Chapter 9

When Saylor left, she hugged me, didn't say much, just reminded me to see the doctor on time.

I nodded.

But the moment the door closed, the emotions I had suppressed erupted, more intense than ever.

The home that my aunt had neatly organized was once again thrown into chaos by me.

I went mad, smashing things that were perfectly fine to the ground.

The sound of glass shattering was piercing.

But it wasn't enough.

Perhaps because I had suppressed it for too long, the impulse was stronger than ever.

The devil whispered in my ear.

Urging me to take the fruit knife and press it against my wrist.

But I stopped short.

The door suddenly opened.

Kieran's hand froze in mid-air, meeting my eyes.

Previously, whenever I picked up a knife, he'd panic.

He wouldn't let me touch anything sharp.

But this time.

He just stood there, his expression cold and detached like a spectator.

The ticking of the clock on the wall was distinctly audible.

"Do it."

He looked at me, sneered, and repeated:

"Cut yourself."

I didn't move, like a puppet, staring blankly at him.

He snorted, his gaze sharp.

"You don't dare."

"You're just trying to gain sympathy."

"Why wasn't it you who died?"

His tone was innocent yet heartless, as if it were a simple question.

I used all my strength to restrain my trembling.

"Adeline."

"You don't dare to die."

He said it almost word by word.

Indeed, I don't dare.

Caught between medication and promises.

I can't die.

But I can't live either.

The knife clattered to the floor, landing at my feet.

Despair wrapped around me like vines, making me finally cry out.

In the past, whenever I cried, Kieran would hold me in his arms, his cold demeanor softening, speaking gently to comfort me.

Just like.

Just like—

That person.

Always using a handkerchief scented with gardenias, gently wiping away my tears, then holding me close, whispering to comfort me:

"Little Moon, don't cry."

"Crying isn't pretty."

Such a cliché phrase.

But I heard it for over a decade, and never got tired of it.

In this world,

No one will comfort me like that anymore.