Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 530

Chapter 530: Hiding Her Heart From Aldric

"As tempting as the offer was," Islinda began, her thoughts turning to Gabi’s living conditions. "I cannot ask Gabi to sacrifice her life and future for me.

Unlike me with no one to miss me, Gabi has a family that would mourn her if anything were to happen, and I wouldn’t want that in my conscience." She paused, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "Not to mention, her family relies on her for survival, and I could never pay her for her services."

"I’m the one paying for her service."

"What?"

Valerie’s words were firm yet empathetic. "I never expected you to pay her in the first place. With what money? One stolen from Aldric? I wouldn’t put you through such risk," he remarked, her tone tinged with concern. "Also, Gabi wouldn’t have agreed to this if she didn’t know the danger involved. Her family let her. Do give people the opportunity to make choices for themselves. Everything is not a responsibility you should shoulder, Islinda."

Islinda fell into a heavy silence, her thoughts swirling as she processed Valerie’s words. After a moment, she began to shake her head stubbornly, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "No, no, no, I don’t think I can bear the weight of having someone’s life in my hands! Neither can I be indebted to you too, Valerie—"

"I don’t care!" Valerie’s voice echoed with intensity, rendering Islinda momentarily speechless. "I don’t need you to pay me back. Just accept it, Islinda, please..." His eyes pleaded with her, filled with a mix of determination and compassion. "Just let me help you. It’s not a crime."

Islinda opened her mouth to refute, her stubbornness urging her to protest. But as she met the pleading gaze of Valerie, something softened within her. The Fae were known for their prideful nature, and she understood just how much it must have taken for Valerie to beg her like this.

He continued, his voice filled with remorse. "I don’t care if you pay me back or not. Think of it as my way of compensating for ruining your life. If you hadn’t saved me... No, if only I hadn’t left you back then and was truthful with you from the start, Aldric wouldn’t have deceived and kept you captive. Hence, in one way, it’s my fault. Allow me to pay for my crime. Allow me to worry about the safety of the humans in your care. I was the one who convinced Gabi anyway to look after you, so if anything, I should be the one worrying about my choices." Valerie’s words hung heavy in the air, laden with regret and a genuine desire to make amends.

"Fine, do whatever you want," Islinda eventually conceded, her resolve crumbling under Valerie’s persuasive words. There wasn’t much she could do anyway, not when faced with Valerie’s unwavering determination and heartfelt plea

With a pang of guilt, Islinda acknowledged her selfish desire for Gabi’s companionship too despite the looming dangers posed by Aldric. As she grappled with her conflicting emotions, a thought surfaced in Islinda’s mind – perhaps she could shift the blame onto Valerie if anything were to happen to Gabi, allowing herself to be free from the weight of guilt. Wasn’t that what Valerie wanted her to do anyway?

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