Chapter 474

Thalassa wasn’t keen on addressing that matter.

She didn’t want Bruce to be her father. She wanted to deny that more than anyone.

She looked away, saying, “I’m a bit tired, and I’d like to go home to rest. Thanks for covering for me earlier.”

As she moved to depart, Leopold stepped in her path; his gaze filled with concern and tenderness, “Let me take you home.”

She didn’t wish to talk so he didn’t push.

Thalassa declined outright, “No need, I can take a taxi.”

She couldn’t afford to have any more ties with Leopold, let alone get too close.

Since there was no chance for them, she had to make him let go.

It was for his own good.

She turned away, heading to the roadside to hail a cab.

“Is it because of my mother?” Leopold’s question trailed behind her.

Thalassa paused, turning back to see Leopold approaching. His tall figure loomed before her, gentle and towering like a big brother.

“My mother sought you out and said some things she shouldn’t have, right?” Leopold lowered his gaze to hers. His amber eyes, brimming with sorrow, stared deeply into hers.

His eyes were beautiful. He had long lashes and his eyes shone like polished amber in the sunlight, warm and radiant.

It was a gaze filled with such warmth and affection that many women found irresistible.

Thalassa used to love his eyes, for the deep affection brimming in them every time he looked at her.

But people had changed over time.

There was no going back.

Thalassa averted her eyes, “It’s not about anyone else. Let’s keep our distance from now on.”

“You may want to keep your distance, but I don’t,” Leopold said, agitated.

Thalassa was already not in the best mood, and Leopold’s persistence was exhausting her.

“Leopold, how many times do I have to tell you? It’s over between us. We’re better off as strangers.”

“Why is it impossible? Is it because you lack the courage to elope with me? Or because of Lysander?”

Leopold gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look at him.

He used to sustain himself with the belief that they could get back together.

He tried his best to establish his business and become a better person.

He did these so that one day he could have the courage to get her back and offer her a better life.

Now, despite all his achievements, they still couldn’t be together. He felt as if he had lost all support; his body was deflating and devoid of energy.

He was living each day like a walking corpse.

He didn’t want to live like this anymore.

She was his lifeblood, his soul. Without her, he was but an empty shell.

Seeing the desperate hurt in Leopold’s eyes, Thalassa felt a pang of fear, worried about his despair.

She was even more afraid she would give in.

She brushed his hand away, “Even without Lysander, I wouldn’t elope with you. Don’t you get it? Since that day five years ago, we went separate ways in our lives. You have your life, I have mine. Can’t we just live our lives separately?”

“No, it’s not okay. Not at all,” Leopold’s voice cracked, his face etched with grief. “Every day without you is not okay…”

He wanted to pull her into his arms, but her wary, resistant gaze denied him even that.

Thalassa’s heart ached to see him in despair.

She felt hurt as well.

Her resolve softened, and she was about to say something to comfort him.

Suddenly, her phone in her pocket rang.

She pulled out her phone and found it was Lysander!

Her heart skipped a beat, her nerves on edge.