Connor didn't show a hint of emotion as he made his way straight to Diana. She had gone all out with her look
today. Her long black hair cascaded down, and her deep, dark eyes glistened like they were holding back tears.
When she saw Connor coming, she got visibly tense, her fingers turning white as she gripped the metal strap of
her purse. She bit down on her lip, making it a vibrant shade of red. She looked as delicate as a porcelain doll in
a store window. "Diana, what are you doing here?" Connor asked as he reached her, his voice as cool as ever.
Diana spoke up, "I wanted to see you, Uncle Connor, so here | am."
Connor stayed silent. Ever since that night, he hadn't laid eyes on Diana. All he knew was she had taken a dive
into the sea as well. That realization hit him hard. All those years of shielding her hadn't made her any stronger
or helped her grow up. "Did you chere for something in particular?" he asked.
Diana bit her lip so hard it almost bled. "Uncle Connor, are you really going to marry Chloe?"
Connor answered without hesitation, "Of course."
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Tears welled up in Diana's eyes, but she fought to hold them back. The thought of Connor choosing Chloe over
her sent a wave of resentment she struggled to contain.
"Then, congratulations to you and Chloe," she said.
Connor looked straight at her, his voice firm, "Diana, it's tyou grow up."
Diana couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Connor, why did you change so much after meeting Chloe?"
Connor furrowed his brow. "Diana, | haven't changed a bit. You're the one living in a dream world, refusing to
wake up."
"I've always seen you as a sister from the start. The way people talk about our relationship was just a way to
keep you safe. I've told you more than once."
Tears shimmered in Diana's eyes. No matter how others saw them, Uncle Connor seemed worried she'd fall too
deep, always keeping a safe distance. Whenever she crossed a line, he'd remind her.
But she just didn't want to wake up. Sometimes, she even believed her own lies.
"Uncle Connor, | just need to ask you one thing."
Diana chere today with one goal, "After all these years, have you ever felt even a tiny spark for me, even
for a second?"
Connor didn't hesitate at all, "Not even once."
Connor seemed a bit frustrated,
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disappointment clouding his eyes. "Diana, open your eyes and see the world around you. It's not all sunshine
and rainbows. Don't get tangled up in these feelings. Letmake it clear one last time, | have no romantic
feelings for you. | only protected you because we share similar struggles, nothing more."
Diana's fingers started shaking. Connor continued, "And my role as your protector is done. From now on, | can't
be as invested. You're an adult now. You need to find your. strength, stand on your own. Maybe | was wrong to
keep you sheltered all these years, but now you have to face the world on your own."
Diana didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "Are you trying to cutoff completely?"
"Diana, why can't you understand what I'm saying?"
"Because | don't want to understand, and | don't want to lose you."
Finally, Diana's tears spilled over. "Uncle Connor, what can | do to make things like they were before? don't need
you to love me, and won't dream of marrying you. But can't just stay close to you like always?"