405 Confess The Truth

Music Recommendation: Anchor by Novo Amor 

______

"W—what?" Valerie stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief. He gawked at Islinda like a moron, unable to fathom what he had just heard.

"You heard me right, Valerie." Islinda sighed, looking away. She didn't appreciate the pained expression on his face because it cut right through her. But this was something she should have done a while ago.

"I —I didn't… No, I mean…" Valerie struggled to utter a comprehensive word. His right hand trembled, and he quickly clasped it with his left one to steady himself. He couldn't let her see him this vulnerable.

He finally said, "I don't understand."

"What's not to understand?" Islinda responded without looking at him. "I should have done this a while ago, probably that day you denied our relationship —"

"I was trying to protect you!" He shouted, his expression darkened like a storm.