Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 928:

But for all the comfort lies can offer, it’s the truth that leaves the deepest mark. A raw note crept into Claudius’s words. “Would you let me wait for you?” His tone strained. “Maybe it’s selfish, but letting go just isn’t something I can do. I don’t believe I fall short of your husband—anything he gives you, I could offer too.”

For a moment, he faltered, unable to surrender his hope. “Maybe you’re just swept up by him right now. I can be patient. If things change… if there’s ever a divorce, I’d—”

“You won’t get that chance,” Maia interjected, her response swift and unwavering. “There will never be a divorce.”

The words left her lips almost on their own, whether as a shield for her heart or a truth she already knew. “My commitment to this marriage runs deep. And love isn’t about outdoing someone else.” A chill sharpened her gaze. “It’s not about victory or being superior. All I want is for him to be there when I’m at my lowest, to stand beside me, to hold me up—that’s what counts. You are a good person, Mr. Cooper, but this is where our story ends.”

Maia’s voice grew colder, her resolve unmistakable. After a few seconds, she added, “If there’s nothing further, I should be going now.”

Claudius. For a moment, he sat

emotion. “You’re the only woman who’s ever truly captured my admiration.” His words tumbled out in a low murmur. “For so long, I treated love like a business deal, just weighing what’s fair and what’s owed. But

a brief moment, Maia’s eyes shimmered with feeling, but she reminded herself that boundaries had to be clear. She paused to gather her thoughts, then spoke in gentle tones. “Throughout life, you’re bound to cross paths with the wrong people, but what matters is not letting them hold you back. The right person, after all, is still out there somewhere,

if her words had struck a dozen chords at once. It was only then that he understood,

𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶

any regrets. I appreciate you hearing me out—and I’m grateful for your advice.” He hesitated, eyes darkening, his tone dropping

as much,” Maia said, giving a slight nod as a faint, unreadable

didn’t come as a shock to Claudius. Somehow, Maia always seemed like the kind of person who could see through every

whatever it takes to strike first. I used to think that if you were willing to accept me and join the Cooper family, maybe things wouldn’t have to turn out like this…” Claudius let