Chapter 3

The neighbors didn't answer my questions.

They just scurried away, as if avoiding something dirty.

Watching their retreating backs, I suddenly remembered.

Last year, for my birthday, Leo had taken me to a park far from home.

He told me to sit on a bench, gently stroking my head and saying:

"Scarlett, wait for me here. I'll be back soon."

But I waited from noon until the sun began to set, until the streetlights flickered on one by one.

He never came back.

In the end, I had to find my way home myself, relying on vague memories, one step at a time.

I remember thinking then, that after being gone for so long, Leo must have been frantic with worry.

But when he opened the door and saw me, there wasn't a trace of joy on his face.

Only disappointment and sorrow.

It was only now that I vaguely understood.

He actually wanted to abandon me that day, didn't he?

A wave of sorrow washed over me, and my nose stung.

I crouched down, burying my face in my knees, tears gushing out uncontrollably.

But soon, I remembered what the neighbors had said.

If I truly disappeared, would Leo's life be much easier?

Would he finally be able to smile happily?

Thinking this, I wiped away my tears, stood up, and gathered my courage to step out of the house.

I walked aimlessly along the road for a long time, not understanding traffic lights or directions.

I didn't know how to find the "psychiatric hospital" they spoke of.

Distracted, a speeding car suddenly swerved towards me.

I froze in place, my legs rooted to the spot.

Just then, a pair of hands violently pulled me back to the side of the road.

Still shaken, I looked up, only to see Leo's face, filled with terror and lingering fear.

"Scarlett, I told you to stay home, didn't I? What are you doing running out again?!"

"You idiot, can't you just make my life a little easier for one day? Do you just want to drive me crazy before you're happy?!"

Seeing him so distraught, I shivered, whispering:

"Leo, I want to go to the psychiatric hospital. I just wanted to go there and..."

Hearing this, Leo froze.

A flicker of confusion and guilt crossed his eyes, then he sharply asked:

"What are you babbling about?! Did those people put ideas in your head again?"

I quickly shook my head, a little nervous:

"No, I want to go myself. Leo, please take me there, please."

No sooner had the words left my lips than Leo suddenly cupped my face, his voice trembling:

"Scarlett, I'll never abandon you, never!"

"I'll protect you and take care of you my whole life. Don't overthink things anymore."

Looking at his reddened eyes, I nodded obediently.

But deep down, I knew.

Just now, when that car was about to hit me.

I had actually seen Leo standing by the roadside earlier.

In those few seconds, he had hesitated again.

The next morning, Leo took me to the hospital for a follow-up.

Although I didn't understand what the doctor was saying, seeing his tightly furrowed brows,

I realized my condition might have worsened.

This thought weighed heavily on my heart.

No, I couldn't go on like this.

I couldn't keep dragging Leo down.

While he went to get the car, I quietly slipped away from the parking garage.

I turned and ran outside.

This time, I had to succeed. I had to find that place.

But as soon as I reached the entrance, I ran straight into Chloe.

Seeing me alone, her face instantly darkened.

She violently grabbed my arm, making me flinch in pain.

"Scarlett, how did you sneak out alone again? Can't you make Leo's life a little less difficult?"

She gnashed her teeth and hissed.

"It's always you, always you!"

"Because of you, Leo rejects me again and again. Haven't you ruined his life enough? Do you have to ruin my happiness too?"

Her gaze suddenly turned sinister.

As if having made a decision, she stared at me intently, muttering to herself:

"Leo, you're always so kind, always too soft-hearted..."

"It's okay. This time, I'll help you get rid of her for good."