Chapter 281
Silence fell. Not even the King or the Queen spoke up.
Jessica’s fingertips trembled, her eyes brimming
with
unspeakable bitterness.
Jessica couldn’t even put her feelings into words at that moment. All she knew was that her heart ached inexplicably.
Leon stepped forward and softly said, “Jessica, you promised to marry me when you grew up. I’ve kept that vow for nine long years. But I never imagined Waldo would deceive you, claiming he was your rescuer that day. He stole you away from me while I was away defending the border!”
“Leon!” The King’s expression darkened slightly as he gently cautioned.
After all, they were brothers. Such words would only sow discord between them.
However, Leon’s words reached everyone at the party.
Though none at the party dared speak openly, they condemned Waldo inwardly.
To think Waldo took advantage of Leon’s severe injuries, shamelessly stealing his rightful credit and snatching away his beloved, nearly costing Leon the
woman he cherished most.
To make matters worse, Waldo had even abandoned Jessica for the daughter of a rebel.
So it turned out, from start to finish, there was only one true villain in this whole affair: Waldo Francis!
One couldn’t help but feel sorry for Leon and Jessica, who were deceived all those years.
Leon withdrew his gaze from Jessica’s face and suddenly knelt on one knee before the King. “Your Majesty, I do not wish to use the debt of saving Jessica’s life to force her into marriage. I would rather wait until she agrees. I only ask Your Majesty to issue the marriage decree.
“Jessica has just suffered heartbreak. I understand her pain. I am willing to wait, as long as it takes, until she can open her heart to me again. I humbly ask for Your Majesty’s blessing.”
Finally, some young ladies couldn’t hold back their tears.
Leon’s unwavering devotion moved everyone.
What a pity his face was scarred. Otherwise, he would have been the most perfect gentleman in the world.
The young ladies‘ sobs rose and fell throughout the hall.
Even the men grew solemn, their expressions grave.
Such profound devotion was beyond what ordinary people could ever hope to achieve.
Nine long years! Even knowing it might all be in vain, he never stopped waiting.
No wonder no one had ever heard of a beauty in Leon House all those years. It turned out his heart had always belonged solely to Jessica.
The King watched Jessica intently.
Jessica pressed her lips before standing up. She softly said, “Your Majesty, I truly didn’t know the truth about what happened back then…”
Jessica then bowed slightly to Leon. “Your Highness, I am deeply moved by your generosity. But after breaking off my engagement with Prince Waldo, I swore an oath before my parents‘ graves that I must go to Montvale to uncover the truth behind their deaths in battle, and bring home the remains of my parents and their fellow generals…”
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Sat, 14 Jun C.
Chapter 281
“Okay. I’ve waited nine years for you. What’s a little longer? I can wait as long as it takes,” said Leon.
Leon’s eyes shone with determination as he addressed the King, “Your Majesty, please permit me to stand guard by Jessica’s side. When the time comer
I shall accompany her to Montvale to retrieve the remains of General Caesar and his wife, along with those of their fellow generals!”
Jessica barely registered how she made it back to the Yates family.
Jéssica remained silent the whole way back. Garbisch dared not speak carelessly either, afraid even a misplaced word might hurt Jessica.
Jessica thought, ‘Nine years!
‘For nine long years, I truly believed Waldo was my savior. I grew close to him, stood faithfully by his side, devoted myself to him without reservation, and sacrificed everything for him.
‘I never imagined these nine years would be nothing but a cruel joke!
‘And the one who truly saved my life? I never even spared him a thought.
‘I even went so far as to force Leon into exile in the Northern Borderlands for Waldo’s sake, making Leon endure much injustice.’
AD
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