Chapter 553

"So, Brother Leon only sees me as a younger sister..." Zella murmured to herself, voice brimming with bitterness and disappointment, she recalled the time she had spent with Adam, the laughter, the unspoken understanding, her heart felt as if it had been hollowed out, completely empty, leaving her lost and adrift.

Vance’s fury and indignation also made her feel terrible, she knew his feelings were genuine, the kind of affection born from a lifetime of companionship as they grew up together, but how could matters of the heart be forced? She had tried to accept Vance in the past, but the inexplicable affection for Adam in her heart simply could not be erased.

"What should I do? Am I being too selfish?" Zella’s mind was plagued with inner struggle, she did not want to hurt anyone, yet she could not betray her own heart, tears blurred her vision and clouded her thoughts.

Just then, soft footsteps broke the surrounding silence, Zella looked up to see her best friend, Kaia had quietly appeared before her, gazing down with eyes full of tenderness and concern.

"Zella, don’t cry, seeing you like this breaks my heart," Kaia gently crouched down and used a tissue to wipe the tears from Zella’s cheeks, her voice was like warm spring sunlight, instantly dispelling the chill in Zella’s heart.

"Kaia, I... I don’t know what to do," Zella choked out, pouring all her bitterness and heartache to her friend.

After listening, Kaia gently embraced Zella, offering a solid pillar of support, "Zella, there is no right or wrong in matters of the heart, only whether it’s the right fit, you have to trust your feelings and respect everyone’s choices, Brother Zeon has his stance, Vance has his stubborn persistence, and you have every right to pursue your own happiness."

"But... I’m afraid my choice will end up hurting them," Zella’s voice was filled with helplessness.

"You silly girl, the real harm usually comes from running away and hiding, since you like Brother Zeon, then go after him, what does it matter? Plus, you’re so beautiful, I refuse to believe Brother Zeon will be able to resist."

Kaia’s words were like nourishing spring rain, gradually soothing the wounds in Zella’s heart.

"Alright, stop teasing me, but what about Vance? If I go after Brother Zeon, he’ll only get angrier."

"Zella, there is no such thing as a perfect compromise in this world where everyone gets everything they want, if you want to pursue one thing, you have to be willing to let go of something else," Kaia said slowly.

"Besides, you saw it yourself, Vance’s personality is far too extreme, he actually went as far as threatening Brother Zeon, a person like that is suited to be a friend at most."

"So don’t hesitate anymore, go after Brother Zeon, his background is mysterious, who knows when he might leave our small town?"

"If you wait until then, it will be too late for regrets."

A resolute glint finally appeared in Zella’s eyes, she was right, it was time to take the initiative.

...

A flame seemed to ignite in Zella’s heart, a flame of longing and determination for love, she decided to no longer run away or hesitate, but to bravely pursue her own happiness.

But what she did not know was this, in her best friend’s eyes, a trace of crimson light was flickering.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves and spilled onto the windowsill of Zella’s room, adding warmth and hope to this decisive day.

Zella carefully selected her favorite dress, an outfit she felt best displayed her gentleness and resilience, standing before the mirror, she took a deep breath, eyes shining with unprecedented determination.

Zella, you can do this, she silently cheered herself on.

She went to the kitchen to pick up the breakfast she had meticulously prepared, then set foot on the path to Adam’s house.

Arriving at his doorstep, she smoothed out her skirt, gathered her courage, and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Adam’s voice came from inside, carrying a hint of confusion.

"It’s me, Zella," although her voice was soft, it was exceptionally firm.

The door slowly opened, Adam appeared before her, clearly somewhat surprised, even if she was delivering food, she should not have brought it all the way to his house, he quickly regained his usual gentle smile, "Zella, why are you here? Is something the matter?"

Zella took a deep breath and looked straight into Adam’s eyes, as if pouring all her emotions into them, "Brother Zeon, I have something to say to you."

Adam was slightly taken aback, but stepped aside, "Come in, let’s sit down and talk," he vaguely guessed what she was about to say.

She followed Adam inside and sat by the wooden table, the atmosphere between them became delicate, an indescribable tension filling the air.

"How about... Brother Zeon, you eat first?" Zella suggested nervously.

"Alright," Adam nodded and opened the food box, only to be immediately stunned, the dishes inside were arranged in the shape of a heart.

Adam was speechless.

"Never mind, you should just say what you need to say," Adam pushed the food box aside.

Zella’s body trembled as she took a deep breath.

"Brother Zeon," her voice trembled slightly but was exceptionally clear, "I know we’ve always gotten along like brother and sister, but recently I realized that my feelings for you have exceeded that boundary."

A flash of surprise crossed Adam’s eyes before they turned gentle and profound, "Zella, you..."

"Yes, I like you, Brother Zeon," gathering her courage, she let the words in her heart out all in one breath, "I know this might trouble you, or even make our relationship awkward, but I really don’t want to hide my feelings anymore."

Adam was silent for a moment, finally, he spoke slowly, voice gentle and sincere, "Zella, I am very touched by your feelings, but I have always seen you as a younger sister and never thought of anything else."

Zella’s heart sank, but she did not give up, she continued even more firmly, "I know you might still need time, but I want you to know that I will always be here, waiting for you to see the good in me, waiting for you to give me a chance."

Looking at Zella’s eyes full of determination, a warm current welled up in Adam’s heart, he sighed softly, tone softening, "Zella, thank you for telling me all this, but we are destined to have no outcome."

A/N:

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