Page 156 of Everdoll

“Yes.” I replied hastily. Yet his eyes refused to release me. That weird tension tightened in my chest, and when he finally drew back, my ribs rose and fell with a heavy breath.

He headed back inside, but I remained frozen in the middle of the street. A moment later, I reached for the wall to steady myself.

I was back at that cage in his room, like a clone begging him not to leave me… I took one last drag of my cigarette, but my hands were shaking, so I slipped it back into the pack.

There had to be a reason for his behavior; he was so illogical and unstable. Very different from the man who had hugged me desperately just a week ago.

But I was a woman of her word. If I said I would mind my own business, I would. If he was honest too, there would be no problem anyway.

Right?

CHAPTER 6

Raymond

Goddess.

A goddess had come to Yunna’s place, and ever since her presence had honored these poor people, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

Sweat dripping from her chin down her pearl-edged neckline. Her long red hair fell over her shoulders like willow leaves. Her bronze eyes sparkled with excitement. Black heels, black tulle stockings wrapped her legs from thigh to ankle… She lifted her eighth glass to her black lips. Her head spun, she swayed, and yet, even in that foolish posture, she was still the most beautiful sight in the whole world.

My Mina was now a grown woman, more beautiful and divine than ever. With every year she grew, she only seemed to grow prettier. Blue had always been her favorite color, but I never imagined it would suit her so well. She resembled the sorcerers who appeared at midnight, shining like a jewel in the huge place. She looked so worshipable like that.

And now she was hugging someone.

She said she would mind her own business, but I didn’t expect her to act so quickly. I tried to look away, but this time when a woman approached and touched her hair, my eyes grew wide. I clenched the glass in my hand, pressed my other hand against my knees, restraining myself.

Don’t get up, don’t move. Keep your word.

I was the type who never broke my word. Even kept my promise to Sebastian: remained as the heir to Loxton. I had flawlessly carried out the tasks my family had given me, successfully delivering every project entrusted to me to the planet until now.

But at that moment, I was very close to breaking the promise I just made. Rather than watching Mina flirt with others, it would’ve been more bearable to ravage a dimension. Like the other Raymond did. I hadn’t felt this way in a long time. Losing control again was strange and exciting. As jealousy spread through my veins, I began to feel… more human.

“As I said, your father and I did amazing jobs, Mr. Raymond. I’d like to sign the agreement this Thursday. Mr. Raymond?”

I didn’t hear the man in front of me. There was only one reality in my senses. Mina was raising her hands, placing them on some random man’s face—no, she was caressing the bastard’s cheek.

“Mr. Ra…”

With a swift move, I stood up, gazed one last time in her direction. I had no idea what expression was on my face, but when our eyes met, the pure shock washed over her, her eyes widening. I immediately averted my gaze.

Stepping out into the fresh air, my chest kept heaving nonstop. I couldn’t calm down. Couldn’t erase the horrific images in my mind. I let the cold night condemn me, dragging me into a bottomless ocean. All alone, sinking without end. I lifted my head toward the sky, closing my eyes with sorrow.

Why was I even angry? I had no right to feel it.

I knew this day would come, so why did it still hurt?

My breathing refused to steady itself, my hands trembled as I reached into my coat and drew out a cigarette. I studied it between my fingers. My breath hitched at the thought of those black lips. Why was Mina using this shit? Why was she filling her mortal lungs with it? If only she were still mine…

I blinked back tears. Accept it. She doesn’t belong to you. Stop dreaming. Stop staring at sky.

But how could you escape something that already spread through your veins? How could people so easily forget the things they loved for years?

Why am I still here? Like I told Mina, a man who had forgotten his lover would leave here without looking back. Then, why?

I brought the last cigarette to my lips and took a deep breath. Now I would walk back inside like nothing, watching the girl who haunted my nightmares turn other people’s evening into heaven.

I had to do it for my sins.