10 Anything But Them (2/2)

The innocent and naive Xueyue had no reason to doubt her father. Why would he lie about that?

She had killed her mother in order to crawl into this cruel and horrible world. Xueyue had heard rumors that her mother was greatly loved by her sisters and brothers, especially Xueyue's maternal grandparents.

To find out your precious daughter was killed by her own child, how else would they react? Xueyue accepted the idea that her maternal family despised her presence.

”I-I only wanted to live...” Xueyue didn't know what she was saying. It felt as if her heart was speaking instead of her tongue.

Duchess Li hugged the Xueyue tighter.

To experience such a kind gesture after thirteen years of never experiencing a parent's love, Xueyue cried harder.

Her cheeks were stained with tears, and her throat was choked with sobs and hiccups.

Duke Li was surprised by Xueyue's break down, but seeing her violent cries, he knew her tears were real.

Taking a few steps back, he gave them space. But as he watched the pair, Duke Li felt a painful tug in his heart.

He saw how much of a great mother Duchess Li truly was. Not that she wasn't one, but this emotional scene made him further realize how much of a loving and amazing woman his wife was.

”Don't send me back to my relatives and grandparents...please...” Xueyue cried into Duchess Li's shoulders.

Out of irrationality, Duchess Li said, ”You will never be sent back to them. As long as you're under my care and protection, I promise you will be safe and sound within the Li Manor.”

Duchess Li was surprised when the words left her mouth, but she brushed the shock aside. Her mouth had spoke what her heart and brain was screaming for.

She wanted to keep this frail girl within the Li Manor and never let her experience the unsaid hardships ever again.

Duke Li felt conflicted at his wife's words. At first he had thought it was only words of comfort, but then he saw the fierce stubbornness in her eyes and he knew she had meant every word she said.

He stared at his wife for the longest time, watching her slowly sooth and comfort the girl.

His eyes then trailed to the head of long black hair. Xueyue seemed relatively harmless and the entire time they exchanged conversations, there wasn't a hint of maliciousness within her eyes.

He felt himself going crazy when he came to a startling conclusion that if his wife requested it, he would allow the girl to stay in the Li Manor.