Chapter 19: I want my freedom.
The fury blazing in Dylan’s eyes sent a jolt of fear through Gianna, causing her to involuntarily shuffle backward.
"This time, I’m letting you go," he hissed dangerously. "But I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior again."
His fierce tone brought tears to her eyes. "You are scolding me!" Gianna couldn’t believe he was reprimanding her because of Ava. "Have you forgotten the past, Dylan? She is the daughter of your enemy—the man who killed your parents! Are you actually sympathizing with her?"
Dylan held out his finger threateningly, his eyes stormy with rage. "Don’t bring up my parents," he growled. "You are not allowed..."
"Why shouldn’t I?" Gianna shot back, her own anger flaring. "Because of your parents’ death, you were so lost in your grief that you crossed the road absentmindedly. My brother jumped in front of you to save you, and a car hit him! I lost my only family because of that!"
Dylan’s expression changed as the memory flooded his mind. His friend had sacrificed his life to save him and requested him with his dying breath to take care of his sister. Since then, Dylan had carried that promise like a duty, always trying to protect Gianna.
But now, a war raged within him: the gratitude he felt for his late friend clashed with the growing injustice he sensed toward Ava. Finally, the favor he owed to his friend won, compelling him to forgive Gianna.
"Calm down. I’m not going to say anything," he comforted her, pulling her into his embrace.
Gianna leaned into his arms, sobbing. "Every time I see Ava and her father, it breaks my heart. They’re the reason I lost my brother. I can’t ever forget that."