It’s Not Night - Chapter 186.2

Left alone, Dustin leaned against the railing and ran his hand roughly through his hair. He had clenched his fists so tightly that crescent-shaped marks were deeply etched into his palms.

‘D*mn it!’

Dustin felt a throbbing in his head as he tilted it to look at Andra, who was laughing and chatting with Hisen, completely unaware of anything.

Even without Dustin by her side, Andra looked genuinely happy. In truth, she was always someone who could find happiness on her own, even before meeting Dustin. It was only that her once smooth path had become tangled since their connection.

Yes, he knew. He understood. As Stephanie Jewelie had mentioned, he knew what was best for Andra. Since hearing about her past the night before, he had been reflecting on that very idea. Nobody knew Andra’s needs better than Dustin.

But…

“I love you, Dustin.”

At that moment, Dustin’s broad shoulders slumped. He bit back the urge to cry, feeling like a fool. He pounded his fist against his aching chest as frustration coursed through him.

Bright sunlight illuminated Andra, making her stand out even from afar.

Her eyes twinkled softly, and her smile formed a graceful curve. Her refreshing voice chirped like a songbird, and the breeze playfully tousled her golden hair, brushing against her rosy cheeks. She was undeniably adorable.

‘Is all of this purely my selfish desire?’

Seeing Andra shine so brightly, he feared he was holding her back. He worried that he might be dragging down a life that should’ve been happy.

Dustin noticed Hisen’s ears redden slightly as he seemed to zone out while sitting across from her. With a heavy heart, Dustin cast his eyes downward.

No matter how he considered it, he felt entirely inadequate for her.

Was a petty creature who had committed sins truly allowed to harbor such desires?

He couldn’t find an answer and bit down on his lower lip.

* * *

Sadly, the sweet vacation for the two of them didn’t last long.

On the morning of the fifteenth day, after finishing a walk with Dustin and returning to the villa, Andra froze in shock after seeing someone waiting for her.

Dustin was the same. They both stood still, unable to move.

Andra’s third brother, Ian, was staring at them with a flushed face, looking utterly astonished.

“Ha… So it wasn’t just a wild rumor.”

“I, Ian…”

Andra stammered at the sight of her furious brother, who looked like he was about to explode with anger.

She hadn’t expected to be caught like this. According to her plan, she had intended to spend ample time in the South before returning to her family to confess her relationship with Dustin.

Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine facing her brother like this in the South.

“Andra Avelin.”

Ian’s voice was low and simmering. He strode forward towards them with purpose.

Dustin instinctively moved to shield Andra by placing her behind him. Naturally, this only fueled Ian’s anger even further.

Ian glared at the two of them who were still holding hands. It felt as though his blood was boiling. His sister’s boyfriend was none other than an Airak! How could this be happening?

“You…”

Ian felt dizzy. The rumors he had been denying all along, though anxiously, were now becoming undeniable facts.

He could no longer hold back and shouted,

“Andra, have you lost your mind?”

“Ian, I’ll explain everything! Just calm down a bit…”

“Do I look calm to you? How can you…?!”

Ian’s gaze shifted to Dustin, who was standing protectively in front of Andra. He warned Dustin in a fierce tone.

“Get the hell away from my sister, you bastard Airak.”

“…..Sir, please, calm down and let’s talk.”

“Calm down? Who do you think you are? An Airak….daring to— Andra Avelin! Come here right now. Do you even realize what you’ve done?!”

Ian was about to push past Dustin to reach Andra. But Dustin stood firm, blocking Ian with his whole body as he spoke again.

“Andra doesn’t have to be scared. Let’s talk—”

“Shut up, you bastard!”

“Ian!”

Wham! In the blink of an eye, Ian swung a punch at Dustin. The blow landed squarely on Dustin’s face, causing his head to jerk to the side. Blood began to trickle from his split lip.