It’s Not Night - Chapter 188.1

After a moment, Ian finally spoke. His voice became much calmer now.

“Because we’re family, I can say this.”

“…What?”

“Because we’re family, I can speak my mind. If we weren’t, who would say such things? Alright… Andra, I understand your feelings. But there’s a limit to everything. You’ve crossed that line. You’ve stepped over it first, and now you expect me, your brother, to stay within my bounds?”

“Ian, I…”

Ian raised his hand to stop her.

“If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t be this way. Even if you were dating a commoner, it wouldn’t be to this extent. But look at the guy you’ve chosen! Out of all those men, you pick an Airak? It drives me insane!”

“…”

“No matter how much you love Airak, do you really know what he might do to you? Do you honestly think you know what Airak is like? That guy might not be the kind of man you think he is! Right now, he may act like he’d give you everything, but what happens next? Once he gets what he wants?”

Ian pointed a finger accusingly at Dustin.

“He might betray you! He could abandon you! Please don’t be fooled by that damn Airak! No one can guarantee the future. Did the person who got betrayed think they would be betrayed? So please… Andra, you need to listen to your brother. Okay?”

“…Dustin isn’t that kind of person.”

“Stop saying frustrating things. How can you be so sure about that? Andra, this is all for your own good. Who wants to see their family unhappy? I want you to be happy. Honestly, it’s not just me. Everyone in the family, including me, wants you to live happily. Who would stand by and watch their loved one walk into a thorny path? Please, Andra. Come back with me. Okay?”

Andra gazed blankly at Ian as he reached out to her. But she couldn’t bring herself to take his hand. No matter how frustrating or foolish it might seem to others, she couldn’t leave Dustin behind.

He was someone who loved her more than life itself. He was also the one who waited for her, gazing only at her for all that time.

How could she possibly abandon such a person?

Yes, if someone were to see this side of her, they would say she was crazy. No matter how she thought about it, Ian’s words were right, and she, who would betray her family for the love of their enemy, was the one who was the hardest to understand. People would think she was foolish, just like a princess from the East.

There was some truth to that, and she couldn’t argue against it.

“…I’m sorry, Ian. But I can’t go.”

“Is that really how you feel? Are you seriously choosing that guy over your family? Andra, it seems like you’re not thinking clearly right now. That’s not love. You’re just mistaking a fleeting emotion for something more. Even if it were love, how long do you think it would last? People change! Do you really think that guy will love you forever? People and love can both change! Andra, I’m asking you one last time. Please, come back with me now. There’s still a chance.”

Despite Ian’s earnest plea, Andra didn’t respond any further. She tightened her grip on Dustin’s hand, turning her back on her brother as her answer. As a result, Ian was frustrated.

“Damn Airak!”

Ian exhaled harshly, glaring at Dustin. If that guy were just gone… But soon enough, he relaxed his shoulders. Then, in a voice filled with restrained emotion, he gave Andra one last request, or rather, a warning.

“Fine, I’ll give you time to choose. It seems like no matter how much I say here, you don’t want to hear it… so I’ll give you time to think for yourself. You have one week. I’ll only stay in the South for exactly one week. If, within that time, Andra, you come to find me, I’ll take responsibility and make all of this go away.”

“…”

“There won’t be any more chances after that. Think carefully. If you miss this opportunity, the next person coming to find you will be Father. You’re a smart girl, Andra. I believe you understand what I’m saying.”

After finishing his words, Ian straightened his disheveled clothing. He took a moment to look at Andra, still nestled in Dustin’s arms, without turning back. Rubbing his cheek where Andra had hit him, he quietly bid farewell.