Chapter 423
“Nothing,” I blurted, turning my head to hide the blush that wanted to expose me.
But Nok wasn’t one to let things go easily. “You’re thinking something,” he pressed.
I shook my head, laughing softly “Just that you’re annoying, that’s all.”
“Annoying?” he echoed, pretending he was angry. “You’re lucky I like you, Lyria.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t just like me, Nok. You’re hopelessly in love with me”
“And you’re not wrong,” he admitted without hesitation, his grin widening.
I playfully shoved his chest. “You’re impossible
We stood there for a moment, the playful banter fading into a comfortable silence. Then, Nok’s expression grew serious.
“Have you forgiven them yet?” he asked suddenly, his tone soft but direct.
I blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Forgiven who?
“Your parents,” he clarified, his golden eyes searching mine!
I hesitated, the weight of his question settling over me. I paused, unsure how to answer.
“It’s okay” he said, his voice gentle. “You don’t have to answer if you’re not ready”
I shook my head. “No, it’s not that I think I have, in a way I don’t hold on to the anger like I used to.”
He nodded slowly, his hand moving to cup my cheek. “Lyria, whatever decision you make, I’ll understand. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone–not to me, not to them, not to anyone.
The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten. “Thank you,” I whispered, leaning into his touch
Nok smiled softly. “You deserve peace, Lyria. Whatever that looks like for you, I’ll support it.”
I placed my hand over his, holding it against my cheek. “You always know the night thing to say, don’t you?”
Not always,” he said with a small laugh. “But for you, I try.”
I couldn’t help but laugh too. “You’re such a softie, Nok “X
“Only for you,” he teased, pulling me into a hug.
As I rested in Nok’s arms, my mind wandered, and I let my thoughts drift through the mindlink. I wasn’t sure if she would hear me–if my mother was still trying to connect
I’m not holding a grudge anymore, Mother, I thought quietly, the words carefully picked. But I will never return.
The weight of those words settled over me. They weren’t spoken with anger or bitterness–just finality. A decision made and sealed. Nobody could make me say otherwise.
Extend my greetings to your husband, I added, almost as an afterthought.
I sighed and closed the link, hoping the message would reach her, wherever she was. I didn’t feel a thing.
Nok’s voice pulled me back. “You okay?“!
I nodded, giving him a small smile. “Yeah. Just closing a chapter.”
He didn’t press further, only pulling me closer. “Good.”
