In addition to his feverish body temperature, a strong scent of alcohol also filled the air.
Upon opening my eyes, I was greeted by Darius's face, etched with an expression of aggrievement.
This version of him, resembling an abandoned puppy clinging to my hand and pressing it against his flushed cheek, was new to me.
"My dear wife, he said you loved me because I stole you," he lamented pitifully.
"He also accused me of not cherishing you, which isn't true. I'm just temporarily at a loss about how to face this…"
"Darius, I am not your wife. You walked out on our engagement ceremony, making me not even your fiancée," I cut him off coldly.
My words visibly wounded Darius; he momentarily froze, the drunkenness in his eyes fading as he regained clarity.
Nevertheless, he chose to feign drunkenness and snuggled up to me as if nothing was amiss.
"Impossible, my Luna loves me most. She's destined to be my only wife."
Hearing this, I only responded with a cold, detached gaze.
"Darius, acting out these dramas at your age is unbecoming. If you remained as devoted to Serena as before, I might still have some respect for you," I said bluntly.
This provoked Darius. His fist, slamming down beside me, sunk into the pillow's softness.
After a pause, I locked eyes with his now fiery gaze. "What should I do? From the moment I was born, my parents saw me as nothing but a tool. Without Serena's support, I wouldn't have survived. What do you want me to do?"
His outcry was heavy with despair. Momentarily, he softened his voice as though finding direction, "At the end of the day, it's because of your past mistakes. Sweetheart, don't fear, I won't hold them against you anymore."
Madness, I thought, watching his agony with a cool gaze.
"Indeed, she's so innocent and kind. So, why don't you marry her? Is it reluctance?"
"Darius, have you realized how low you've stooped? No wonder Serena doesn't love you. You don't deserve anyone's love. I was blind before."
"Shut up!" Triggered by one of my comments, he suddenly overpowered me, his hands clasping my neck.
"You were the one who promised to always treat me well, to be by my side," he said, looking at me in utter despair.
"What's with that look? Weren't you supposed to love me the most? Why can't I feel your love now?"
His roar contained an unacknowledged helplessness and panic, tears obscuring his view. Yet, he obstinately searched my face for any trace of past affection.
As his grip tightened, making my cheeks flush from the strain, I merely laughed coldly.
Yes, that's it, strangle me and go to hell!
