Chapter 312
Chapter 312
Emily didn’t refuse Austin’s help. After all, he was the one who’d hidden Walter so well that even Jeremy couldn’t track him down. Trusting Cale to Austin now was honestly the best and safest choice she could make.
After she asked Austin for help, Emily said, “I’m sorry.”
Emily was smart. She knew Austin had always been careful to keep his identity and whereabouts under wraps. The only time he could possibly have been exposed was that one incident when Charles had his accident.
Back when she saved Austin from the kidnappers, she’d overheard them say he was from Beloris. So whoever he was hiding from, it was someone from Beloris.
And it was only because of the doctors Austin had brought in from Beloris that Charles had survived the critical period.
Hearing her apology, Austin let out a helpless sigh and then said, “Emily, you don’t have to apologize to me. Everything I’ve done-it’s because I wanted to. It was my choice, and I never once regretted it. If anyone should apologize, it should be me.”
His eyes burned with a stubborn, almost possessive edge as he stared at Emily. He continued, “I’m nothing but trouble, and anyone who stays by my side is destined to get caught up in it.
“Now that my cover’s blown, for all I know, your info might already be in his hands. He could make a move against you any time. So, are you scared?”
His hand tightened unconsciously, and his heart was in his throat as he waited for her answer. He was scared of what Emily might say. But he knew that even if Emily said she was afraid, he would never let her go.
His whole life had been nothing but darkness, so even if there was just the tiniest bit of light, he would cling to it for dear life.
For as long as Emily had known Austin, this was the first time she’d ever seen such deep stubbornness and fierce resolve on his face-a side completely at odds with the sunny, easygoing image he usually showed the world.
Yet even so, this version of Austin didn’t feel the least bit unfamiliar to her.
She thought, ‘If he really were someone full of youthful light, raised with love and care, how could he have almost been sent to St. Gabriel Reform Academy?
‘How could he ever have said that I was the only person he had left in this world?’
Emily stared straight at Austin, catching every bit of nervousness in his eyes. She said, “Not scared.”
She didn’t bother explaining why or trying to convince Austin any further. But just those two words were enough to finally let Austin’s heart settle-like he could finally breathe again.
Austin reached out and took Emily’s hand, a bright smile lighting up his face. Those dimples of his were so pure and sweet, making him look just like some innocent kid who’d grown up surrounded by love, never touched by the world’s darkness.
Emily glanced at their joined hands. She didn’t pull away-she just let Austin gently lead her forward.
Noticing her acceptance, Austin’s smile grew even brighter, and he held her hand a little tighter.
He knew that as long as he didn’t let go first, Emily would never let go of his hand. And the same went for him—as long as she held on, he’d never let go either.
Night fell in Beloris.
1/2
Calle
014
Even though Austin had been away from Beloris for ages, things were unfolding just as he’d predicted. For example, information about Emily had landed on someone’s desk in record time.
The files covered pretty much every detail of Emily’s life-except for those two years she vanished into St. Gabriel Reform Academy.
After all, St. Gabriel Reform Academy had roots so deep in the country that it wasn’t something just anyone could dig into. No matter how powerful one was, even if one was a big shot in Beloris, it was off-limits.
Even so, there were exceptions to this rule. For instance, certain so-called “guests” who had once set foot in St. Gabriel Reform Academy.
