Chapter 496 Another Opportunity

Chapter 496 Another Opportunity

Quinton chuckled, "Have I ever dropped a line like that before?"

Hestia paused, then nestled her face into Quinton's chest. "You know I can't crack a smile, babe."

Instead of giving a direct response, she tossed the question back playfully, "Remember when I was so heartbroken I needed you to fill me up with your presence?"

The grin on Quinton's face dimmed a bit as he sighed and pulled her closer. "I know you're not keen on tying the knot with Shawn. He's a spineless waste, the one pulling the strings to use you as a pawn."

"I'm on board with the first part, not so much the second," Hestia shot back.

Locking eyes with Quinton, Hestia asked earnestly, "Even if Shawn's out of the picture, there'll be other nobles looking for pawns to control. Quinton, is Shawn really the mastermind?"

Quinton pursed his lips, his gaze troubled. "Maybe you're onto something, but Hestia, I can't go against the boss's orders. Remember, if it weren't for him saving me back then, I might've been six feet under in that underground arena, never crossing paths with you. I can't..."

"Yeah, you're right. How can I measure up to your boss?" Hestia's tone held a hint of anger. "I'm just a woman. Even if I'm head over heels for a high-ranking knight like you, I might have to swallow marrying a man I don't love or being shipped off as a pawn, a puppet who'll be disposed of the next day without a second thought!"

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably as she went on, "If that's the case, I might as well have bitten the dust on horseback years ago. Then, I wouldn't have fallen for you because you saved me, and I wouldn't be stuck in this mess today!"

"No, Hestia, that's not what I meant," Quinton said, reaching out to wipe her tears. 

But the tears kept coming, as if Hestia's grievances were bottomless.

"I can't bear to be away from you, Quinton. If you send me packing, I'll wither away! I swear!" Hestia sobbed. "Can't you figure out a way for me? Or do you not give a damn if I kick the bucket, Quinton? My heart and soul are yours. Do you really want me gone, even if I can't show my face to you again?"

Seeing Hestia in tears and hearing her say she'd die if she left, Quinton felt his heart, tough as nails, shatter. He tenderly caressed Hestia's face and held her close as she continued to cry.

"No, I don't want that," Quinton said through clenched teeth. He couldn't lie to Hestia, not then. So, all he could do was grant her wishes, even if it meant going against his boss.

But didn't Melantha mention she could grant the boss's wish without Shawn heading to Zotburg?

Ah, Melantha!

Quinton's eyes sparkled.

Why hadn't he thought of that sooner? Melantha clearly had a thing for Shawn. Quinton wasn't keen on their drama, but if Melantha wanted Shawn around, then Hestia wouldn't have to marry him. 

After all, Melantha's sidekick had no business tying the knot with someone as highborn as Hestia.

And his union with Hestia would surely sail smoother!

With this realization, Quinton lifted Hestia's tear-streaked face and planted a gentle kiss on her soft cheek.

"My dear Hestia, please don't cry," Quinton said softly. "There might be a way out after all."

Hestia gazed at Quinton with eyes brimming with tears. "Really? You're not just trying to calm me down now and then ditch me on our big day?"

"No, I swear on everything I hold dear, even my soul, that I'm not trying to trick you, Hestia. Actually, it seems Melantha doesn't want Shawn to leave."

"But..." Hestia hesitated. "But I heard before coming here that Melantha sent folks to the Ramirez Villa multiple times, even showed up herself, just to have Edmund off Shawn. If she despised Shawn that much, wouldn't it make more sense to send him packing?"

Quinton paused before responding, "Not necessarily."

"What do you mean?"

"When I was tasked with bringing the masked lady to the Ramirez Villa, she was all fired up to flex some special powers, so she offered to chat and let Melantha see Shawn."

"Just that one glance. The person who was all about Shawn's demise suddenly had a change of heart and wanted to whisk Shawn away. But the name she called out to Shawn seemed to be his real dad, Brian."

Understanding dawned in Hestia's eyes, yet tears still flowed freely. "Is that all there is to it? If she truly had that much sway, your boss and Edmund would've bought into her plan ages ago. Why drag me into this mess?"

"But once Melantha's scheme pans out, Shawn won't have to go back to Zotburg, and you won't have to fret about marrying him either!"

"But..."

As Hestia hesitated, Quinton gently held her face and kissed her. "No 'buts,' Hestia. I know you're not keen on marrying Shawn. You still want to marry me, right?"

"Yes, my dear."

"That's all I need. As long as I have those words from you, everything I do is worth it."

Quinton spoke softly, as if he had made up his mind. "If we can make the boss's wish come true, why can't I fight for a future for both of us?"

After Quinton departed, Hestia leaned against the bed quietly, the remnants of their love still visible on her body, illuminated by the moonlight.

Sensing Quinton's exit, her handmaiden, Gia, entered the room. When she laid eyes on Hestia, her eyes widened, and a blush quickly tinted her cheeks.