Scarring His Lover Is Just the First Step

A young girl crazy in love would only think that the world was trying to stop her from achieving her happiness. So, I handled it my way.

Being brash and unafraid of consequences, I trespassed onto the territory of our enemies, while men on both sides were engaging in an intense brawl.

Even now, I still have no idea what I wanted to prove by doing that. Was I trying to prove my sincerity? Or did I just want to strongarm my mother into giving in?

My mother had rushed over like a madwoman. She used her body as a shield, taking a bullet to the heart for me.

"I'll give in. Be happy with him."

With her last breath, she fulfilled my selfish demand.

Outside the funeral home, rain poured.

Caleb knelt before Mom's photo. He slammed his head against the ground again and again until blood and rain streamed down his face.

"Cecilia, I swear that Quinn will be the only woman I love! I will protect her with my life and make sure she doesn't suffer. If I go back on my promise, I'll die a terrible death!"

I'd believed the passion burning in his eyes, thinking that his warmth would drive away the chill in my heart from my mother's death.

Back in the present, I met Caleb's eyes.

"I'm incorrigible? Have you forgotten everything you said before Mom's grave?"

Caleb seized for a moment. His arm fell to his side.

"Selene's young, and she didn't mean it. Forgive her."

She didn't mean it? I shook my head.

"She must pay for what she said!"

Imbued with a sudden burst of strength, I lifted the bat once again and swung it toward Selene.

The bat didn't make contact with Selene. Instead, it hit Caleb. He'd shielded her with his own body.

When the bat landed on him, he whimpered and paled. However, his hold on Selene hadn't loosened up at all. Instead, he'd pressed her further into his chest.

Just like…

Just like that stormy night back then. Caleb had been covered in blood, but he'd protected me with everything he had.

"Don't be scared, Quinn. I'm here."

I didn't stop hitting him. I even put even more force into it as the bat collided with his body again and again.

Stuck in a trance, the sound of him consoling Selene broke through the haze in my head.

"Don't be scared, Selene. I'm here."

…

All the anger and madness drained out of me. My arms fell, and the bat thudded to the ground.

I stood in place, disoriented, and watched as Caleb anxiously asked Selene whether she'd gotten spooked. He didn't even care about his own injuries.

Then, I looked up at him. The love and warmth in his eyes had disappeared, only to be replaced with disdain and disappointment.

At that moment, I understood.

He had thrown away our past, as well as the tears and promises he'd made, even though he'd nearly sacrificed his life to have me.

It wasn't a misunderstanding, nor was he just playing hard to get. Caleb genuinely didn't love me anymore.

"I was wrong about you, Quinn. I used to think you were just reckless and headstrong because you were spoiled. Yet, Selene merely said something wrong, and you wanted to take her life. Turns out you're an evil woman through and through."

He pulled Selene till she was flush against him, as though he wanted to become one with her.

Selene took the opportunity to wail in his arms.

"I'm scared, Cal, I'm scared! I don't want to see her!"

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."