Page 75 of Everdoll

Sebastian grinned. “Already threatening me on your first day as my son?

“Already making your first day as my father regrettable?”

“I don’t think I would regret…”

When my metal arm rose again, Sebastian crawled backward. He immediately jumped up and straightened his suit, refusing to glance at me. I finally lowered my arm, my gaze rising to the house.

I clenched my jaw and watched her room’s windows with a heaviness in my chest, wondering what I could do to keep from going mad.

“It’s not over, no…” I whispered to myself. “We’re not over. Don’t worry, my love. Don’t worry. I’ll never leave you.”

Whether it was disrespectful or shameless, I didn’t care. We were inseparable, like puppet strings tangled. No matter how shattered we were, I would put the pieces back together. I would obliterate anyone who stood in my way.

My godfather, the Mars media, her stupid friends, even one day… God itself.

No one could take Mina away from me. No one. Not even herself.

STAGE THREE: Witch

Mina

Whenever he looked at me, I felt his gaze.

Although most of our time was spent together in my room, when we went outside, those blue eyes always reached me like a flowing ocean.

Just like now.

The last class had ended a few minutes ago, everyone left, but I only packed my bag. Hesitantly, I made my way to the window, peering outside. Spotting the sleek, navy limousine waiting in front of the building, I drew a deep breath.

Directly at my school this time? Had he lost his mind?

He had come every day for three days. To my house, to the news agency, and now to my school…?

Maybe if I never came out, he could leave. So I headed to the corridor, began waiting.

“Hey, Olind! Could you take these files to the staffroom?”

I startled. I was watching the Bernova corner for minutes, so I was absent-minded. I smiled wide and reached for the pile of files.

“Of course, madam! You can trust me!”

When the papers, nearly as tall as I was, were piled into my arms, I walked slowly toward the end of the corridor. Climbing the stairs, my legs shook, but I didn’t care.

To be needed was the only way I knew how to live.

It made me feel good to know someone in somewhere wanted my help. As if I had the right to live as long as I pleased everyone. It convinced my soul I had a place in this world too.

Just a place where it’s okay for me to exist.

After dropping off the files, I returned to the Bernova corner. The first copies of the songs Bernova said he wrote for his daughter were hanging. This corner was made in their memory. Even though years had passed, everyone’s pain seemed fresh.

On the other hand, I was still like a ghost. I cried for my closest friend from time to time, but my heart was still filled with hopelessness.

I couldn’t accept it. I hated this cruel world forced me to accept it.

“Did you see Loxton’s heir? He’s so handsome, I was totally shocked.”

I recoiled as a few people passing by in the hallway. I turned my head slightly and pricked up my ears.