Chapter 1223
He honestly thought Elysia wouldn’t bother talking to him again anytime soon p>
So when he saw Elysia walking toward him, he actually felt a flicker of hope.
As she got closer, Zane tried to act casual and greeted her, “Elysia p>
Smack!
He barely got her name out before Elysia’s hand cracked across his face.
His head jerked to the side, a perfect imprint of her hand blooming on his cheek. Slowly, Zane turned back to look at her, his expression twisted and complicated. “Elysia p>
Elysia was trembling with anger, her words bitten out through clenched teeth. “I didn’t just misjudge you, Zane—I seriously underestimated how low you could go. Congratulations, you’ve officially redefined what it means to be a jerk in my book.” “I’ve met my fair share of scumbags, but you? You’re in a league of your own p>
“You hurt Winona, you hurt Ridley, you destroyed the Newsom family, and you’re not done-you’d throw ordinary people under the bus too. Zane, you don’t deserve to be called human p>
Zane didn’t lash out, even after taking the slap. His voice was bitter, almost pleading. “Elysia, please, just let me explain. I admit it-I lied to Winona, I hurt the Newsom family, but everything I did, I did for you p>
“From the first moment I met you, I was crazy about you. I mean, head-over- heels, can’t-eat, can’t-sleep obsessed p>
“But back then, I was flat broke. We would’ve had nothing. I couldn’t even put a roof over your head or guarantee you a warm meal. I didn’t want you struggling just because of me. I wanted to give you everything—a nice home, stability, the works p>
“That’s why I made those choices. I hid how I felt about you, I forced myself to be with Winona because I thought it was for the best p>
“Yeah, I married her, but I never loved her. I’ve only ever loved you. Always, only you p>
Elysia shot him a look that could freeze lava. She scoffed, “Only me? So what about Sarah, huh? Or Lyra? Or that cute nurse at the hospital? And all those other girls you’ve strung along-what are they, just pit stops p>
Zane shook his head desperately. “They were just passing through. None of them meant anything—I was just going through the motions. The only one who’s ever had my heart is you p>
“I’ve always wanted to be with you. When you were gone all those years, I nearly lost it. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep I tore my life apart looking for you. I p>
“Are you moved by your own speech yet?” Elysia interrupted, a cold laugh in her voice. “Are you about to cry for yourself, Zane? Do you really think you’re some tragic, noble hero? Let me tell you something: the only person you love is yourself p>
Zane’s brow furrowed. “Elysia, I swear to you, I love you. I always have p>
Elysia’s voice was sharp as broken glass. “And I swear to you, you make me sick p>
Zane’s face darkened, his jaw clenched hard. “I know I did a lot of things that made you hate me, but I swear to God, I did it all for you. Every choice I made was because I love you p>
“Then I swear to God, every single thing you do just makes me hate you more,” Elysia shot back.
Zane’s breathing was ragged now, his frustration boiling over. “You don’t like me. Is it because of Tarquin? I’ll admit, I’m not where he is right now, but just give me
a little more time. I swear, I’ll crush him-I’ll be bigger than him soon p>
Elysia balled her fists, her glare icy. “Don’t even say his name. You don’t deserve to. You’re not even in the same universe as him p>
“And don’t talk about love. You don’t have a clue what that is p>
“And don’t waste your breath thinking I’d ever be with you. I’d rather die than be with you, Zane p>
“To me, Tarquin is a true gentleman. You? You’re a snake in the grass. There’s no comparison p>
“Only cowards hurt innocent people just to get what they want. Tarquin might have a temper, but he’d never do anything truly cruel or evil p>
“His heart is good and honest p>
“Yours, Zane, is rotten to the core p>