Chapter 1490: But tonight… it became mine.

"Leave. I’m not changing my mind."

Benjamin could only stare at Mint in disbelief, his hands clenched into tight fists.

"Mint..." he breathed out. "Is it really that hard for you to choose family over duty, just this once?"

She said nothing.

"You always apologize whenever your duty comes first," he added, sniffing hard as he wiped his tears away with his arm. "Have you ever meant any of it? Or do you only say it because you know you’ll always be forgiven?"

Mint looked away, holding her breath.

"Fine!" he roared. "If it’s that hard for you to pick me first, then so be it! Fine! Go and die doing this duty you’re so proud of! Maybe it’ll cook you nice meals and be there when your world crumbles! If it matters more than your family, then maybe I don’t want a cousin anymore!"

Benjamin panted, chest heaving. Mint only glanced at him sharply. Seeing she wouldn’t back down, he let out a shaky breath.

"I hate you," he said through gritted teeth. "I hate you! I wish you were never my cousin!"

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the private ward. As he left, Mint’s gaze lingered on his back, catching the sight of his lollipop-and-candy printed pajamas and mismatched indoor slippers.

She pressed her lips into a thin line and turned away, holding her breath to stop the tears. But alas, they pooled in her eyes until they overflowed. She clutched her chest, the pain in her heart far worse than the wounds on her body.

Sorry.

That was the word she wanted to say. But she knew she couldn’t anymore. Not because it was overused, but because this was the only way to protect him.

The people after her would never stop. And staying close to Benjamin would only put him in danger.

Still... she wished she could’ve handled it better. Instead of just breaking his heart—when he clearly rushed to her side without even changing clothes or checking if his slippers matched.

"Damn it," she hissed, closing her eyes and resting her arm over them.

Then, a faint sound came from the door. Light footsteps approached and stopped beside her. She didn’t move, just listened.

After a long pause, a voice finally spoke.

"You didn’t have to be so harsh on him."

Slowly, Mint tilted her arm away, revealing one eye as she looked at the person beside the bed.

"If I wasn’t, he’d think I had a choice," she muttered. "That this ends whenever I say it does, Mr. Pierson."

Zoren and Mint stared at each other in silence. Then she lowered her arm fully and looked away, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

"Tonight, because of me, Hugo Bennet got shot. The bullet was meant for me," she said, exhaling deeply. "The other day, one of my men was hurt. Before that, another lost two fingers opening a package meant for me. There was an improvised bomb inside. He’s lucky to be alive."

"One of my bodyguards received a strange call. Now his wife and children are under police protection, and until this ends, their lives won’t return to normal," she continued. "And those are just some of the things piling on my shoulders because certain people think they can keep crossing lines without consequences."

She looked back at Zoren. "Just like you—how many people have your men intercepted because they threatened my cousin’s life?"

Zoren didn’t answer. Not because he didn’t know, but because the number didn’t matter anymore.

"You know what’s funny, Mr. Pierson?" she chuckled darkly. "When Benjamin said he was going to work for you, I was so against it. Kept telling him it was a mistake. That the Pierson Family was just a giant landfill wrapped in a golden garbage bag."

She snorted. "But now? I’m glad he works for you. Otherwise, neither of us might still be alive."

Because if her enemies had gotten their hands on Benjamin, she would’ve dropped her weapon and begged on her knees to save him.

If not for Zoren’s protection, they wouldn’t have stopped going after Benjamin. They only stopped once he got involved.

"I can’t stop, even if I want to. And even if I’m scared, I can’t show it," she said. "This isn’t just duty anymore, Zoren Pierson. It’s them... or me."

Her breathing grew heavier. A thin layer of tears made her eyes shine.

Was she scared? Always.

Had she wanted to stop? Many times.

Was she tired? She was exhausted from pretending.

Even now, she wanted to run after Benjamin and promise this would be the last time. But she knew that would be a lie. Yet, she knew in her heart that even the words that left her lips were also lies. However, they were lies to hide everything. Because no one needed to know the pain she hid.

No one needed to know how this war tore her heart apart.

No one needed to know how hard it was to pretend she was strong enough.

"They almost killed you tonight," Zoren said quietly.

"And they’ll keep trying until they succeed," she replied. "But it doesn’t end with me. You know that."

Another long silence passed between them. Then, Zoren reached out. Before she knew it, his palm gently rested over her eyes.

"What are you doing?" she asked flatly.

"Your eyes are disturbing. Like a ghost straight out of the horror movies my wife watches," he said, still holding his hand over her. "It’s not my place to tell you to stop. I know this is your fight — a fight for your life, your people, your family, your country."

Mint’s brow rose at his calm tone.

"But... tonight, you weren’t the only one hurt," he continued. "My wife cried ugly tears for her brother. My third brother-in-law was worried. And Benjamin—my only friend—was crying while running away in those ridiculous pajamas."

He let out a quiet breath. "Your business was never mine to meddle with. But tonight... it became mine."

He peeled his hand from her eyes.

"Rest for now. And cry a little for being a jerk to Benjamin," he added. "I may not understand the pain you hide, but I do know this: asking for help from your allies is always an option."

With that, Zoren turned and walked toward the door.

But just before he left, Mint called out.

"Do you... do you feel like some kind of god when you say things like that?"

He looked back, smirking slightly. "More like the devil."

He opened the door, then paused. "By the way, my wife will definitely come check on you. If you’re still awake and she asks where I went, tell her... I went to pee."

Then he left.

Mint stared at the door, and after a moment, a small, tired smile formed on her lips.

"Devil... I guess he’s kinda right." Her eyes softened. "Damn that Zoren Pierson. Now I’m just a jerk with a bunch of bruises to heal. I hope he leaves some people for me to punch."