Devilish secretary - Chapter 263

Chapter 263: Chapter 263 The world is bigger than our fears
“Let’s all just… calm down,” he said weakly.

“Nobody needs to call armies.

Nobody needs to throw spears.”

He smiled awkwardly, glancing at Tara. Her big eyes were filled with fear and confusion.

He felt something sharp twist in his chest.

He couldn’t leave her like this.

Ethan stood up straighter, brushing dust off his sleeves.

The villagers were still tense, staring at Gray and Lilith like they were gods of judgment.

But Ethan didn’t look at anyone else.

His eyes found Tara—

standing a little behind the crowd, her small hands clutching the sides of her red dress tightly, her lips trembling slightly.

He took a slow breath, steadying his heart and spoke.

“I won’t stay here,” he said clearly, his voice carrying across the silent village.

“I’m leaving with my family.”

Murmurs broke out among the villagers..Tara’s father scowled.

Gray’s sharp eyes glinted, ready to move if needed.

But Ethan raised his hand for silence.

He looked straight at Tara.

His voice softened, just enough that only she could really feel the weight of his words—

“But I’m not leaving you behind, Tara.”

“Come with me.”

Tara’s heart stopped.

The world around her…the noisy villagers, the dusty village, even the sky above—

blurred for a moment.

All she could see was Ethan standing there, messy hair, tribal clothes, ridiculous flower crown still half hanging over his ear but looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered.

“Come with me,” he said again, quietly but firmly. “We’ll figure everything out later. You don’t belong trapped here. You deserve to see the world.

You deserve to live free.”

Tara’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

Her mind raced—

If she went to the city—

she could study, something she had dreamed about quietly all her life but never dared to even voice aloud.

She could have books, teachers, learn everything beyond these trees, beyond this small world.

A new life.

Freedom.

A future she could never even imagine before.

Tears burned behind her eyes.

But fear gripped her chest too.

What if she wasn’t good enough?

What if the city swallowed her whole?

What if Ethan regretted bringing her?

She looked at him again.

The famous actor.

The man who jumped with her off a bridge.

The man who smiled when she hit him with flowers.

The man who still looked at her now not like a burden but like someone he chose.

Slowly, Tara stepped forward.

One step.

Two steps.

Her hands still shook.

Her legs felt weak.

But her heart…

her heart beat stronger than it ever had before.

She stopped in front of Ethan, her wide dark eyes locked with his.

Ethan smiled gently, the most real smile he had shown all day.

“It’s your choice,” he said softly.

“But whatever you choose…

I’ll stand by you.”

Tara squeezed her eyes shut for a second and when she opened them again, her answer was clear.

She nodded, slowly but firmly.

“I’ll come with you,” she whispered softly.

The villagers stood frozen as Tara’s quiet words drifted through the air.

Her father’s mouth opened—then closed. He looked at her, at the fierce light now burning in his daughter’s eyes, a light even he couldn’t extinguish.

Tara stepped toward him slowly.

She bowed deeply, pressing her forehead against the back of his rough hand.

“Thank you for raising me,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“But my path… it lies beyond these trees.”

Her father stood stiff, breathing heavily, but he didn’t pull his hand away.

He just looked up at the sky, blinking rapidly, as if trying not to cry.

Tara’s mother rushed forward, hugging her tightly, whispering blessings into her hair.

“Be brave,” she whispered tearfully, holding her daughter like she was letting go of a piece of her own heart. “The world is bigger than our fears.”

Tara hugged her back fiercely, breathing in the familiar, warm scent of home one last time.

Then her best friend, Diana, pushed through the crowd, running into Tara’s arms. Both girls clung to each other tightly, crying softly.

“Write me letters,” Diana said between sobs. “Tell me about the city… tell me about everything!”

Tara nodded against her shoulder, feeling the weight of the goodbye pressing hard against her chest.

Finally, she pulled away, wiping her tears quickly with the back of her hand..

She turned to face the villagers who had raised her, who had fed her, scolded her, celebrated her birthdays with simple dances and handmade gifts.

She bowed to them deeply too.

“Thank you,” she said.

“For everything.”

For a moment, there was just silence.

A few of the older women wiped their eyes. Some of the men nodded solemnly. Even the children watched her with wide, quiet eyes.

Just when the emotional moment hung heavy in the air—Sir Sparkleton spun around flashing his red lights proudly.

A little boy pointed at him and shouted excitedly, “Can we keep the spirit beast at least?!”

The whole village brightened suddenly, looking hopefully at Gray and Lilith.

“Yes yes!” another man cried.

“Gift him to us! We’ll build him a temple!”

Gray frowned sharply, his cold eyes like frozen knives.

Lilith, standing a few steps back with her arms folded, let out a low, elegant laugh…one that didn’t reach her cold eyes.

She stepped forward smoothly, her black boots crunching against the dusty road.

Her beautiful, dangerous smile spread slowly as she said in a clear, firm voice,

“Sorry.”

“He’s ours.”

The villagers’ faces fell like a deflated balloon. Even Sir Sparkleton spun once in glee, flashing his lights at them cheekily.

“Belongs to Miss Lilith!

Forever!” he declared proudly.

Ethan chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.

Trust Sparkleton to cause chaos even during emotional farewells.

Tara gave one last look at her people, her home, the small world she had loved and hated in equal measure.

She took a slow, deep breath.

Then she turned toward Ethan, who was already waiting for her with an open hand.

Without hesitation, Tara slipped her small hand into his.

And together with Gray walking ahead coldly, Lilith following gracefully, and Sir Sparkleton bouncing around them they left the village.