Not only did Hera be even more beautiful and cheerful after their breakup, but her charisma seemed to double, attracting attention from every direction. Initially, he could remain patient, waiting for her to return to his side and understand his reasons for his actions. However, the longer he waited, the more he felt like he was losing control of her, of everything. It seemed as though he would lose everything and be left with nothing.
He began to feel restless. He thought that if Minerva continued causing trouble for Hera, she mighte to understand that she couldn’t stand on her own in the entertainment industry without a supporter. Initially, he contemted offering her the role of his lover, knowing that in return, he could protect her with everything he had.
He couldn’t understand why, instead of seeking his help, she turned to Xavier. He was furious. He couldn’t bear the thought of Xavier stealing her away. He wasn’t naive; he could see Xavier’s interest in Hera. He refused to stand idly by and watch Hera be interested in another man.
He was determined to win her back, just like he did in high school. He nned to coax her into listening to him, and if necessary, he wouldy out his entire n for her. He wanted her to know that she was the only woman he ever wanted to marry in this lifetime.
Alexi believed that such a heartfelt confession would win any woman’s heart, earning him additional brownie points. His confidence soared as he approached Hera, paying no mind to Xavier in the slightest.
"Why don’t youe here, Hera? Let’s talk about this, okay?" While others assumed Alexi referred to the issue between Hera and Alice causing the tension, his intent was entirely different. Only Minerva, who had grown increasingly paranoid, grasped his underlying message. Hera, who now nced slightly in Alexi’s direction, recognized his approach. This was how he always coaxed her during disagreements and minor disputes.
<i>’How delusional can this man be? Does he really think he can coax me the same way he did before after everything that’s happened?’</i> Hera’s breath grew heavier with her mounting anger, but Alexi misinterpreted this as excitement, causing his eyes to light up and his smile to be even more affectionate.
Instead of giving a response, Xavier gently guided the back of Hera’s head back against his chest, shielding her from Alexi’s gaze. This action prompted Alexi to redirect his burning, angry re toward Xavier. Meeting Alexi’s gaze with icy coldness, Xavier’s stare sent a chill down Alexi’s spine, filling him with an unsettling sense of danger.
"No need. I’ll take care of her," Xavier stated icily. With that, he guided Hera upstairs, assigning Zen to watch the fire outside. Drawing Hera closer, his arm encircled her waist protectively. The room fell silent, the unresolved tension between Hera and Alice left hanging in the air, unaddressed.
The whole fiasco ended abruptly, leaving Hera feeling a bit bewildered. She couldn’t help but scratch the back of her head, unsure of what to make of the sudden resolution.
But she was thankful that Xavier helped her out and protected her from everyone else, although, her mood was dampened because of Alexi. She felt like vomiting after remembering how Alexi looked at her earlier, she did not know that he could stoop so low and even thought that she would want to get back with him after everything he did.
"Brother Xavier, thank you," Hera softly said as they reached her room’s door. Xavier remained silent, his gaze fixed on her. His cold thumb grazed her soft cheeks, prompting her to close her eyes at the chilly touch. As Xavier continued to rub his thumb along the edge of her eyes, it felt as if he were coaxing her not to cry anymore.
Hera found his gesture unexpectedly endearing, which elicited a sweet smile from her. Xavier, momentarily taken aback, felt his hands stiffen before he resumed his actions, returning a charming smile to Hera. He then urged her to go inside her room to fetch her clothes so she could take a shower too.