Chapter 2

When we returned to Elena's room, she was wearing the wedding dress I had designed. It was a gown I had created with my own hands—one I had never even brought myself to wear after it was finished.

Catching the shock in my eyes, Elena hurriedly explained, flustered, "I thought this was a gift from you—for my wedding with Kael. I'm sorry, I'll take it off right now!"

She lowered her head, looking like a child who had done something wrong.

Kael instinctively began, "She just—"

I cut him off, my voice calm. "It's fine. It looks good on you. You can keep it. I've never worn it anyway."

Under their astonished gazes, I turned and left quietly.

At the doorway, I glanced back.

Kael was gently ruffling Elena's hair, bending down to whisper something in her ear. Her face flushed red as she shot him a shy, playful glare.

They leaned close, laughing together, like lovers deep in love.

Back in my room, I made a decision. I would clear away everything that belonged to me. Since there was no place for me in their hearts, I might as well erase every trace of my existence—no need to leave anything behind to offend their eyes.

My clothes, daily necessities, every photo that included me, the gifts I had given to my family and to Kael—I packed them all up and threw them into the trash outside.

When I finished, I was exhausted, breathing hard.

When Kael returned home, he came straight to me, holding a ring in his hand.

"Do you like it? I picked it out especially for you."

I had just reached out to take it when Elena walked in. She wrapped her arm around Kael's affectionately.

The moment she saw the ring, she pouted. "It's so pretty! I want one too!"

I yielded without hesitation. "Then you can have it."

Kael's expression darkened instantly. "Don't be ridiculous. This is our wedding ring!"

Elena snatched the ring anyway and slipped it onto her finger, waving it at Kael.

"Kael, does it look good on me? It even fits perfectly. Kael… was this actually meant as a gift for me?"

Kael looked at her, hesitated for a moment, then nodded—his eyes filled with indulgence.

Only then did he turn to me, a trace of guilt in his voice as he said softly, "I'll buy you a better one next time."

I nodded indifferently. I had heard his promises countless times—how many had he ever kept?

First, he gave the wedding to Elena. Now, even the wedding ring. What would be next? What else did he expect me to give up for her?

As I turned to go back to my room, Kael called out, "Elizabeth! You—"

I turned and met his gaze.

He pulled free from Elena and walked quickly toward me. "Could you move to a hotel for a few days? Elena wants to use this place as the bridal room. Don't worry, I've booked the best hotel for you. You won't be mistreated."

I looked at the room card he handed me and suddenly laughed. With tears in my eyes, I took the card. "Alright."

My easy agreement seemed to unsettle him. He even looked a little uneasy.

"What's gotten into you lately? You're like a different person. Is this about Elena? I've told you so many times—she's young and pitiful. I just feel sorry for her. Are you really jealous of your own sister?"

Feeling sorry for her… meant hurting me over and over again?

Seven years ago, Kael hadn't been like this. Back then, he had always put me first. Anything I wanted, he gave me without hesitation.

When I discovered he was a vampire, he immediately swore that he would love only me for all eternity. Even if I died, he would find my reincarnation and stay by my side forever—even if not as lovers.

But now… his entire world revolved around Elena.

If that was the case, then Kael, your cheap love is something I don't want anymore.

"It's nothing. I'm just tired. I need some rest."

I turned to open the door, but Kael stopped me again.

Gripping my wrist, he acted as though he were forcing out someone who didn't belong here. "I'll have the driver take you to the hotel."

Before I left, I glanced at the time.

I had twelve hours left until my death.