Why do I keep attracting Villainesses?

Chapter 46: JACOB’S POV [BONUS Chapter]

’She didn’t want to end up causing more problems for them, so she left...’ I sighed inwardly.

I could see it all clearly now. Every time she got close to someone, something bad happened.

So, in her mind, the only way to protect her sister and the village was to become the monster they thought she was.

’Even when they came after her, she decided to scare them away, even though it hurt her more than they knew...’ She had played the part of the enemy perfectly.

She had made herself the villain so they would stay away and stay safe.

She took all that hatred and loneliness onto her own shoulders just so Artria could have a peaceful village.

Just thinking about it made me feel more guilty about my actions towards her in the past.

I had called her a monster and ran away from her like she was a plague.

I had been the one to remind her of the very thing she hated about herself the most.

Having been alone for so long, she’d naturally develop a sense of loneliness, and when one was lonely, they tend to change far more than others knew.

Loneliness doesn’t just make you sad; it makes you hard. It made one sharp. It turns your fear into anger because anger is easier to feel than a breaking heart.

Perhaps all those times alone were what led to her becoming like this.

This cold-hearted killer who was simply afraid to let anyone come too close.

She wasn’t born ruthless; but forged that way by the cold, dark water of the deep sea.

Someone forced to take on the mask of an enemy just so she could protect the ones she loved, even if it meant shutting out her heart to those very loved ones.

Living in a cave full of skeletons of the people she couldn’t save, a constant reminder of why she shouldn’t try to be "good."

And to think that she even still tried to help those in need, even though it went against her new ideals.

She still saved me from that boat and fed me when I was starving, gaving me a body that could survive the depths.

Even when she was trying to be a "Mistress," she was still trying to be a savior in her own twisted way.

’Gosh, I’ve been a complete idiot!’ I gritted my teeth, holding her tighter.

I felt a wave of shame wash over me. I had been so focused on my own survival and my own comfort that I hadn’t seen the person right in front of me, treating her like a problem to be solved instead of a soul that was hurting.

Persephone’s expression shifted into surprise. She finally relaxed against me, her head resting heavy on my chest. She let out a long, shaky breath, and the tension seemed to leave her body all at once.

"I’m so sorry I’ve been a fool all this time," I said through gritted teeth. I meant it. My voice was thick with emotion.

Even now, I still felt my heart hurt just thinking about what I’d been doing to her. To think I’d been planning to leave her again.

Dreaming of sushi and a "cute girl" back at the village while the girl who actually saved my life was rotting away in a dark cave, thinking she was cursed.

’Rather than trying to escape her, I should’ve been trying to return the favor instead.’ She had given me a second chance at life.

And all I had given her in return was judgment and fear.

’Huh?’

My heart fluttered for a moment when I felt her lean in more onto my chest. Her body rested soundly against me, and I could feel the steady thrum of her heart.

I looked down at her. She wasn’t crying anymore.

Her eyes were closed, and the jagged, angry lines on her face had smoothed out.

Staring at the light smile that had managed to emerge on her face, I felt a strange sense of relief.

I was glad she didn’t detest me even now.

After all I’d done, To think she was still letting me hold her.

’ Maybe there really is a chance to make things up to her. I mean, she hasn’t given up on me, even when I had given up on her.’

Seeing that smile gave me a sense of hope.

It wasn’t too late to make things right. I had been a writer in my old life, and I knew that a story could always change.

You could always turn a villain into a hero if you just gave them a reason to try.

I rested my chin on the top of her head, watching the way the dim light from the cave’s walls dance on the water.

I didn’t know what Artria would think, and I didn’t know how we would deal with the village or the sharks, but I knew I wasn’t going to run away this time.

I had been looking for a home, and I had thought the village was the only place I could find it.

But looking at the girl in my arms, I realized that maybe home wasn’t a place.

Maybe it was just being there for someone who had nobody else. Anyone who wanted your company.

"This time, I promise I won’t run away again." I whispered, so soft that only she could hear it.

Persephone didn’t say anything, but she squeezed me back, I could feel her warm heart beat speed up which brought a light smile to my face.

[AN: So, how about that. Saviour and mistress finally makes up with the victim, no longer is Jacob a servant but her confidant. I’m moved to tears by this.

Poor Persephone. Hopefully Jacob keeps his word, he better make it up to our dear Persephone. And I’m sure it would be the best for everyone if he could rehabilitate her as well, or maybe even go a bit farther hehehe.

But one thing is still amiss, how will this sudden development affect the story going forward, will our boy soon have his hands full or perhaps regret his decision? Read me to find out.]