Zhongli pleaded desperately, his fingers tightening around Karina's waist, as his eyes bore into hers with an irresistible affection. "Karina, please, I beg you to understand," he implored. Deep down, he knew he had made a terrible mistake by deceiving her about his marital status, but the thought of losing her now was unfathomable.

In the depths of his heart, he understood that his web of lies was woven solely to grasp onto her presence for a little longer. Yet, fate had an uncanny way of catching up with him. His love for Karina burned fervently, yet it was entangled with the undying flame he held for his wife.