Betrayal in Blue, A Siren's Redemption

"You know, misplacing it might not be the end of the world. After we tie the knot, we could always purchase another one. Or perhaps even move to a more spacious residence. What are your thoughts?"

Gerard appeared to be seriously contemplating our future together. He kept casting furtive glances my way, gauging my response. I noticed, of course, but pretended to be oblivious.

Usually, I'd be ecstatic—probably shedding tears of joy. But now? I couldn't muster even a single teardrop for him.

My lack of enthusiasm dampened his spirits. He sensed my displeasure, but made no attempt to rectify the situation. The fact that he'd made any effort tonight was already unusual.

When he went to bathe, his mobile started buzzing incessantly. The sound was irritating me, so I picked it up and took a peek at the screen.

Gwyneth had sent him numerous images—wedding pictures of the two of them. Some in traditional attire, others in contemporary styles.

A dull, heavy ache settled in my chest.

So, this was how things stood. His enthusiasm was reserved solely for her.

I recalled the times I'd eagerly dragged him to browse wedding attire with me. But he found excuses to avoid it every single instance.

"It's all identical. Just choose something," he'd grumbled.

That scowl of his remains etched in my memory.

His impatience with me? That was genuine.

And the affection evident in those numerous photos? That was authentic, too.

"What on earth are you doing?"

Abruptly, steam billowed in as Gerard burst out of the bathroom, yanking the phone from my grasp. He pulled it so forcefully that I tumbled onto the bed.

"Don't you understand the concept of privacy?" His face was flushed from the hot shower, but his tone was glacial, sending shivers down my spine.

I glanced at my hand. His grip had left a scratch, which was now bleeding.

Truthfully, even if he hadn't caught me, I wouldn't have scrolled further. I'd already seen it all before—the countless flirtatious messages. I'd perused them all during one sleepless night, from dusk till dawn.

By the time I finished, my eyes were puffy, but I still had to feign normalcy, pretending I'd just woken up.

Who would have guessed? Seven years together, and our exchanges always consisted of me—nagging, begging, trying to ignite a spark. Occasionally, if he felt inclined, he'd toss me an emoji as a reply.

I was nothing more than a fool.

"I apologize," I muttered, lowering my gaze. "I won't touch your phone again."

He halted, taken aback by my reaction.

"Those photos... Gwyneth mentioned that trying on wedding gowns is tiring, so I... I just assisted her in trying some on. That's all," he stammered. "You know her brother passed away. I was merely doing this for him. Don't misunderstand."

I remained silent, allowing him to fumble through his feeble excuses.

Kurt, Gwyneth's brother, had been Gerard's friend. When Gerard was struggling to launch his business, Kurt rushed to deliver a flash drive to him but ended up in a vehicular accident.

He was rushed to the emergency room but didn't survive.

Before his death, he made Gerard vow to look after his sister.

And Gerard honored that promise. He cared for her exceptionally well.

What began as a distant concern evolved into him involving himself in every minute aspect of her life.

I sniffled. There were only a few days left before my permanent departure. I saw no reason to hold anything back anymore.

"Don't worry about me misinterpreting," I said quietly. "Honestly, if you and Gwyneth were to marry, I think it would be a suitable match..."

Before I could finish, his hand struck my face, the slap resonating sharply.

"What's wrong with you?" he shouted. "Gwyneth only views me as a brother! Do you think she's as cheap as you?"

The sting on my cheek burned fiercely.

Indeed, Gwyneth isn't like me. She didn't throw herself at him like some desperate fling.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but before they could fall, I caught a flicker of panic on his face.

His tone softened. "I... I didn't mean that. I apologize."

For a moment, I wanted to reveal everything. "Gerard, I'm getting..."

But his ringtone interrupted me.

He answered, and a woman's voice echoed through the silent, chilly bedroom.

"G-Gerard! I had a nightmare! I dreamed about my brother... I'm... I'm so frightened..."