Chapter 44: Do you regret it?

"Do you think you're worthy to say you love me?" he scoffed, his voice laden with disbelief. "Why can't I say it?" her eyes, brimming with tears, stared back at him with an innocence and sincerity that seemed almost too pure for this world. " Does my affection humiliate you that much?" "It's not your affection; it's your manipulation that disgraces me." "Manipulation? What have I ever taken from you?" she retorted, her mind too muddled to grasp his accusation. "Did I ever demand your wealth? After refusing it once, I never asked you for money again." "Did I lust after your power? I'm still just a humble assistant, cleaning and brewing coffee, without a hint of a raise." "Have I ever misused your influence? Anyone can belittle or strike me, yet I never boasted about us." She paused, then added in a haze of confusion, "Actually, that's not entirely true. I did confess to Chloe. I told her I despised her standing by your side, and I didn't want her marrying you." Her murmured words