Chapter 90

• Emerald found herself caught in a delicate balance, striving not to argue with her father even though his words echoed a sentiment that troubled her. "No, but—"
• "Be cautious about trusting him too much, Emerald. It's safer that way," her father advised.
• Emerald closed her eyes briefly, trying to find composure. It wasn't the time for a dispute with her father. "Alright," she murmured, her long lashes fluttering as she pondered his advice. "I won't completely trust him. But honestly," she laughed a little at the irony, "I don't trust myself entirely either. So how can you expect me to fully trust Andrew? I care deeply for him, that's true, but there are lingering doubts in my heart..." She placed her right hand gently on her chest, as if to feel the heartbeat beneath. "...doubts that make me wary of any potential harm while I'm with him."