My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 2233

Zirconia was stunned by Ruin's sudden words. What baffled her even more was that Ruin lifted her up and transferred his power to her. Her eyes widened in disbelief—Ruin was actually helping her.

"Lis..." she whispered.

Ruin's expression remained unchanged as he said with a hint of reproach, "A thousand times, that scene repeated in my mind a thousand times, and each time, your choice was to continue down the wrong path…"

She felt the surge of power within her, but now, it was Ruin who began to collapse. Panicked, she rushed to support him, only to realize that his body was slowly fading away.

Ruin continued, "Since you've made your choice, I have nothing more to say. Are you surprised? Every action I've taken has been with absolute purpose. Though I always knew how it would end, for some reason, I kept wanting to change this part about you.

"I was never some kind of savior, so I don't care about the fate of this world... Maybe... it's just that I cared about you."

With that, Ruin handed the fruit to Zirconia. She was already in tears, her emotions overwhelming her. With a look of regret yet acceptance, Ruin smiled softly.

"It's a pity... Living an ordinary life with you in this world was never meant to be. I just remembered that was why I wanted to bring you back in the first place... But... it doesn't matter anymore... We've committed too many sins; this world won't welcome us."

"Stop... Lis... Please don't say anymore," Zirconia cried, clinging to Ruin like a child refusing to let go. She was torn between relief and sorrow.

Only now did she understand Ruin's true desire—he was tired of the endless fighting and vengeance. He just wanted a simple life, like the real Zaafea once did.

However, she had destroyed that wish with her choices. Yet, she was grateful that at least she now knew Ruin had not betrayed her. He still kept her in his heart, which brought a small change to her soul.

"Alright, stop crying... It's time," Ruin said as his body became transparent. He was about to return to the Netherworld.

Yet stubborn as ever, Nia held onto him tightly, refusing to let him go.

"No... You can't leave..."

Ruin gently wiped away her tears. "I'm not leaving. I'm always here... I'll be waiting for you, waiting until everything is back to normal, until the world is reborn and new buds grow. Then, you'll see me again."