CHAPTER 265: YOU BROKE INSIDE ME

"That was my job, to never raise suspicion, to blend in so well that no one would ever question me," Zilia said. "But behind that role, I cried when I was alone, just to remember who I really was. I missed watching Idris grow up. And he... he didn’t even know me in those first, precious years."

She paused, her gaze lowering as her fingers curled at her sides.

"It was harder than I can explain. And I know... no matter how many times I apologize, it won’t fix what’s already broken between us. So maybe it’s best if you let me go, Casaio. You deserve someone else, someone who can give you peace, a future... a family without complications."

Casaio’s jaw tightened, a muscle ticking at the side of his face. Her words hit him like stones, but not because he wanted to argue with them because he had already heard that voice inside his own head too many times.

"You think it’s that simple for me?" he asked, eyes fixed on hers. "You think I can just let go? I can’t even imagine my life without you, Zilia. That’s the truth. That’s the hell I’m in."

He exhaled, fighting to keep his voice steady.

"So don’t talk about walking away like it’s some noble choice. You turned my life upside down. So now, take responsibility for it. Stay, and fix what you broke inside me."

"How can I do that? Do you still trust me?" Zilia asked.

"What do you think I’m doing now?" Casaio questioned. "If it’s not trust, then what it is. I was shocked when Gabriel found out who you are. My entire world shifted in a day. As the eldest prince, I was supposed to what is righteous. My heart bled every single second. Zilia, I can’t live separately from you. I don’t know what I’ve become. With you, I feel better," he added.

Zilia’s eyes brimmed with tears. She couldn’t utter a single word after that. "I want to sleep. Good night," she said, turning her back to him. She closed her eyes, tears rolled down over her cheeks, but she had to cry silently.

Casaio simply watched her for a while before turning off the main lights of the room. In his drunk state, he spoke a lot more than he actually would. His eyes remained fixed on her hair, and he reached out his hand to rest on her shoulder.

However, he couldn’t brought himself to touch her. He pulled up the duvet and turned his back to her. ’Good night, Zilia.’

~~~~~

The next morning, Zilia stirred awake, a warm breath brushing softly against her forehead.

Her eyes fluttered open, and they instantly widened. Casaio’s arm was wrapped around her waist.

Her breath hitched. ’When did this happen?’

She slowly turned her head, only to realize the truth. She had moved toward him sometime during the night. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and disbelief.

Carefully, trying not to wake him, Zilia shifted her hand from under his and began to slide away from his hold. Slowly, she freed herself and quietly got out of the bed.

As she stood there for a moment, looking back at the peaceful expression on Casaio’s face before going out of the room.

After taking a refreshing bath, Zilia dressed in a soft, pastel-colored outfit. She quietly peeked into the bedroom to check on Idris. He was still curled up under the blanket, breathing peacefully, his face relaxed in deep sleep.

She pulled the door shut without making a sound and headed to the kitchen.

Zilia rolled up her sleeves and began preparing breakfast. She chopped the vegetables.

Just then, she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind. She paused, her fingers still holding the knife.

Turning her head slightly, her gaze landed on Casaio. He looked like he had just woken up, his hair slightly tousled. Without saying a word, he walked to the refrigerator, pulled out a chilled bottle of water, and unscrewed the cap.

Their eyes met for a brief moment.

Zilia’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly looked away and returned to her chopping.

"What are you making?" Casaio asked.

"Umm... vegetable stir-fry and a cheese omelette," Zilia replied, keeping her eyes on the chopping board. "Do you want coffee?" she asked, glancing at him briefly.

"I’ll make it," Casaio offered, stepping toward the cabinet.

"No," Zilia said. "I’ll do it. You should take a bath. And... if possible, could you wake up Idris too?"

"Let the boy sleep," Casaio said simply, already turning away.

"Hmm," she murmured in response, watching him leave.

As the sound of his footsteps faded down the hallway, Zilia turned on the coffee machine and placed a cup beneath the spout.

Zilia turned the flame low and placed a pan on the stove, her hands moving swiftly as she prepared the breakfast.

Casaio returned not long after, freshly showered, his hair still damp at the edges. He picked up the warm cup of coffee waiting for him on the counter and took a grateful sip.

"Thanks," he said, his eyes settling on her.

Zilia offered a small smile, not turning from the stove.

"You look happy," Casaio murmured, watching her.

"Huh?" Zilia blinked, slightly flustered, glancing his way.

"Is it because we’re together again?" he asked, his voice low as he leaned casually against the counter, coffee in hand.

She focused back on the pan, flipping the last omelette onto a plate without answering.

Casaio took another sip and then said, "Last night... you moved toward me and hugged me in your sleep."

Zilia froze for a split second, the spatula hovering in her hand.

"You keep telling me to forget you," he continued, his gaze steady, "when you clearly can’t do the same. You, too, are messed up the same way I am."

Walking closer to her, he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Idris has to be admitted to the academy today. Then, we both will live alone. I’m hoping for good changes in our lives."