Chapter 2

Memories surged again, sending chills down my spine. I instinctively recoiled to dodge Antonio's outstretched hand.

"I-I'm not—" My voice was so hoarse.

I wanted to say I wasn't pretending. Here, dodging a beating was already a small win.

But before I could finish, the door was kicked open with a loud bang.

Against the light, I saw Orfeo rushing in.

"Sofia! You know today is Emilia's birthday. Even if you want to die, don't do it today and ruin her day!"

So, that was why they'd been desperate to keep me alive. They were afraid I'd die on Emilia's birthday and ruin her day.

I wanted to laugh but had no strength. Darkness crept over my vision little by little.

When I woke up again, I was in Lombardi Manor.

I heard Orfeo's gentle coaxing from the next room. "Emilia, come on, one more bite. Just one more."

I glanced at the clock. It was already the next day. Emilia's birthday had passed, so I wouldn't ruin her day anymore.

Now, I could finally die, right?

At that thought, my eyes landed on a fruit knife not far away. I pushed myself up and tried to get out of bed.

The moment my feet hit the floor, a sharp, tearing pain shot through my private part, and I collapsed heavily to the ground.

It hurt so much. Tears spilled uncontrollably as I hugged my dirty self tight and curled into a ball.

If I died, it wouldn't hurt anymore. If I died, I could forget the pain and let my memories stop at the good times.

That thought kept me going. My arm stretched toward the knife.

The moment I yanked the tablecloth off, glass shattered everywhere, slicing my skin, but I didn't notice.

Finally, I grabbed the knife and slashed at my neck without hesitation.

My strength drained fast as blood poured out. I slumped against the wall, powerless.

I was free now.

"Silvio, I'm sorry. I can't stay by your side until your last moment."

That was my last thought.

After that, I was jolted awake by violent shaking.

As I stared up at the hospital ceiling, a cold wave of emptiness washed over me. I hadn't died.

What greeted me was Orfeo's sharp and angry voice. "Sofia!"

I turned to him blankly.

Orfeo stood at the bedside, looking like a wreck despite his white coat. His eyes were red, and his voice trembled as he screamed, "Are you crazy? You actually tried to kill yourself just to compete with Emilia for our attention? Do you know you'd be dead if I'd been a minute later?

"Emilia was right next door! She faints at the sight of blood! If you want to die, do it somewhere else!"

His yelling made me feel even more aggrieved.

In my memories, Orfeo was the most cheerful and lighthearted of the Lombardi brothers.

When I was sick and burning with fever, Antonio went to pray in the church. Meanwhile, Orfeo—who was a medical doctor—stayed up all night by my bedside. He'd tell jokes to cheer me up and bake cupcakes to make me smile.

Even when Emilia first came, he dismissed her and made his stance clear to Antonio. "Sofia's my only sister."

Until that one banquet, when Emilia suffered an allergic reaction.

After checking her over, Orfeo tested the wineglass I'd given her and found the allergen.

That was the first time he snapped at me. "Sofia! What do you have to say? You just can't stand Emilia, huh? Do you want to get rid of her so badly?"

I shook my head helplessly, unable to defend myself.

A sudden phone ring interrupted my thoughts.

When Orfeo saw the caller ID, all his anger vanished. A smile I hadn't seen in a long time took over his face.

"Emilia, don't be scared. Sofia's okay now. She wouldn't really want to die. She's just being childish. She knows you faint at blood and wanted to scare you. I've already scolded her harshly.

"Alright. I'll make you some cupcakes when I get home."

When the call ended, the gentleness on his face vanished instantly. He shot me a fierce glare.

"Emilia has been crying so much out of worry that she couldn't even eat. Her depression had just gotten better, and you almost made her relapse with this stunt.

"Stay here and think about what you've done! When you realize your mistakes, then maybe we'll think about taking you back."

With that, he gave me a harsh sedative injection and slammed the door behind him.

Watching his retreating back, I forced a bitter smile and thought, "Don't worry, Orfeo. I'll die far away. You won't have to take me back."

My gaze drifted out the window.

This was Elythra Sanatorium. Down below stretched an endless ocean.

Not bad. Dying here wouldn't scare anyone.

I grabbed the edge of the bed and slowly shuffled toward the window.

Farewell, Antonio, Orfeo, and Carlo.

As I jumped, the door opened. Carlo rushed in just in time to see it all. His face twisted with rage.