Chapter 551

However, behind this wave of rumors, a portion of the people still chose to believe in Adam, they remembered his daily contributions and dedication to the town, they remembered his figure stepping forward to protect everyone at critical moments, they believed he would never do anything to harm them.

Among them was a young woman who completely believed in Adam, her name was Zella, her temperament was as gentle as water, and she had a kind heart, always caring for everyone around her with tenderness, since Adam’s evil power was exposed and rumors flew around the town, Zella had never wavered in her trust, in her eyes, Adam’s normally warm gaze revealed an unyielding spirit even when the evil qi erupted, that was his courage in fighting the power within his own body, and his endless heart of protection for the small town.

Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the mist, Zella would quietly prepare a piping hot meal, carefully wrapping it, and walk softly toward the library’s construction site, she knew Adam was always the first to arrive, using his tireless figure to add bricks and tiles to the children’s future.

"Brother Leon, this is the meal I made, eat it while it’s hot," Zella’s voice was like a spring breeze, gently interrupting Adam’s busy figure, she stood there with a food box in her hand, her eyes flickering with deep concern and admiration.

Adam turned around, seeing it was Zella, he could not help but smile, this warmth from the bottom of his heart seemed to temporarily disperse the haze in his mind, "Zella, thank you, you are always so thoughtful."

He took the food box, a warm current welling up in his chest, in this moment filled with misunderstanding and fear, Zella’s trust was more precious than any words could convey, between them, there seemed to be a tacit understanding that required no words, Zella stood quietly to the side, watching Adam eat, her heart full of satisfaction, how she wished time could stop at this moment, allowing her to feel this rare tranquility a little while longer.

However, whenever it was the dead of night and Zella lay in bed, the secret crush in her heart would grow wildly like weeds.

...

She was afraid Adam would notice her feelings, and even more afraid this affection would become a burden to him, therefore, she could only bury these emotions deep within, transforming them into meticulous care and silent support.

Sometimes, Zella would secretly stand in the distance, watching Adam’s busy figure at the construction site, or stand before the library, gazing at the soon-to-be-completed building, her heart was filled with longing and hope, she hoped Adam could find a way to dispel the evil power, she hoped the small town could remain peaceful forever, and she hoped that one day, she could muster the courage to express the love in her heart.

The next morning, sunlight gently spilled over the bluestone roads of Flowing Town, carrying her meticulously prepared food box, Zella set off toward the construction site, her steps were light and brisk, her heart full of concern and anticipation.

However, this tranquility was soon broken by a sudden voice.

"Zella, wait a moment," a slightly hurried call came from the side of the road, she stopped and looked back to see Vance from the town, a young man who had always shown affection toward her, he stood in the morning light, eyes complex, as though he had something to say.

"Vance, is something the matter?" Zella asked politely, though she vaguely sensed something.

Vance took a few steps closer, his gaze lingered on the food box in her hand before he spoke, tone carrying a barely detectable trace of sourness, "Zella, I heard you’ve been delivering meals to Zeon lately, is that true?"

Zella nodded gently, not hiding anything, "Yes, Brother Zeon works very hard every day, I just want to do my part."

Vance’s expression changed slightly, he took a deep breath, trying to sound sincere, "Zella, I know you are kind-hearted and care about everyone, but Zeon... he’s different, do you know about the power inside him? The people in town are all saying he’s a monster who could lose control at any time."

Zella’s brows furrowed slightly, she did not like hearing others talk about Adam this way, "Vance, you can’t just listen to rumors, Brother Zeon has never hurt anyone, on the contrary, he is always protecting us, I believe he can control that power."

"Control? How do you know he can control it?" Vance’s voice rose, carrying a trace of urgency, "Zella, you can’t believe in him so blindly, if one day he does lose control, the consequences will be unimaginable, stay away from him, for your own safety, and for your future."

Zella looked at Vance, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, but she also understood, "Vance, I know you don’t believe it, but I believe in Brother Zeon, just as I believe in you, however, you can’t negate a person’s entirety because of fear, Brother Zeon has his difficulties, and he has always been working hard to find a solution."

"Working hard? So what? Who knows if he’ll succeed? Zella, I don’t want to see you get hurt," Vance’s tone was full of worry, but it held even more unwillingness.

On what basis? Why should an outsider like Zeon receive Zella’s gentleness?

Zella shook her head gently, her gaze firm, "Vance, thank you for caring about me, but I’ve already decided, I want to support Brother Zeon until he finds a solution, furthermore, I believe that as long as we put our hearts into understanding and helping, nothing is impossible."

After saying that, Zella did not linger, she turned and continued toward the library construction site.

Watching Zella’s retreating back, the jealousy in Vance’s heart spread like a prairie fire, completely uncontainable, he clenched his fists tightly, nails digging into his palms, yet he felt no pain, the ache in his heart far surpassed any physical discomfort.

He had never imagined that his place in Zella’s heart could be so easily replaced by an outsider, what made it even harder to accept was that this outsider bore the terrifying label of a monster.

"Zeon... what right do you have?" Vance bellowed in his heart, his gaze gradually became sinister and ruthless, as if wanting to condense all his indignation and fury into physical, sharp blades to stab the object of his jealousy.

A/N:

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