The Death Bell Summons Love Rats

My words were swallowed by the sound of the door clicking shut behind Kael. Just then, my phone rang. It was my best friend, Elowen, "Iris, the full moon is in three days. I'll come to bring you back to the Underworld."

"Okay, I'll be ready on time." I replied.

In just three days, I could leave Kael forever, severing all ties with him once and for all.

The next morning, Luna didn't show up for my daily massage at the usual time. When I wheeled myself into the living room, she was lounging on the sofa like the lady of the mansion, a plate of fresh fruit resting in front of her.

"Iris, you're up? I'm so sorry. I hurt my wrist yesterday, so Kael specifically gave me the day off to rest at home."

I didn't bother sparing her a response. I simply wheeled past her straight to the fridge to get some water.

Luna's face darkened. She deliberately raised her voice, "Iris, could you pour me a glass of water? I'm a bit thirsty, but the doctor said…I need to avoid walking around during the early stages of pregnancy."

She enunciated the word "pregnancy" with extra clarity. I knew this was her provocation, but I felt my body stiffened as I slowly turned around. Unlike the fury and breakdown Luna was expecting, I stared at her calmly, my expression as still as a frozen lake.

"Luna, you are just a maid hired to take care of me. How dare you order me around?"

Luna shot to her feet, her face flushing red, "Iris! Do you really think you're still some noble queen? Do you honestly believe Kael still loves you?"

Her voice was shrill and piercing, but I stopped looking at her and prepared to return to my room. Unexpectedly, Luna chased after me and shoved me hard from behind. I didn't have time to brake. I tumbled down the stairs, my head slamming heavily against the steps. Dizziness washed over me, followed by a blinding wave of pain.

In the last second before losing consciousness, my vision was blurred by blood. I saw the front door burst open. Kael ran toward me in hurry, "Iris, what happened to you?"

But the moment Luna stumbled into his line of sight, Kael abandoned me and rushed toward her instead. I gave a bitter smile and closed my eyes, my consciousness plunging into complete darkness.

When I woke up again, I was in the hospital and my wounds had already been treated. Kael was keeping vigil by my bedside.

Seeing me open my eyes, he hurriedly turned off his phone and leaned in, "Iris, you're awake. How do you feel right now?"

His tone was urgent, and his expression looked sincere. Had I not known about his affair with Luna, I might even have fallen for his words.

I turned my head away without a word. Kael frowned, "Are you still angry with Luna? I'll call her over to apologize to you right now." He immediately made the call.

Ten minutes later, Luna appeared in the ward with red-rimmed eyes. Her apology was as quiet as a mosquito's buzz, "Iris, I'm sorry…I shouldn't have pushed you. I was just… impulsive."

Although Luna was saying sorry to Iris, her eyes kept darting toward Kael all the time.

Kael waved a hand dismissively. "You may leave."

"Iris, she has apologized and has been punished. Just don't hold a grudge against her anymore, okay?"

I stared at him quietly for a long pause, then suddenly asked, "What was her punishment?"

Kael was clearly stunned, not expecting my question. He answered awkwardly, "I…I deducted one-day salary."

The air in the hospital room seemed to freeze for a few seconds. I stared at him, and then let out a scoff of self-mockery, "Just one-day salary?"

I suddenly remembered a banquet a few years ago, where I was mocked for being an ordinary person with no background. Kael had immediately banned the offender's entire family from doing business. In front of everyone, he had held me close and declared, "Iris is the light that dispelled the darkness in my life. I will not allow anyone to disrespect or harm her.” He pointed at the offender, “If anyone dares next time, here is the example."

But now, Luna had nearly killed me, and the price she paid was merely a few hundred bucks. The loss of his love was painfully obvious. I just thought Kael’s love was far too cheap.