Part 44

This time, Gladwin looked up, anger in his eyes. Eijaz's insistence on his intentions unsettled him.

Anger, guilt, and the desire to make Flavia happy filled his chest simultaneously. Gladwin realized that everything wouldn't be easy. It wasn't about the people around them. He cared little about what was on their minds, as they wouldn't care about his happiness or sadness. But what was difficult was convincing Flavia herself of his seriousness. Convincing the girl that what Gladwin felt now was love, not pity, as she suspected.

Gladwin stared at Eijaz with a gaze full of determination. Yes, he had made up his mind. He would fight. He would no longer be a cowardly man.

"I will fight for her. I won't ask you to step back. It hurts my pride when you say that. As if Flavia is an object that you can transfer ownership of. If you truly love Flavia, let's compete openly."

Eijaz shook his head and chuckled. "I'm not that foolish, Gladwin. I'm a man who relies more on reason than emotion. My m