The words resonated more than she anticipated. She was aware that he regarded her solely in that manner; she had reassured herself of this countless times. It provided no safeguard against the harsh reality. His affirmation struck her like a physical blow to the chest. Molly suppressed her emotional pain and gazed directly into his eyes.
“I recognise that a commendable aspect of your character exists within you, Jayce. I have observed fleeting manifestations of it, and I am aware that your behaviour cannot be feigned. I express my condolences for your past experiences and the resultant impact on your conduct, even towards those in your proximity. While I extend my empathy, I cannot abandon these individuals, cognisant of the potential threat to their lives. They are benevolent souls.”
Jayce gazed at her for a torturous minute. “Do you believe I desire your empathy? I have no need for compassion from someone of your calibre.” He advanced a step, compelling her to remain composed. “Why would I desire someone who rejects the truth and actively evades it? You are unworthy of being my partner.”
Molly sensed the awakening of her inner wolf the instant he uttered the word mate. She sensed Cordelia’s vitality despite several days of silence from her. “Jayce-”
“Each moment in your company has squandered my time. Your actions have merely hindered my objectives for this journey and complicated every conceivable situation.” He growled. She retreated when he approached too closely. “Do you believe you hold significance now because these individuals did not mistreat you as the palace did? I regret to inform you that your presence is inconsequential to anyone here, especially to me. I briefly considered the notion of a partner, yet I recognised it was ill-advised. How could it be otherwise when it involves you?”
He spoke as if he had a distasteful flavour in his mouth; Molly blinked back her tears and moved aside. “Kindly depart.”
“I will inform Kylie that you sent your regards,” Jayce remarked through clenched teeth before exiting the door. Her heart felt as though it had fractured as she observed his departure. He did not glance back as he assembled his men and proceeded towards the stables devoid of his belongings. She was indifferent to his potential demise from hypothermia; his frigid disposition would embrace it.
It was unavoidable. She understood that he had felt that way all along and was aware that they were never destined to endure. Her relationship with him was inappropriate and imbued her with shame, despite his ability to make her feel like the sole girl in the world during their kisses. He was afflicted by his power. He distributed it to numerous girls and reclaimed it immediately upon concluding his interactions with them. At the very least, she was cognisant of that prior to engaging with his perilous allure. They might have endured for several additional weeks had she accompanied him; it was simpler to terminate it now. It could have seemed insurmountable had she allowed it to persist unchanged. She had begun to acclimatise to his intimate caresses and yearned for those he bestowed upon her in solitude. She permitted herself to exhibit vulnerability for a man unworthy of it.
She was disinclined to be his companion, and he was equally unwilling to be hers. That concluded the matter.
“What is wrong with you?” Cordelia seethed internally. Molly desired to expel her from her mind and eliminate her presence from her thoughts. “Are you allowing him to depart? Pursue him and trace his path back to the palace!”
“Did you comprehend any of his statements? He does not desire us, Cordelia. What is unclear to you? His self-interest will always take precedence, and you were already aware of his lack of interest in a partner. He sought to possess me, and upon realising he could not, he relinquished his pursuit.”
Cordelia remained silent while Molly rummaged through her room for the knife Colton had bestowed upon her and for warmer attire. Hers had been saturated by the snow. His words resonated in her mind, yet none were more pronounced than the statement regarding Kylie. What actions would he take towards her? Would he condemn her to labour until her demise due to Molly? His malevolence nauseated her; she regretted not having struck him, even if it resulted in him retaliating with double the force. Kylie was undeserving of enduring Molly’s punishment. For years, she solely acted as a compassionate friend to Molly.
“I believed it was progressing positively. I perceived your happiness in his embrace and his contentment with you,” Cordelia remarked softly, as though a part of her had resigned.
“Regrettably, men excel at deception. I was momentarily deceived myself.” Molly gathered her hair and secured it to keep it away from her face. She lacked the time to lament a shattered heart; she needed to assist Colton. “We shall discover our happiness eventually, Cordelia, even if it requires years.”
