Chapter 461
Looking into Aurelia’s expectant eyes, a strong impulse surged in Axel’s heart, he wanted to agree, to take her away from this restrictive world and chase their happiness, but reason told him it was too impulsive, there was too much they still needed to consider.
"Aurelia, I..." Axel fell silent again, unable to give her a clear answer.
Seeing his hesitation, a wave of disappointment washed over Aurelia’s heart, she understood he had his own reservations, she didn’t want to force him, but she also didn’t want to give up on her happiness.
"I understand, Axel, I will give you time to think about it." Her voice trembled slightly as she turned and left the thatched cottage.
In the darkness, Aurelia’s figure drifted further and further away.
Axel stood at his door, watching her leave, his heart was filled with guilt and self-blame, he knew he lacked the courage to pursue true happiness.
He silently returned to his desk and buried his head in his studies, but his heart could no longer find peace.
Adam and Crimson fell silent once again.
The girl took such a massive initiative, and you, a man, are backing down?
However, the scholar’s concerns weren’t entirely unreasonable, if he truly lacked courage to this extent, Aurelia eloping with him wouldn’t necessarily lead to a good outcome.
But was the matter really that simple?
Adam looked at the silent scholar at the desk, the corners of his mouth curling up, he had seen the scholar’s entire spiritual past, after all.
This scholar was absolutely not as innocent and simple as he seemed.
Inside the scholar’s body, Crimson was so furious he was practically dying of anger, he genuinely wished he could hack the scholar to death right this instant.
His own wife was about to run off with someone else, and he was sitting here reading a book.
If it were him, he would have immediately charged over and hacked the rival to pieces.
Aurelia stepped out of Axel’s cottage, the moonlight spilled over her lonely figure, casting a long shadow, she walked slowly on the path back to the Burns family manor, every step felt incredibly heavy, as if she carried the weight of the entire world.
The night was like water, and the cool breeze scattered the last trace of warmth in her heart.
Recalling her conversation with Axel, her heart was filled with disappointment and helplessness, she had thought Axel would leave with her without hesitation, but his hesitation and silence were like a sharp knife, piercing deeply into her heart.
She couldn’t help but doubt her decision, had she been too impulsive? Too selfish?
Axel had nothing right now, yet she was forcing all this pressure onto his shoulders, she understood this, but she was out of time.
If the Governor’s son hadn’t come to propose, there would be time to wait, but now, she couldn’t.
She wanted to give Axel time, but her heart was filled with fear, she was terrified that he would ultimately choose to give up on her, opting for safety rather than risk.
Her footsteps slowed, the sense of loss growing more intense, she felt like an orphan abandoned in the dark.
She began to miss Axel’s gentleness and their happy times together, she looked up at the sky, the bright moon seemed to mock her foolishness.
She sighed softly and continued forward, her heart was filled with loss and confusion, she didn’t know where she should go, nor what the future held.
She only hoped Axel would decide soon, no matter the outcome, she could accept it.
Suddenly, her vision went black, she was shoved into a burlap sack.
"Who is it?" Just as she was about to scream, she was knocked unconscious.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unfamiliar place.
Aurelia realized she was in an extremely lavish room, valuable calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, and a soft carpet covered the floor, moonlight spilled through sheer curtains, creating a tranquil yet opulent scene.
All this extravagance felt utterly alien and cold, she tried to recall what had happened but only remembered being kidnapped.
Her hands and feet were bound, she struggled to sit up but couldn’t budge, her strength seemed drained dry.
The room’s door opened, several young men walked in, frivolous smiles on their faces, eyes revealing disdain and predatory amusement toward Aurelia.
She recognized them, the local wealthy playboys of the town, however, the man standing in the center, flanked by the others and possessing a luxurious bearing, was unfamiliar.
"Young Master, how about this one? Do you like her?" A familiar voice rang out suddenly.
Aurelia looked in sheer disbelief at the last man to appear, it was the Governor’s son who had proposed to her today.
Her face was full of disbelief. "You... you actually..."
"What about me? Being able to make Young Master happy is your good fortune!"
Looking at his hideous expression, despair surged into her heart, she knew there was nowhere to run. These playboys’ scheme had already succeeded.
She closed her eyes, filled with terror and helplessness, but just as she was about to give up hope, she heard a familiar call.
She opened her eyes to see Axel burst through the door, his gaze full of fury and worry, he quickly untied her bindings and shielded her behind him, facing the playboys.
When Axel fled that lavish room with Aurelia, the playboys gave chase, they surrounded the fleeing lovers one by one.
Axel clenched his fists, a resolute light in his eyes, he knew that today, no matter what, he had to protect Aurelia.
However, they had strength in numbers, and many possessed martial arts, Axel, a physically weak scholar, was quickly beaten to the ground.
He struggled to resist, but injuries multiplied, blood dyed his robes red, with every strike he took, he gritted his teeth and held on, refusing to stay down.
Watching from the side, Aurelia felt a knife twisting in her heart, she cried out, begging Axel to leave her and run, but just as her words fell, she was slapped hard across the face by one of the playboys.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
100 power stones - 1 Extra Chapters
200 power stones - 2 Extra Chapters
Capsule - 1 Extra Chapters
Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters
Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters