Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

40. Won't let you down

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"You might doubt my words, but I know what your eyes hide"

Minghao's gaze remained fixed upon her, his eyes bearing witness to the silent cascade of tears tracing a path down her delicate cheek, each drop accentuating the profound pain inflicted by Lia's slap.

Minghao spoke, his voice a gentle but firm command, "Look at me," as he addressed Nabi, whose gaze had been tethered to the ground.

Nabi hastily brushed away her tears, summoning the courage to lift her gaze to meet his. She braced herself for the potential storm in his gaze, fully prepared for the worst.

However, his eyes told a different story. Gone was the anger that once blazed, the thirst for revenge now a distant memory. Instead, a profound sense of empathy and understanding emanated from his gaze.

As they locked eyes, Minghao spoke with unwavering sincerity, "Don't let me down. Don't allow me to stand alone in my belief in your innocence," he implored.

Nabi's eyes widened slightly in astonishment. Minghao's unwavering belief in her innocence persisted, even when she herself had lost faith in it.

"But how?" Nabi's words stumbled from her lips, her astonishment evident. Taking a moment to compose herself, she pressed on, "She claimed she witnessed me on that very day."

"She saw you at the top of the stairs," he interjected gently, his words carrying a reassurance that was desperately needed. "Not when you pushed her."

Nabi remained silent, tears streaming down her cheeks, as the heavy burden of guilt for such a tragic incident bore down on her. Minghao's unwavering trust provided a glimmer of hope in her darkest moments.

"Alright," he said with a gentle smile, attempting to alleviate the tension and pain that weighed on Nabi. "Let's put an end to those tears. It seems like you've been at this all day."

Meeting Minghao's gaze and catching that small, comforting smile on his lips, Nabi felt a wave of gratitude flood her thoughts. She silently thanked him countless times within the confines of her mind.

Yet, as she kept on how much his words had helped her, another bout of tears threatened to break free. She roughly wiped them away, determined to stay strong in his presence.

Following a few moments during which Minghao patiently allowed her time to compose herself, he finally spoke once more. His hand drifted to the medicine bag positioned beside them. "I got your things," he revealed, extending the bag toward her.

Accepting the bag, Nabi's fingers closed around it with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you," she uttered softly, her gaze meeting Minghao's.

"If you can grant me a bit of time," she continued, her voice earnest, "once you release me, I'll promptly provide you with the money. I promise."

"Don't concern yourself with it," Minghao responded, his tone gentle as he subtly hinted at the notion of her release. The realization that he had been forcefully holding her captive within his house had slipped his mind entirely.

Nabi carefully set the bag down next to her, where Ginger, the kitten, lay sleeping in serene tranquility. It appeared as though the little feline could sense the pain and turmoil Nabi was going through, as for today, he refused to leave her side. His comforting presence was a soothing balm to her wounded heart.

Minghao's smile graced his face as he reached out to pat the cat affectionately. "Were you her guardian today, buddy?" he playfully inquired, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. Nabi's gaze shifted to him, a genuine smile curving her lips as she watched him tenderly caress Ginger.