But shouldn’t we be prepared? What if Luke changes his mind and demands for us?"

Idris looked at her quietly, sensing the tension but choosing not to speak.

Casaio met her gaze. "Why would he? Besides, I have no intention of handing either of you over to Luke." His eyes squinted in suspicion. ’What’s going on with Zilia?’ he thought.

"Dane, could you please take out Idris?" Casaio asked.

Dane stepped up. Idris willingly walked out of the room, leaving both of them alone.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Casaio asked, his voice low as his brows drew together in a frown.

Zilia tilted her head slightly, trying to keep her tone casual. "What do you mean?"

Casaio sneered at her pretense. He took a step closer and gently but firmly cradled her neck, drawing her face nearer to his.

"Running away from me... Isn’t that what you’re planning?" He accused.

Zilia met his gaze, refusing to flinch. "Why would I run away from you? I have nowhere else to go. I only suggested that Idris and I accompany you, nothing more."

Casaio held her stare for a long, tense moment, studying her expression as though trying to read past her words. Finally, he released her, his fingers trailing away.

"It’s hard to tell when you’re lying," he murmured. "But just stay here. I’ll handle Luke, and I’ll do everything in my power to free you and Idris from him."

Zilia stared at him before lowering her gaze. "I know. But you don’t have to fight for us. I betrayed you. Keep that in mind. Nothing can turn right between us. If you think, the love between us will flourish again, then you are mistaken," she said before lifting her eyes. Though her words were harsh, they were directed to Casaio, so that he would keep in mind what kind of relationship they both shared now.

"I don’t want your love. You need to suffer the same way you made me suffer, Zilia. That’s why you have to be near me. Also, there’s no place where you’ll be accepted. You’ve Idris with you. So, keep in mind what is good for that boy," Casaio affirmed before taking a step back, then disappearing from her sight.

Zilia curled her fingers up, her heart racing with a nervous feeling. "How am I supposed to leave now?" she murmured to herself, her eyes remaining focused on the door.