Chapter 124: Acceptance (2)
Shirley, or rather Tian Yue, blinked once. Her breath caught in her throat, her body stiffening under the sudden embrace. Yet the warmth that surrounded her, the scent she remembered, and the quiet strength in the arms that held her dissolved the final remnants of her composure.
Her heart beat faster, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red.
She had imagined this moment often, in silence and solitude. She had wondered what it might feel like to be held by him. Now that he was so close, so near to her, she found herself unable to speak. The sensation of warmth, of longing, and of comfort all rushed in at once, clouding her thoughts.
But then, reality struck her with a jolt, and her eyes widened.
"Igaris, what are you doing? We are cousins," she murmured, her voice barely rising above a breath.
Igaris looked at her with warmth in his eyes, a calm smile resting on his lips.
"I know," he said softly. "But I also know your heart. I am accepting you, Shirley. And the truth is, we are not blood-related. Your mother was adopted into my mother’s family."
She blinked in surprise. "Really? I never knew this. Why was it kept from me?"
"It was a secret," Igaris answered, brushing her hair back with gentle fingers. "So that your mother would not be ostracized. My mother told me everything. I only waited for the right time to tell you. I hope this truth does not bring you any sorrow."
In truth, even he didn’t know of this secret. It was revealed in the future.
On the other hand, a breath of relief escaped her lips. "Why would I be hurt? I feel... joy. So much joy. All this time, I felt guilty for loving you. I thought I was wrong. But now, I am free of that guilt. Thank you, Igaris. Thank you for accepting me. I truly love you. I have always loved you. I could not bear a life without you."