Chapter 52: Fight!

"Celine, I didn't," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Celine’s shoulders slumped in relief, her entire body shuddering with relief. "Why is Zelda doing this?" she asked, her voice trembling with frustration and disbelief.

"I don't want to be locked up, Celine. I miss you," Ermanno pleaded. "And I need you."

Celine swallowed hard, her eyes brimming with tears.

Ermanno's hands were like a refuge, a sanctuary in the midst of chaos. "I'll be back with you soon, okay?" he said softly.

“I didn’t rape Zelda, please believe me…”

Celine’s heart ached, but she managed a half-smile, her mind still whirling with doubt and confusion. "I believe you," she whispered, desperately wanting to trust him.

"Good," Ermanno said. "But I need you to be careful when you go out. Neo will always follow you. I need to protect you from harm."

"Noted, sir," Celine replied with a hint of mischief, glancing down at their intertwined hands.

"I'm sorry to have dragged you into my crazy world, but I promise you,