Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 1821

Was it more cruel to give hope?

He slowly turned around, his eyes earnestly looking into Norah's, "Norah, you don't know my past. I've taken lives, started fires, I've done it all. I've had my share of women, too—the kind you can satisfy your desires with for just a few bucks. I used to live by the sword, my life was all about taking risks for cash. So whenever I got my hands on money, I'd blow it all on gambling, racing, and wild nights with women. The more thrilling, the better!"

Norah stared at Xavier in shock.

Xavier's lips curled into a wry smile, "Surprised, huh? So do you really like me? Or is it just some twisted fascination born out of curiosity? Once you get to know me, you'd feel nothing but disdain! My life's been excessively spent. The days left to me are just about clinging on, barely living. Marriage and having kids were never in my plans. Dating," he gave a self-deprecating chuckle, "that's even more unlikely!"

Norah was still gaping at him, struggling to digest his words.

Xavier's gaze was dark as he looked at her, "Don't think you can save me. Stop this self-indulgent fantasy of being moved. Go back to your regular life and forget about me!"

With that, he turned and strode away.

Norah watched as he walked away without looking back, took a step back, and leaned against a railing, her emotions in tumult, unable to calm down for a long time.

His past was indeed beyond her wildest imagination.

Her heart was in chaos, aching, and for reasons unknown to her, constricted to the point of tears.

Estelle returned from a trip to the restroom to find Xavier sitting on a couch, drinking alone. Norah had also left, looking dazed as if she had taken a blow.

What had their conversation been about?

It seemed to have been far from pleasant.

Estelle moved towards Xavier and sat next to him. In the dimly lit VIP room, Xavier's handsome face was as inscrutable as ever, revealing no emotion.

Xavier, feeling restless, reached for a cigarette but remembered the women and children in the room and reluctantly resisted. His hand, instead, reached for his drink.

"Let's not talk about Gab today," Estelle said. "Let's talk about Norah. She likes you?"

Xavier frowned and looked up, "How did you know?"

Estelle chuckled softly, "I'm a regular at the Lamont family gatherings, and I'm quite close to Norah. Even if she doesn't tell me, she can't hide anything from me."

Xavier nodded, "Good, then you talk to her. Convince her not to get too hung up."

"What, you don't like Norah?" Estelle looked surprised, her eyebrows arching. "Norah is beautiful, charming, and she's got a lot of admirers!"