Chapter 46: Confessing to Isabella

Adrian observed his mother, Isabella, as she weighed the plan he'd just explained. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the desire to protect him clashing with her sympathy for Eve. Deep down, she wanted to reject the idea.

Despite her kind-hearted nature and willingness to help Eve, she feared for Adrian's safety, especially if he were to step into Mortimer's territory.

But as she looked at her son, seeing the resolve in his eyes, Isabella knew she wouldn't be able to dissuade him.

He was determined, and no amount of maternal concern would change his mind. With a resigned sigh, she reached out and gently rubbed his head, her fingers threading through his hair with a tenderness that made Adrian's heart ache.

"No matter what you do, Adrian," she said softly, "I will always support you."

Adrian felt a wave of emotion at her words, but before he could respond, Isabella held up a hand to stop him.

"Today has been eventful, and I can see that Eve is likely exhausted after everything she's been through. Let's give her a moment of peace."

She turned towards Eve, who had remained quiet and withdrawn, her hood still covering most of her face.

Isabella approached her slowly, almost cautiously, and gently removed the hood, revealing Eve's delicate features.

Eve tensed, her guard going up instinctively, but Isabella's touch was gentle as she caressed the young woman's cheek.

"While I sympathize with you, dear," Isabella began, her voice soft but firm, "I'm sorry to say that I don't trust you completely. It's not because of anything you've done, but because of the situation we're in. I hope you understand. I would like to place some maids to guard you not only for our protection but also for yours. Is that alright?"

Eve blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. She had expected suspicion, perhaps even hostility, but Isabella's tone was considerate, almost motherly.

The warmth in her words, despite the caution, was something Eve hadn't felt from anyone except her own mother.

Understanding Isabella's reasoning, Eve nodded, though her heart ached at the thought of being seen as a potential threat.

But more than that, she felt a deep warmth spreading through her chest—someone besides her mother was showing her kindness.

The gentle touch on her cheek, the concern in Isabella's eyes... it was all too much. Tears welled up in her eyes and began to spill down her face.

Isabella's expression softened even further, her heart clenching at the sight of Eve's tears. She immediately moved to comfort her, her voice filled with regret.

"Oh, my dear, I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry."

But Eve shook her head, her voice trembling as she spoke through her tears.

"No... It's just... I'm happy. Happy that someone else, besides my mother, is being so considerate of me."

Isabella's eyes filled with understanding and compassion. Without hesitation, she pulled Eve into a comforting embrace, holding her tightly as the young woman cried against her shoulder.

"You've been through so much, Eve. I'm so sorry for all the pain you've endured. But you're safe here now. I promise."

Eve clung to Isabella, her sobs gradually subsiding as she felt the warmth and safety of the embrace. It had been so long since she'd felt anything like this—genuine care and affection from another person. It was overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

After a few moments, Eve's tears finally stopped, and Isabella pulled back slightly, brushing a few stray strands of hair from Eve's face.

She then called for some maids, assigning them to take care of Eve and lead her to an unused guest room where she could rest.

Eve nodded gratefully, though her eyes lingered on Isabella, still filled with emotion. As the maids gently led her away, she cast one last glance back at Adrian and Isabella, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty about the future.

With Eve gone, the room grew quiet, leaving Adrian and Isabella alone. Adrian turned to his mother, his expression serious.

"Thank you, Mother, for understanding and helping her. I know this isn't easy for you."

Isabella sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she looked at her son. "It's not, but I trust you, Adrian. I trust your judgment. Just promise me you'll be careful. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."

Adrian nodded, his voice filled with reassurance. "I promise, Mother. I'll be careful, and I'll make sure this plan works. For Eve, for her mother, and for all of us."

Isabella stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Adrian in a tight embrace. "I'm proud of you, Adrian. You're becoming a man that I and all the people of our territory could be proud of ."

As Isabella drew close, hugging him tightly, the warmth of her chest pressing against his ignited an unbearable desire within him.

Her fragrance enveloped him, and the stirring of emotions caused a reaction he couldn't control. His body responded, and his little brother that had been dormant now awakened, pressing insistently against her thigh, seeking a place to belong.

Isabella felt something poking her thigh as she embraced him. When she glanced down and noticed the prominent bulge in his pants, she was startled and quickly pushed him away.

The suddenness of her reaction threw Adrian off balance, and seeing the surprised expression on Isabella's face filled him with panic. A wave of fear washed over him as he worried she might start to hate him for this.

He began to stammer, "M-Mom, it's not like that. This is... a misunderstanding," as he desperately searched for an excuse. But in his panic, the words tumbled out before he could stop them. "I love you, Mom, not just as your son... but as a man. I can't help but see you that way."

Adrian blurted out something he hadn't meant to say, surprising even himself. His mind raced, scrambling for an explanation to cover up the feelings he had just confessed. The room fell into an uneasy silence, his admission hanging in the air, leaving Isabella more stunned than before.

As the silence lingered, Adrian began to calm down, his thoughts slowly organizing themselves. Just as Isabella opened her mouth to respond, Adrian cut in, trying to explain himself.

"I know this sounds crazy, but I started acting like trash, being cold and distant to you and my sister, so you both would hate me, scold me, or even hit me. I thought it would make it easier to bury these feelings, to forget them."

He paused, struggling to keep his voice steady. "But when I saw that scum looking down on you and when I saw how hard my sister was training, I couldn't stand it anymore. I decided I had to change, to become someone better."

As Adrian came up with lies for his actions, he felt the situation was out of control and he felt, he was probably hated by Isabella.

He sighed deeply, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. "I never intended to confess this to you, Mother. I planned to keep it buried forever. But today, seeing that strong, valiant side of you—something you've never shown me before—I was so captivated that I lost control."

Adrian took a step back, turning away from her. "I'm sorry, Mom. I know you must hate me now, and I understand if you do. I'll keep my distance from you unless absolutely necessary."

With those words, he started to walk away, his heart heavy with the fear of rejection.