Chapter 11

I closed my eyes.

Taking a deep breath.

Finally, under his endlessly hopeful gaze, I slowly began to speak:

"There's no need for this, Damon. I don't hate you anymore."

He froze, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.

But my next words sent that hope plummeting into despair.

"I don't love you anymore, either."

"Damon."

"From this moment on, we go our separate ways. We will never see each other again."

With that said, I turned and brushed past him, heading for the door.

"Elliana!!"

The second before Damon could rush forward, Adrian stepped out from the side, blocking my path and seizing Damon's arm in a powerful grip.

"If you dare take one more step, I guarantee that every single one of your family's assets will vanish without a trace before tomorrow."

Adrian looked at him coolly, his eyes filled with an arrogant disdain.

He froze, completely rigid.

When he saw Adrian shove him away and then pull me protectively into his arms,

he lost even the strength to stand.