---- Damien's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding audibly.

When he spoke, his words were cold and clipped.

"T do care about you, Alexia." "Why were you even in that village, huh? Did you know who T was back then?" "Alexia, no" "Don't lie to me! Enough with the lies!" she snapped, pressing her palms against his chest to push him.

back.

But Damien didnt budge.

"You took advantage of me," she hissed.

"A.

vulnerable girl, alone in the world, desperate for someone to love her.

You threw me scraps of attention like a dog, and I followed youstraight into the slaughterhouse." Her voice cracked.

Tears spilled freely, but she didnt stop.

"All of it was a lie...

the only time you ever told me the truth was the day you thought you wouldn't make it.

You begged me to run, to leave, to forget Scout and stay far away.

Because you knew...you knew I was the sacrifice." ---- Chapter 494 Her sobs were strangled now, and she raked her trembling hands through her hair.

"I thought...1 thought I had a friend.

Someone who" She choked, her words collapsing into silence.

Damien's voice sliced through her haze.

"Are you done?" Her tear-streaked gaze snapped to his.

He stepped closer, forcing her chin up to meet his unflinching stare.

"Save your tears," he said coldly, his thumbs brushing the damp streaks from her cheeks.

"Save them for someone who deserves them.

Because I don t, Stalker.

His words contradicted his actions and it tore at him.

His palms were warm but his words cold.noveldrama

No signs of regret evident on his face It's like he wasn't even sorry and it hurtled more than it should.

---- "You're right," Damien continued, his tone cutting.

"I knew you were the sacrifice.

I brought you here for that reason.

And yes, I told you to run that day because I regretted my decision." Alexia froze, her breath caught.

"But did you run?" he snarled.

"Did you take the hint? No.

You saved me.

And now look where that got you." His grip tightened, his breath fanning her lips.

"Do you regret it, Stalker? Would you still lay your life down for me? Is your infatuationyour love enough?" Her heart stopped in her chest as her eyes snapped up to his in horror.

Did...

did he say love? But how could he know...

when she never told him? ---- Chapter 495 "You knew..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Damien smirked darkly.

"Did you really think I wouldn't notice? The way your hazel eyes lingered on me? The way you bit your lips whenever you watched me? Those stamps you treasure like they're worth more than your life.

Your storiesall of them, about me." He leaned closer, his voice a low growl.

"You've loved me since the day we met." The air between them crackled.

Damiens thumb hovered beside her trembling lips, his gaze unreadable.

"You still have time," he murmured.

"Run, Alexia.

Leave this place.

Theres no need for you to be a sacrifice." "Why?" she croaked, tears sliding down her face.

"Why aren't you asking me to help? To save