Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra

Chapter 501: Permission (2)

Chapter 501: Permission (2)

"I don't want him."

The words left her lips too quickly. Too sharply.

Aeliana kept her expression still, but inside—her heart was slamming against her ribs, fast and unsteady.

She wasn't lying.

Was she?

Her father studied her for a moment, his golden eyes flickering with something unreadable. Then, as if deciding there was nothing more to say, he leaned back in his chair.

"Very well," he said simply. "I will see to it that he is compensated for his efforts. If nothing else, he has done a service for our family. I will ensure that he is well-rewarded, and that he does not interfere with your future any further—"

Aeliana's breath caught.

Wait.

What?

He continued, speaking as if the matter was already settled. "I will see to it that he has no reason to trouble you again. There is no need for you to concern yourself with—"

"No!"

The word slipped out before she could stop it.

Her father raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-sentence.

Aeliana stiffened, her fists tightening in her lap.

Damn it.

She could feel the heat rising to her face, the undeniable twist in her chest.

Her lips pressed together. She couldn't take the words back. And yet—she didn't know how to move forward either.

Her father watched her in silence, waiting.

Aeliana swallowed hard, forcing herself to breathe. Then—her voice lower, hesitant, unsteady—she muttered,

"...I may want him?"

It wasn't a declaration.

It wasn't even a solid statement.

But—

It was enough.