Chapter 72 Besides… Danieru doesn’t love Camilla
Zinan was now inside one of the rooms in the Xrezone family mansion. He sat calmly, his eyes fixed on the two men who were bound before him.
It was not difficult for Zinan to fulfill what Golden Snake and Mr. Alistair wanted. Hatsu and his father had no power, nor any allies strong enough to save them.
“You!”
Hearing that shout, Zinan only looked at them indifferently. He had no interest in responding. Talking too much was never a good thing, and he had no intention of wasting his energy arguing.
The man drew a long breath. This outcome was far more appropriate than any other. Before agreeing to Golden Snake’s demands, Zinan had thought it through carefully.
Zinan raised his hand. Not long after, a man entered the room. His name was Crusher—Zinan’s trusted subordinate, ready to do anything for him.
“What can I do, Young Master?” Crusher asked.
Zinan did not speak. He simply picked up a document from a brown folder and handed it to his subordinate.
Crusher immediately understood. He opened the folder and quickly grasped Zinan’s intention. Moments later, he looked at Hatsu and Mr. Malaike.
“You will both be imprisoned for life by the Xrezone family.”
Crusher was willing to bet the two men were shocked by Zinan’s decision.
“You can’t do this!” Mr. Malaike glared at Zinan, irritation rising when Zinan turned his face away.
“How can you do this, Zinan? I’m your cousin, and my father is your uncle. Uncle Xrezone entrusted you to protect us. But you… how could you go this far?” Hatsu demanded.
Zinan still did not answer. He merely stared at them, uninterested in remaining there any longer.
“Zinan!” Hatsu shouted.
Zinan stood up and walked toward the door without offering any explanation, leaving behind countless questions for Hatsu and his father.
But once again… he simply had no desire to explain. He would let them think and think endlessly. No matter how long it took for them to understand. And if death came before realization did… that would be their own suffering.
“Zinan… we need a reason. Why are you doing this? We’ve been loyal to this family, yet you treat us like this.” Mr. Malaike stared at Zinan, smiling widely when he saw Zinan pause at the doorway.
Hatsu felt pleased. It seemed his father was about to begin a long speech.
“We’ve known each other for years. I’m your uncle, and Hatsu is clearly your cousin. We’re family. We even planned the downfall of the Malaike family together. They killed your father’s younger brother. They made the person your father loved most suffer.”
Mr. Malaike grew more animated, hoping his words would influence Zinan.
Hearing that, Zinan slowly turned around and looked at him.
“Didn’t you love that woman? You could take her from Danieru. We only need to kill the Alistair family… and Danieru. You could have your woman and live happily.”
Mr. Malaike’s eyes gleamed with hope.
Zinan leaned against the wall, folding his arms. He watched them without blinking, genuinely interested in what they would say next.
“Besides… Danieru doesn’t love Camilla. If I release Rachel for him, he’ll gladly turn away. Remember… Uncle Xrezone planned everything. Even Danieru and Rachel’s meeting went smoothly back then,” Hatsu added quickly.
“This is a good opportunity for you. Forcing a woman isn’t difficult. We only need to wash her brain and give her new memories about your sweet love story.”
Mr. Malaike spoke enthusiastically, as if it were nothing serious.
Crusher nearly laughed hearing those words. How could they still behave like this? Had they forgotten that Zinan was nothing like Mr. Xrezone?
Zinan exhaled slowly and walked toward the father and son. He stopped in front of them, slipped his hands into his pockets, and drew another breath.
“How? Interesting, isn’t it?” Mr. Malaike asked eagerly.
Bugh ...
“Ak—hhh!”
Without hesitation, Zinan kicked Mr. Malaike in the head. Then he turned to Hatsu, satisfaction flickering in his eyes.
“Y-you?”
Bugh ...
Zinan kicked Hatsu just as swiftly. He sneered, irritated beyond measure by their words.
Without another glance, he left the room. He had no need to stand before trash like them any longer. Everything was finished. He had done what Cancri and Mr. Alistair demanded. This was better. There would be no more trouble.
He had also freed Danieru’s family from his own family’s grasp. He had successfully allied with Golden Snake, and everything would move smoothly from now on.
Love?
Ah… Camilla, I do love you. But one thing I know for certain—love is still love. I love you, so I let you go. Love does not endure because of possession. It does not become eternal simply by staying together. Love is eternal when the heart preserves it. And I will love you with my heart.
Zinan stopped walking and inhaled deeply. He looked at the tightly closed door before him, then reached out and opened it.
I know my place. From here, I will watch over you, ensuring you remain safe. I will love you in my own way—by protecting you. Even if I’m not by your side, I will always be the invisible wall that shields you.
He stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. It was the room Camilla had occupied while she was in his hands—the room where he had kept her confined.
I know my past is dark, and I refuse to repeat the same mistake. Hurting you once was enough. No more. Perhaps this torment of love is the punishment I deserve. From now on, I will be your wingless guardian angel.
Zinan lowered his gaze and noticed a syringe lying on the floor. He picked it up, staring at it as he exhaled.
Since Camilla had been with him, he had regularly given her pain relievers so she wouldn’t lose control when the pain overwhelmed her.
This is all I can do. And I’ll try to do better. Camilla… I love you. In the past, now, and forever.
Bzzzt…
Bzzzt…
Bzzzt…
Zinan pulled out his phone. Golden Snake was calling. Without hesitation, he answered.
“Well? Have you completed your task?”
Zinan sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes. I’ve detained them both. From now on, we’re allies. Correct?”
“Yes. I’m quite impressed. Welcome to Golden Snake, Zinan Xrezone.”
The call ended.
“He’s truly a strange old man,” Zinan muttered, recalling Cancri.
He had already told Golden Snake what he wanted in return, and he was eager for it to happen. He lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling before closing his eyes.
'Soon, I’ll have it. And I’ll raise it properly. Camilla… forgive me for this.'