Chapter 46: Confessing to Isabe


    Adrian observed his mother, Isabe, as she weighed the n he''d just exined. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the desire to protect him shing with her sympathy for Eve. Deep down, she wanted to reject the idea.


    Despite her kind-hearted nature and willingness to help Eve, she feared for Adrian''s safety, especially if he were to step into Mortimer''s territory.


    But as she looked at her son, seeing the resolve in his eyes, Isabe knew she wouldn''t be able to dissuade him.


    He was determined, and no amount of maternal concern would change his mind. With a resigned sigh, she reached out and gently rubbed his head, her fingers threading through his hair with a tenderness that made Adrian''s heart ache.


    "No matter what you do, Adrian," she said softly, "I will always support you."


    Adrian felt a wave of emotion at her words, but before he could respond, Isabe held up a hand to stop him.


    "Today has been eventful, and I can see that Eve is likely exhausted after everything she''s been through. Let''s give her a moment of peace."


    She turned towards Eve, who had remained quiet and withdrawn, her hood still covering most of her face.


    Isabe approached her slowly, almost cautiously, and gently removed the hood, revealing Eve''s delicate features.


    Eve tensed, her guard going up instinctively, but Isabe''s touch was gentle as she caressed the young woman''s cheek.


    "While I sympathize with you, dear," Isabe began, her voice soft but firm, "I''m sorry to say that I don''t trust youpletely. It''s not because of anything you''ve done, but because of the situation we''re in. I hope you understand. I would like to ce some maids to guard you not only for our protection but also for yours. Is that alright?"


    Eve blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. She had expected suspicion, perhaps even hostility, but Isabe''s tone was considerate, almost motherly.


    The warmth in her words, despite the caution, was something Eve hadn''t felt from anyone except her own mother.


    Understanding Isabe''s reasoning, Eve nodded, though her heart ached at the thought of being seen as a potential threat.


    But more than that, she felt a deep warmth spreading through her chest—someone besides her mother was showing her kindness.


    The gentle touch on her cheek, the concern in Isabe''s eyes... it was all too much. Tears welled up in her eyes and began to spill down her face.


    Isabe''s expression softened even further, her heart clenching at the sight of Eve''s tears. She immediately moved tofort her, her voice filled with regret.


    "Oh, my dear, I didn''t mean to hurt you. I''m so sorry."


    But Eve shook her head, her voice trembling as she spoke through her tears.


    "No... It''s just... I''m happy. Happy that someone else, besides my mother, is being so considerate of me."


    Isabe''s eyes filled with understanding andpassion. Without hesitation, she pulled Eve into aforting embrace, holding her tightly as the young woman cried against her shoulder.


    "You''ve been through so much, Eve. I''m so sorry for all the pain you''ve endured. But you''re safe here now. I promise."


    Eve clung to Isabe, her sobs gradually subsiding as she felt the warmth and safety of the embrace. It had been so long since she''d felt anything like this—genuine care and affection from another person. It was overwhelming, but in the best way possible.


    After a few moments, Eve''s tears finally stopped, and Isabe pulled back slightly, brushing a few stray strands of hair from Eve''s face.


    She then called for some maids, assigning them to take care of Eve and lead her to an unused guest room where she could rest.


    Eve nodded gratefully, though her eyes lingered on Isabe, still filled with emotion. As the maids gently led her away, she cast onest nce back at Adrian and Isabe, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty about the future.


    With Eve gone, the room grew quiet, leaving Adrian and Isabe alone. Adrian turned to his mother, his expression serious.


    "Thank you, Mother, for understanding and helping her. I know this isn''t easy for you."


    Isabe sighed, her shoulders rxing slightly as she looked at her son. "It''s not, but I trust you, Adrian. I trust your judgment. Just promise me you''ll be careful. I couldn''t bear it if anything happened to you."


    Adrian nodded, his voice filled with reassurance. "I promise, Mother. I''ll be careful, and I''ll make sure this n works. For Eve, for her mother, and for all of us."


    Isabe stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Adrian in a tight embrace. "I''m proud of you, Adrian. You''re bing a man that I and all the people of our territory could be proud of ."


    As Isabe drew close, hugging him tightly, the warmth of her chest pressing against his ignited an unbearable desire within him.


    Her fragrance enveloped him, and the stirring of emotions caused a reaction he couldn''t control. His body responded, and his little brother that had been dormant now awakened, pressing insistently against her thigh, seeking a ce to belong.


    Isabe felt something poking her thigh as she embraced him. When she nced down and noticed the prominent bulge in his pants, she was startled and quickly pushed him away.


    The suddenness of her reaction threw Adrian off bnce, and seeing the surprised expression on Isabe''s face filled him with panic. A wave of fear washed over him as he worried she might start to hate him for this.


    He began to stammer, "M-Mom, it''s not like that. This is... a misunderstanding," as he desperately searched for an excuse. But in his panic, the words tumbled out before he could stop them. "I love you, Mom, not just as your son... but as a man. I can''t help but see you that way."


    Adrian blurted out something he hadn''t meant to say, surprising even himself. His mind raced, scrambling for an exnation to cover up the feelings he had just confessed. The room fell into an uneasy silence, his admission hanging in the air, leaving Isabe more stunned than before.


    As the silence lingered, Adrian began to calm down, his thoughts slowly organizing themselves. Just as Isabe opened her mouth to respond, Adrian cut in, trying to exin himself.


    "I know this sounds crazy, but I started acting like trash, being cold and distant to you and my sister, so you both would hate me, scold me, or even hit me. I thought it would make it easier to bury these feelings, to forget them."


    He paused, struggling to keep his voice steady. "But when I saw that scum looking down on you and when I saw how hard my sister was training, I couldn''t stand it anymore. I decided I had to change, to be someone better."


    As Adrian came up with lies for his actions, he felt the situation was out of control and he felt, he was probablyhated by Isabe.


    He sighed deeply, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. "I never intended to confess this to you, Mother. I nned to keep it buried forever. But today, seeing that strong, valiant side of you—something you''ve never shown me before—I was so captivated that I lost control."


    Adrian took a step back, turning away from her. "I''m sorry, Mom. I know you must hate me now, and I understand if you do. I''ll keep my distance from you unless absolutely necessary."


    With those words, he started to walk away, his heart heavy with the fear of rejection.