Chapter 3

I watched his eyes, which were once again turning red at the corners.

It was probably out of anger.

He likely couldn't believe I was alive, and my existence was a threat to Celeste's happiness.

How did I survive?

Someone else gave their life so I could live.

But I had no need to tell him.

The old Sera Sterling couldn't do anything, like a delicate hothouse flower.

The current Sera Blackwood had long since stopped crying for help or relying on others.

Seeing my silence, he grew anxious.

"No, why has your personality become so wishy-washy? Could it be that the massive earthquake in that remote town years ago rattled your brain?

"Running off to such a secluded place, it serves you right to face an earthquake."

At that moment, a neighbor walked past and greeted me,

"Hey, Sera, not dinner time yet?"

I smiled.

"Almost."

Liam froze.

"You should leave."

I said.

But he gripped my arm tightly.

"Why did you change your name? Blackwood?! Did you get married? No, whose name is that?"

"Whose name it is, is none of your business."

I brushed his hand away, enunciating each word.

"What my name is, how I'm living, Liam, has nothing to do with you."