554 I won't let you leave me!

Watching the alluring depths of Lucas Griffin's eyes well up with drops of crystal clear liquid, Amanda Jenkins felt a heartache so intense that she could not breathe.

She said nothing, just stared at him blankly.

The cruel truths hurt so much that she nearly lost her ability to speak.

Even shallow breaths pulled at her heart with piercing pain.

"I'm sorry..." Lucas Griffin gently held her shoulders, his eyes brimming with tears and filled with deep remorse and guilt.

"Amanda, I'm sorry. I never intended to deceive you, nor did I intentionally stop you from recognizing your brother. I know you wanted a love as clear and pure as crystal. I just didn't want... didn't want you to face those filthy hatreds."

Amanda Jenkins shook her head.

Why did her brother, Derei, and Lucas all say sorry to her?

They really hadn't done anything wrong.