Chapter 162

The general's gaze hardened, his eyes brimming with quiet anguish. "Did you ever love me?" he demanded. "Never," Samantha answered. A bitter smile curved his lips as his sword flashed in the dim light. The blade cut across Samantha's throat. She didn't dodge the attack. Her lips parted in the faintest smile. It was the smile of heartbreaking beauty. This was the ending she'd chosen and the culmination of every sacrifice. She had served her country with honor and remained loyal to her brother to the end. Yet, the general was the only person she had wronged. On the stage, their final act unfolded with tragic grace. The dim lights caught Samantha as she swayed, her strength failing. Though a dagger protruded from his chest, the general stepped forward, catching her collapsing form with steady arms. Even though they were enemies on the battlefield, they couldn't control their love for each other. As their lives came to an end, they clung to each other—one last embrace—as the di