Chapter 320 Sanctuary

Chapter 320 Sanctuary
Emma's POV

I stood face to face with Aiden in the dimly lit room, the tension between us almost palpable.

"Aiden, I know what you want, but don't ask again. You ask, I have only one answer—no," I said firmly, my voice steady despite the fear fluttering in my chest.

Aiden's eyes narrowed. "You can't fight the Blackwell family, Emma. You're playing a dangerous game that you can't win."

"Maybe. But I'd like to try," I replied, maintaining eye contact.

He laughed coldly. "You're delusional if you think you stand a chance."

"The greatest quality of humanity is our courage to defy, to try, to challenge," I countered. "That's what separates us from animals."

Aiden's expression softened slightly. "Give me what I want, and I'll help you and Blake disappear. Money, new identities—you could have the life you want."

I shook my head. "My parents taught me to stand tall and never compromise my principles. I won't start now."

"You're only safe right now because the Blackwells respect me," he warned.

I couldn't help but smirk. "Your face must be worth a lot."

As he turned to leave, I called after him: "If anything happens to Blake, I'll make sure you join him in the grave."

---

Later that night, I sat alone, my mind racing. Blake's safety was my priority now, and I needed to protect what he'd entrusted to me. But I realized with growing clarity that it wasn't enough.

If I was gone and they made Blake disappear too, they won. I couldn't rely solely on Nora. She was still a Blackwell.

I decided to visit St. Paul's Cathedral for some peace and clarity. As I drove there, a solution suddenly came to me, and my heart lightened. By the time I arrived at the cathedral, I felt almost cheerful.

The cathedral's grand interior was peaceful as I listened to Father Michael's sermon. When the service ended, I turned and froze. Gavin stood just a few pews behind me.

I remembered how he first brought me here years ago. Initially bored by the service, I'd paid attention only to please him. Eventually, I grew to love these quiet moments of reflection.

Now we were like strangers, acknowledging each other with simple nods. We both participated in the blessing ceremony, praying for relief from troubles and pain.

Outside, Gavin approached me. "Do you need help with anything?"

"I don't want to drag you into this again," I replied.

I noticed how much thinner he looked since I'd last seen him, almost sickly.

"I'll protect you however I can," he said quietly. "Do whatever you need to do."

Before walking away, he added casually, "Mrs. Blackwell is staying at the parish monastery these days."

I watched him leave, his pace unhurried and strangely peaceful, realizing he'd come specifically to help me find Mrs. Blackwell.

In my monastery guest room that night, I woke up coughing uncontrollably, my throat raw and painful. A gentle knock at the door surprised me.

Mrs. Blackwell stood there with a steaming mug. "Hot honey lemon tea," she said, offering it to me.

This was my first time seeing her in person. Her face was kind, with an unmistakable aristocratic elegance I hadn't expected.

"Thank you," I said, secretly delighted at this stroke of luck. I'd been looking for a way to approach her, and here she was.

"I didn't bring enough warm clothes," I added, feigning vulnerability.

"You poor dear," she said sympathetically. "I have a cashmere wrap you can borrow."

"I'll come with you to get it," I insisted, creating an opportunity to speak with her privately.

---

Mrs. Blackwell's room exuded tranquility and elegance, completely different from my sparse accommodations. She handed me an expensive-looking cashmere wrap, making me feel guilty about my ulterior motives.

"It's nothing valuable, just a wrap," she said, noticing my hesitation.

"You know who I am?" I asked.

"I've seen your photos. My son once wanted to pursue you. I had to keep an eye on you."

Taking a deep breath, I decided to be direct. "Ma'am, I've come to seek your protection," I explained, detailing my situation with Blake.

Mrs. Blackwell listened without surprise, fingers gently caressing her rosary beads, her expression unchanged.

"I'll help you," she said simply.

I blinked in confusion. "Don't you want to know how I plan to ensure your protection?"

"I already know, and whatever you do is fine," she replied calmly. "This is my penance. I don't want their sins to grow heavier."

I realized she knew about her husband and son's actions but could only attempt to atone through prayer and charity.

"Stay here with me if you can," she offered. "Under my protection, they won't dare harm you."

As I left Mrs. Blackwell's room, I felt someone watching me. Turning, I caught a glimpse of Gavin's familiar silhouette in the moonlight—so close yet unreachable.

I silently thanked him, knowing I wouldn't have found Mrs. Blackwell so easily without his help. Perhaps Mrs. Blackwell's ready agreement was also his doing.

In that moment, I understood—this was the best proof he had truly loved me. Even when I couldn't see him, he was helping me.

Looking up at the moon, I finally let go of our ten years together. Back in my room, I took a photo of the moonlight and posted it to Instagram with a single word: "Release."