NovelEnglishChapter 241: A Chance to Give Astrid's POV "How long has this been? How long have you known?" I demanded, feeling a mix of betrayal and confusion. She had known about Drystan's hidden attraction toward me, yet she never mentioned it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNova's gaze fell, the weight of my words hanging in the air. "I only found out years ago, before you lost your son." My eyes widened in shock at her confession. "Why didn't you tell me?" "Drystan trusts me, and that's why he confided in me. I can't betray his trust by telling you his secret," Nova explained, "Besides, wasn't it obvious that he likes you? Drystan had never shown that kind of affection to anyone but you." I blinked my eyes as her words pierced through the fog in my mind, and I started to see things I had overlooked. I had never considered that Drystan's kindness would stem out of love.
I thought he was concerned aboutbecause I used to be his student. I thought he was kind towardsbecause he felt guilty and partially responsible for what his nephew had done to me.
"Drystan used to be my teacher, and he's my ex-husband's uncle," I murmured, grappling with this new perspective. "I thought he was just helpingout of pity, out of concern foras his student. It never crossed my mind that he might be in love withall this time." If Drystan hadn't confessed his feelings to me, until now, I wouldn't think that he was secretly in love with me.
I thought his feelings foronly blossomed recently because of our frequent interaction. If Nova hadn't toldthe truth, I would have never known that Drystan already had feelings foreven while I was still pregnant.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmI felt a wave of guilt wash overfor having been so blind to Drystan's affection. How could I have missed the signs? His kindness, his concern - I brushed it all aside, convinced that it stemmed from obligation or pity. The realization stung as I thought how much I had hurt Drystan because of my selfishness. I had been so focused on my own pain and struggles, and I took advantage of his feelings and his kindness.
I thought the only tI had hurt Drystan was when I chose this path of revenge rather than the path he had offered. Little did I know that I'd hurt him many times before without even realizing it.
"Why didn't he tell me? Why didn't you tell me?" I breathed out as I took a step back. "Now I feel like a bad person who took advantage of all of you." Nova stepped closer, her eyes filled with compassion. "You're not a bad person, Astrid. You never took advantage of anyone. It's Drystan who willingly helped you. He did those things because he wanted to." "But if I had known," I argued, my voice trembling, "I would have acted more carefully. I never wanted to hurt him, especially when I knew would never be able to return his feelings because I was so focused on revenge." "Astrid," Nova said, wrapping her arms aroundtightly to comfort me. "You were in a difficult situation. You can't blyourself for this." I remained silent as I rested my chin on her shoulder, grateful for her warmth. Nova stepped back, gently separating from the hug.
I took a deep breath, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. "What should I do, Nova? I caused this. How am I supposed to fix it?" Nova looked atwith compassion, her eyes steady. "This isn't your fault, Astrid. It's not something you can just fix with a few words or actions." "But Drystan..." I trailed off as I felt bad about thinking of his feelings. "He loves me, and I feel like I've played with his heart without even knowing." I took a deep breath, the weight of my past heavy on my heart. "I used to love someone who never lovedback confessed, my voice trembling. "Someone who never appreciated my efforts or event my feelings. I know how that felt, and it hurt deeply." Nova listened intently, her expression sympathetic. "I felt bad that I made someone feel the sway, too," I added, the guilt pressing down on me.
Nova shook her head gently. "Love isn't something we can control. Who could ever dictate what the heart wants? Drystan's feelings are real, and they're his own. You just need to be honest about how you feel now." "That's the thing, I don't think I could ever return his feelings," I answered troublingly.
Nova gavea small smile.
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