?Chapter 510:


    Even so, the memory of what had transpired in the conference room earlier that day, and the mounting urgency she couldn’t ignore, finally overpowered her hesitation. Breaking the silence, she blurted out, “Jason, I like you!”


    The words stopped him cold. Kindness had always marked her interactions, but he’d never caught a hint of anything deeper. Why confess now, after all this time?


    Trinity had always convinced herself that Jason had feelings for her. In her mind, her confession of her feelings, insincere as it was, would lead to instant joy—he’d be eager to get Ruben’s blessing and propose on the spot. Yet, when the words finally left her lips, Jason just stood there, silent. Not a single word left his mouth. He just fixed his eyes on her, staring so intensely that it felt as though he could read her every thought.


    Under that unwavering gaze, a nervous energy built inside Trinity, making her want to bolt. Still, she forced herself to stay put. “Jason, I’ve liked you for as long as I can remember. When I found out I was destined to marry someone from the Evans family, you were always the one I pictured. I was too shy as a child to say anything, but now I’m grown and finally brave enough to tell you.” She managed a tentative smile as she finished. “So, Jason, will you marry me?”


    But Jason didn’t buy it—not for a second. The idea that she’d secretly loved him since childhood rang false. He wasn’t well-versed in romance, but even he could sense when affection was genuine. Maybe Trinity’s family had nudged her in his direction, or perhaps she’d simply decided he was her safest bet after careful consideration.


    Whatever the reason, Jason found himself unwilling to dig deeper. Had she confessed before his journey to Podgend, he might’ve gone along with it. Back then, he’d honestly believed she was a reasonable choice for a wife. But that was before everything shifted.


    Before Death Thorn came into the picture, he had convinced himself that, considering the hand he’d been dealt, a sensible life was enough—marry someonepatible, start a family, keep things grounded. He hadn’t hoped for anything beyond that. Then came Death Thorn, and with her, a kind of pull he hadn’t known was possible. That rush, that spark—once he’d felt it, he couldn’t unfeel it. The idea of settling dulled inparison. He simply couldn’t force himself to choose a life that didn’t stir something real.


    Jason didn’t say a word, but the weight of his silence pressed down hard, leaving Trinity feeling deeply embarrassed. A nervous habit took over as she pressed her teeth to her lower lip, her confidence shrinking with every heartbeat.


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    Breaking the quiet, Jason finally said firmly, “Trinity, you’re still so young. Give it some time. When you get a bit older, you might see things differently. Maybe you’ll realize these feelings aren’t really love at all. I’m not someone you should bet your whole future on.” After a pause, a bittersweet smile flickered across his face.


    Jason added, “You’ve got so much to offer the world—your spirit, your dreams, your kindness. You should be with someone who matches your passion and youth, shares in your hopes, and walks beside you. I can’t give you that. I’m destined to linger in the background.”


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