I Was the Stepping Stone novel Chapter 23

Chapter 8

Ethan became the new heir of the Dravon family.

The King bestowed upon him many divine treasures, and our wedding was set for three days later.

That morning, I was having breakfast when I heard a commotion outside.

A fairy went to check, then returned looking indignant.

“Goddess, it’s Aether. He came to see you… and he brought Shael with him!”

“How dare he show his face after everything he’s done? Back when you still loved him, he used you relentlessly. He knew Shael hated you, and yet he still chose her…”

I smiled faintly. “A man’s affection isn’t always genuine.”

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“I was stronger than him, and he always felt like he was living in my shadow. Over time, that twisted things. Shael, on the other hand, is weak and pitiful. Like a clinging vine, she depends on him. Of course he preferred such a delicate, pleasing

little bird.”

But in this life, he had lost the King’s favor, and his powers were crippled.

Faced with the harsh reality, I wondered if he still loved Shael at all.

I stepped outside with a graceful air.

Aether stood there in a black cloak, while a pale, visibly aged Shael followed nervously behind him.

When he saw me frown, Aether hurriedly removed his cloak in a show of goodwill.

My eyes narrowed slightly. There were still faint wounds on his neck and cheek.

He was a divine being who had lived for a thousand years, yet now he couldn’t even heal properly.

With a calm tone, I said, “I should congratulate you two lovebirds for finally being together.”

Aether’s face twisted. He glared at Shael.

“I am not in love with her!”

“Serin, she tricked me! She drugged me with an aphrodisiac!”

I raised an eyebrow, so there was more to the story.

Seeing the amused look on my face, he seemed relieved.

“I’ve always loved you. If it weren’t for that wretched woman’s tricks, I never would’ve hurt you. Serin, you have to believe

me!”

I replied slowly, “Aether, do you really think I don’t know about aphrodisiacs?”

“If she truly wanted to control you, she’d need to be stronger. But you’re a god. Even if you didn’t complete the Sacred

Chapter 8

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Flame trials and failed to awaken your divine power, you are still a god.”

“She’s just a lowly Feathergale. How could she possibly overpower you?”

Aether quickly added, “Yes, her powers are weaker. But she secretly cut your hair and used it to redirect my feelings for

you onto herself.”

He was desperate to explain, shifting all the blame onto Shael.

He thought I still had feelings for him-that if he coaxed me enough, I’d fall for it again.

But he was wrong.

I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face.

His head snapped to the side, eyes wide with disbelief.

I sneered. “So what if it’s true? Do you think your betrayal can just be wiped clean?”

“Aether, let me tell you this-whether you were deceived or willing, it makes no difference to me now. You and Shael are

tied together for life. Go rot in the gutter where you belong.”

His whole body trembled. Just as he reached for me, a crushing divine pressure pinned him in place.

Ethan stepped into view, expression grim.

Under the weight of a true god’s might, Aether’s back bent involuntarily. He collapsed to his knees in complete disgrace.

Ethan’s voice was cold. “Get out.”

They were thrown out without mercy.

Only then did Ethan withdraw his divine power. He gently took my hand.

“Are you all right?”

I nodded and gave him a smile.

As he often did, he came to check on me afterward.

Then, a little nervously, he glanced at me and suddenly said, “I… I have something for you.”

Curious, I followed him outside.

After only a few steps, I stopped, eyes wide.

In the distance stood a red cedar, taller than two men.

Its green leaves were lush and vigorous.

Ethan explained, “I asked the Starfire family for this red cedar sapling. Sadly, I could only get it to grow this tall. But Serin,

give me some time…”

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His unfinished words were swallowed by my kiss.

Ethan froze, eyes wide. After a moment, he came back to his senses and held me tightly.

Beneath that not-yet-fully-grown red cedar, we shared our first kiss.

“I love it. Thank you,” I whispered.

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