Verania’s Point of ViewWe were currently on the road when I spoke up again."Why do you refuse to hear my answers?""I know what they are. They're all indirect rejections," he responded seriously, raising an eyebrow."Then that must be a sign for you to stop your feelings for me.""Is that a joke?" he asked, still serious."Nope. Did it sound like it was a joke?" I queried him while my eyes were fixed on the road."It's not like avoiding love is easy," he retorted, and I glanced at him for a moment.Well, maybe it's not, but if he tries, I think he can manage it. His feelings for me are still fresh, and I know that once he finds someone better, he'll immediately forget about me."By the way, what are your plans for the wedding?" he suddenly asked, opening up a new topic that made me quiet for a moment.A few minutes passed before I could come up with my answer."I don't really think about it," I stated, and we fell silent once more. I took the wheel once more, aiming to divert my at

Verania's PerspectiveAfter our brief conversation, I followed Alder as he headed straight to Clara's dining table for lunch. The household staff had prepared our meals, and we began devouring the dishes on the table.I was in the middle of eating when Alder struck up a conversation."It's good that you're going out. Isn't it dangerous?" he asked."It's not far, and it's a specific location with not too many people.""That's true, it's safe here," he said, nodding, and continued eating.I kept eating, not paying much attention to Ares and Clara who seemed engrossed in their own conversation. They were seated in front of me, so my eyes were focused on my plate.When I raised my head, my gaze immediately met Ares'."You have rice here," he said, pointing to the side of his lips, making me nearly choke.I searched for it using one hand, but I couldn't find it."Let me," Ares was about to stand up to come over, but Alder beat him to it."Like a child," Alder chuckled, and I playfully slap

Gabriella's Point of View"You barely know me, Cristoforo.""So what? Does that mean I should stand by and let you get into trouble?"I pressed my lips together, taking in his words. Could this be a sign that he cares? Just kidding.I couldn't let my body act impulsively now; I had work to do. I couldn't afford to let Cristoforo's concern distract me."I won't be in trouble," I assured him."You sure?" He had a teasing tone, making me frown slightly."I'll head back inside," I stated, and he gave me a questioning look."Go, see for yourself," he urged, his gaze locked on mine."I will."I swiftly went back inside, my eyes closing as I witnessed a scuffle between two men. There was someone trying to break it up, so I refrained from stepping in.With no time to waste, I returned to Cristoforo, still standing where I left him, his gaze fixed on me."So?" he inquired as I approached. "You're right, I'm leaving," I stated, carefully taking off my beret."Then let me take you home."His wo

Verania’s Point of View"Trust me, you have done nothing wrong. But believe me or not, you don't really love me the way you think you do."My eyebrows nearly met in the middle as my brain processed what he just said."I love you, what are you talking about?" I retort."Verania, I know you love me. But from what I see now, you love me only as a friend.""Rubbish!" I counter, shaking my head in disbelief."Verania, listen. You can deny it, but your true love is for Ares! Your eyes are silently telling me that it's him! The way you wanted to catch the culprit, the way you wanted to protect him, the way you say his name, I know... you love him!"No! What is Alder saying? I don't love Ares, what is he talking about?!"You're fooling yourself! I do all that because of my conscience and because he's my friend. Drop the notion that I love him! It's not true, I know what I feel, and you're wrong!" I try to assert.He rises from the swing and locks his gaze with mine."No, Verania, you're decei

Verania's Point of ViewHis cold gaze met mine, a sly grin playing on his lips as he began to speak."You probably already know the reason for your summons..." he said seriously but seemed to take pleasure in delivering the message."You were supposed to guard Mr. Ares Montero, the son of Mayor Stanley Montero. However, due to your negligence and prioritizing your desires, you allowed the enemy to strike freely since you were not at the exact location when the attack happened," he started."Many held you in high regard for your combat skills; that's why they allowed Victorino to put you in that position. But I just can't fathom, Portier, why did you leave?" he questioned.I lowered my head to hide my reactions. It was better to get straight to the point."Do you know that the enemies almost destroyed Montero's residence? Fortunately, one of your colleagues managed to call for backup from headquarters and arrived in time to secure the Monteros' home. Ares was found unharmed, and the cr