---- But still.

Knowing is one thing and watching it with your own eyes is something else.

That kiss...

it scarred her mind yet also toughened her skin.

Wiping her tears , she finally catches her breath to bring herself together.

She was leaving anyways.

He is happy .

with her, and that all that should matter to her.

Heartbreaks hurt like hell But what hurts more is insignificance.

The feeling of being so utterly forgotten that no one even noticed you were gone.

And Alexia has felt it countless times before.

Yet why today...

why seeing him with her, hit her the worst? ---- Chapter 498 Chapter 498 Zariyan sat nestled between Damien's legs, her back pressed against his chest.

His arms wrapped tightly around her torso, as though afraid she might slip away if he loosened his grip His lips pressed against her shoulder, trailing rhythmic kisses along her skin, though they lacked tenderness tonight His touch was weighted, intense, almost desperate.

Her soft giggles broke through the quiet.

Dam, stop! It tickles! she squealed, squirming under his persistent affection, But Damien didnt laugh.

Instead, a low growl rumbled in his chest, and he gripped her wrists firmly when she tried to push him away.

Okay, fine, she relented, sighing with mock exasperation, Do whatever you want.

---- His lips traveled upward, lingering near her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

The intensity of his touch made her shiver, and she tried to break the tension with a nervous chuckle.

It's like you plan to kiss every inch of my skin, she teased, her voice light but uncertain I do, he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending a shiver down her spine.

Tl kiss every inch that he touched.

I'll burn away every trace of him.

Her body went rigid at his words, and she pulled away slightly to glance at him.

And then what, Damien? What happens when I go back? The tension in the air thickened.

His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening, but he didnt respond.

He'll kiss me again, she said, her tone sharp with the reality.

Damien froze for a moment, his jaw tightening, before his lips returned to her shoulder with renewed ---- fervor.

Then I'll kiss you again, he growled, the possessiveness in his voice unmistakable.

Zariyan let out a sofi scoff, tilting her head to glance at him.

You sound like a dog marking its territory.

I belong to no one, Damien.

Her words were a dagger cloaked in humor, and he knew it.

Yet, he couldn't stop the dissatisfied grow] that escaped him.

Indeed, he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

L see traces of the old Zariyan returningthe one who never let anyone claim her.

Old habits die hard, she teased, leaning her head back against his chest.noveldrama

He nodded, however no humour graces his lips.

[ missed this side of you, Princess.

I thought I'd never see it again.

His voice sofiened, growing more serious.