CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE "DAMN YOU, JAVION!"

DAPHNE'S POV I turned away from the bars, my steps heavy and my heart aching. I could feel Javion's eyes on me, his gaze a mix of sorrow and pain. As I took a few steps, his voice followed me, breaking the silence. "Daphne," he called out softly, "I love you. I want you to know that I will bear this pain because I love you. If Xander kills me, then I will gladly die, knowing that my love for you was true and unwavering." I stopped in my tracks, my breath catching in my throat. His words cut through me like a knife, stirring emotions I had tried so hard to bury. I turned back to him, tears blurring my vision. "Die if you want," I said, my voice trembling despite my efforts to sound strong. "Your plan is foolish, Javion. You're a fool if you think this is the way to win me back." He smiled sadly, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and love. "Maybe I am a fool," he admitted. "But I'm a fool who loves you more than anything. And if my love means bearing this pain, then so be it. I