Chapter 96: Gaslighting (2)

Reflecting back, Dowd had always been like sunshine to Yuria.

Despite almost having a horrifying experience from the very first time they met, he had never avoided her. Instead, he was the one who had always approached her first.

Excluding her older sister, he was the only one who knew about her condition. Despite that, he still offered his company and assistance.

He was the only one who provided her a bridge to the world, allowing her to interact with others and live as she did now.

He enveloped her dark and damp world with warm sunshine.

However…

That very same person….

“For the first time, I’m a little disappointed in you.”

While emitting an atmosphere as cold as ice, he articulated each word, as if driving it home.

Such a sentence flew like a knife, stabbing deep into her heart.

As if she had actually been physically beaten, Yuria couldn’t help but backpedal a few steps.

Without realizing, she clutched her chest tightly.

“…”

It hurt.

In the beginning, she had definitely come here in anger.

Even until just a while ago, a ‘voice’ kept echoing in her head, whispering how she needed to do something to this man, who continued to meet other women.

But now…

Such things weren’t important.

Her hands were trembling. Tears welled up in the corner of her eyes. She lost strength in her legs. Chills ran down her entire body.

She was scared.

In case…Just in case….

This man…

Would become disappointed in her and never look her way again…

“…”

It was just her anxiety taking over at the moment. But even so….

The mere ‘chance’ that such a thing could happen…

It was unbearable.

“U-Um, so…”

She opened her mouth with great difficulty, as her trembling voice trickled out.

An excuse. She had to at least make some kind of an excuse.

“I-I wasn’t t-trying to do that, I-I w-was…”

She desperately tried to force her voice out, in hopes he would have his fury relieved, even if it was just by a little.

However, before she could even finish her sentence…

“I didn’t say this to hear your excuses.”

A stern voice cut her off.

She flinched so hard, as if she was struck by a lightning bolt.

Her movements stiff, barely managed to raise her head as she met Dowd’s eyes.

The usual warmth lingering in his eyes was nowhere to be found. In its place was a piercing gaze overflowing with ire, as if he was looking at a mortal enemy. Even through the mask he wore, it felt heartbreakingly clear.

At the sight of his cold wrath, she spoke out of reflex.

“…I’m sorry…”

Yuria sniffled as she fell to her knees; Her legs had completely given out.

“I r-really w-wasn’t t-trying t-to do that, I-I, s-so-”

She never had any intention to harm this man.

It was…just…

Her greediness overflowed a little.