Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 928: But for all the comfort lies can offer, it's the truth that leaves the deepest mark. A raw note crept into Claudius's words. "Would you let me wait for you?" His tone strained. "Maybe it's selfish, but letting go just isn't something I can do. I don't believe I fall short of your husband-anything he gives you, I could offer too." For a moment, he faltered, unable to surrender his hope. "Maybe you're just swept up by him right now. I can be patient. If things change...

if there's ever a divorce, I'd-" "You won't get that chance," Maia interjected, her response swift and unwavering. "There will never be a divorce." The words left her lips almost on their own, whether as a shield for her heart or a truth she already knew. "My commitment to this marriage runs deep. And love isn't about outdoing someone else." A chill sharpened her gaze. "It's not about victory or being superior. All I want is for him to be there when I'm at my lowest, to stand beside me, to hold me up-that's what counts. You are a good person, Mr.

Cooper, but this is where our story ends." Maia's voice grew colder, her resolve unmistakable. After a few seconds, she added, "If there's nothing further, I should be going now." The finality of her words struck Claudius. For a moment, he sat motionless, only then realizing he had crossed the line. "I'm sorry for all this," Claudius admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "You're the only woman who's ever truly captured my admiration." His words tumbled out in a low murmur. "For so long, I treated love like a business deal, just weighing what's fair and what's owed.

But you showed me that real feelings-real devotion-can make anyone willing to give up almost anything." For a brief moment, Maia's eyes shimmered with feeling, but she reminded herself that boundaries had to be clear. She paused to gather her thoughts, then spoke in gentle tones. "Throughout life, you're bound to cross paths with the wrong people, but what matters is not letting them hold you back. The right person, after all, is still out there somewhere, waiting to meet you." Claudius looked stunned, as if her words had struck a dozen chords at once.

It was only then that he understood, as if Maia's honesty had jolted him awake. gⲁν⸳ "Forgive me for letting my emotions get the best of me today," he said, a faint, embarrassed smile forming on his lips. "I just didn't want to walk away with any regrets. I appreciate you hearing me out-and I'm grateful for your advice." He hesitated, eyes darkening, his tone dropping to a whisper. "But... there's something else I have to tell you. I believe Kiley's return isn't just coincidence.

I think she came back for you." "I guessed as much," Maia said, giving a slight nod as a faint, unreadable smile tugged at her lips. It didn't come as a shock to Claudius. Somehow, Maia always seemed like the kind of person who could see through every move-his, Kiley's, and everyone else's. Even so, he issued a quiet warning. "Don't let your guard down... Kiley isn't like Mariana. She may look composed, but she's far more unpredictable. If she sees you as a threat, she won't hold back. She'll do whatever it takes to strike first.

I used to think that if you were willing to accept me and join the Cooper family, maybe things wouldn't have to turn out like this..." Claudius let out a small, uneasy cough. "But hearing what you just said... I get it now. If you ever reconsider, though, I'm sure I can convince my sister and my father to call everything off." Maia was silent for a few seconds, then nodded at him again. "I appreciate the heads-up." She stood up from her seat and reached for her purse. "And thank you for being straight with me. But like I told you before..." Her eyes met his without flinching.

"Don't wait around. I'm not changing my answer." . . .