Chapter 4

Frowning, I said in a calm tone, "It's just trash at this point. Why shouldn't I throw it away?"

Iris' chest heaved, her eyes filled with hurt and fury.

She lifted a foot and stomped on the protective amulet, grinding it under her heel. Then, she sneered and said mockingly, "Adrian, you're so spoiled that you're basically heartless now! What an ingrate! No wonder Sophie would choose Will over you. You—"

"Iris!" Emily interrupted her in a low voice.

Iris' eyes reddened as she stared at me.

She was looking for hints of sadness or regret on my face.

But she was met only with my eerily calm expression.

Iris was trembling in anger as a low, suppressed growl escaped her throat. "Adrian! This amulet belongs to William. It was lent to you, so you have no right to throw it away!"

I felt surprisingly at peace as I said indifferently, "Then I'll compensate him."

My calmness was the final straw for Iris. She pointed at me, shouting angrily, "Still faking it? Fine, if that's how you want it, go and get another amulet! Climb all 1,000 steps, and don't skip a single one!"

Emily wanted to voice her objection, but Iris stopped her with a look.

Apparently, she agreed that it was a good opportunity to whip me into shape.

My wound wasn't too serious, so they believed that I was putting on a show just for attention.

When I reached the foot of the mountain outside the city, where the church stood, it suddenly started raining.

The thousand steps were cold and slippery from the rain, but I climbed up anyway.

My wound was soaked in rainwater, and a searing pain spread throughout my body.

But I pretended not to feel it as I chanted to myself that this would be the last time, and I would've paid Iris back in full when I was done.

I had no idea how long it took, but I finally obtained a new protective amulet.

I was completely drenched, and my head grew dizzy and feverish.

When I opened the door to the Parker residence, I found myself in the midst of a lively celebration.

William was surrounded by a crowd. He was holding a Physics Award trophy in his hands, and he looked smug about it.

However, my appearance instantly ruined the happy atmosphere.

Emily was the first to frown and shout at me. "Adrian, look at yourself! And you call yourself the son of the Parker family?"

Everyone turned to look at me. I saw looks of disgust and frustration, but none of them showed any concern.

Ignoring the looks around me, I walked straight up to William and placed the amulet in his hands.

Startled by the nice gesture, William retracted his hand, but I noticed a gleeful look flashing across his gaze. "Ade, please don't do this. I never meant to blame you…"

I couldn't be bothered to watch his fake act, so I turned around and left.

Behind me, I could hear Emily and Iris scolding me.

I pretended I hadn't heard them. I walked straight into my room and locked the door.

Taking out the blade I had kept in a drawer, I didn't hesitate as I brought it down on my wrist.

As blood gushed out, I felt a sense of relief I had never felt before.

A knock sounded on the door, and Scarlett's voice rang out. "Ade, open the door. I want to talk to you."

My life was hanging by a thread, and I didn't even have the energy to open my mouth.

Iris annoyedly said, "Just leave him be. He's just being dramatic and playing the victim again. I swear, we've really spoiled him too much."

In the end, Scarlett didn't insist on it. Their footsteps grew more distant.

Finally, I closed my eyes as I had wished. My soul felt light as it drifted upward.

I was still in mid-air when the door to my room suddenly burst open.

Emily barged in with a dark expression, Scarlett and Iris in tow.

"Adrian, you're—"

Her voice came to an abrupt stop, for a sea of crimson came into view.