EMILIA’S POV For a moment, Maximus didn’t even blink. He just stared at me like the floor had been ripped out from under him—like my words had cut straight through whatever strength he had left. His hands were still on my face, but suddenly they felt frozen, rigid, trembling. “What… are you talking about, Emilia?” he whispered again, voice rough and confused. “I might not like your family for how they treated you… but I swear I didn’t kill them. Why would I do that?” More tears burned down my cheeks. I shook my head slowly. “Not them,” I whispered. His brows knit sharply. Confusion flashed across his face, then worry, then something darker. He stepped closer, his hands leaving my face and gripping my shoulders, firm but gentle, like he was scared I might fall apart. “Talk to me. Did someone hurt your family?” His jaw tightened. “I know they might not be the best, but they’re still your family. So if anyone dared—” “My real family,” I whispered. He froze. His finge
Last Updated : 2025-11-22 Read more