CHAPTER 654. RED PROMISE. A Suspicion

Mauro wanted the ground to swallow him whole, for hell to consume him, because every one of Ainara’s words had the power to tear his heart apart. She didn’t trust anyone anymore—and that included not trusting him.

“Listen… wait… Please, Ainara, wait,” he begged, taking her hands. “I know you have no reason to trust me. I know I broke my promise, I abandoned you… I’ve behaved in the worst possible way. But please, hear me out. I can change all of that. I can ease any doubts you have, I can protect you if you want to escape… Please, let me do it.”

But all Ainara did was step back.

“No. I’ve already planned my destination, and I… I have to go,” she declared. “Because you’re not part of it. In the end, everything that’s happened in these past months has helped me leave with a clear conscience, but it doesn’t change the fact that I want to leave.”

Mauro buried his head in his hands, despairing as he watched her walk away to grab a few more items from h