Astral's POV:

"But Master-"

"I'll do whatever I can to set you free."

The guy across from me blinks as his magenta hair and dark pink eyes stare back at me. "You mean… you actually believe me?"

"I looked at your files." My eyes drift to my hand. "Civil servant and and a role model who won many nominations. Clearly, this was a freak accident."

"But I killed someone… shouldn't I be-"

"You were saving your beloved." My eyes meet his as he shuts his mouth. "If I was in your shoes, I would've done the same thing."

He looks to be in shock as I continue to flip through the legal documents. "According to the law, if we can prove your acts were of self defense, there may be a chance of your charges being pardoned."

"Really?" His face lights up as he leans forward smiling. "I can get to see my girlfriend again?"

"Not at this moment but if you really want to see her," My tongue clicks as I snap the file shut. "I'll see what I can do."

"Wait," Gears turn in his brain. "Do you know…"

"I'm doing this because your girlfriend asked me to." My arms fold over my chest as I lean back in my chair. "And yes, she's a long time friend of mine."

A gasp escapes his lips. "How is she? Is she okay? Was she injured? Where is she now?"

"Calm yourself." I said handing him a cup of water. "She's fine and your child is safely within this palace."

"In the… palace…" His eyes widen. "Does that mean-"

"Jasper," My eyes meet his as he gulps fidgeting with his cup. "I don't have much time. Can you think of anything that would prove you shoved him out of self defense?"

"Well," He places a hand under his chin. "Considering the ambush that The Duke ordered was aimed at me… I…" His eyes light up. "I got it!"

I blink as he lets out a dazzling smile. "Your Highness, can a threatening letter be evidence?"

Hm…

"It depends what's in the letter."

"He threatened to kill me if I got close to his daughter."

"That would do." If he did send him a note, I can tie that back to the event and bring him for questioning. "Do you happen to still have it?"

"If I remember correctly it's should still be in the desk at my room." Figured.

"Alright," However that may not be enough… "One more thing, that night was there any witnesses of the attack?"

His smile curves into a frown with a soft sigh shaking his head. "Unfortunately no. At least not that I know of anyway."

Hopefully the note would be enough but just in case… I'll come up with an alternative.

"Your Highness," The being across from me speaks after a moment causing me to snap from my thoughts. "Thank you for believing me."

Why is he…

"It's the least I can do." I blink as I rise from my seat. "I don't want to see an innocent person being charged is all."

He rises to meet my level with a bow. "If I may ask for a request?"

"Go on."

"If I may," A nervous look flashes on his face as he bites his lips. "Please look after Sapphire and my daughter for me. All I wish for is their safety."

"You don't need to worry. I'll look after them for you. Is there anything else you would like to request?"

Dark pink eyes meet mine as they shut. "I…"

Outside the dungeon:

"Waltari, head to his house and find the note."

My butler bows with a nod. "Yes, Master."

Footsteps fade into the distance as I let out a breath. Why would he wish for that of all things?

Astrana's POV:

"Brother," I holler at the figure standing on the balcony. "Mom and dad has been looking for you everywhere."

"Why?"

"They were wondering where you were." I approach him as he shakes his head slowly.

"And they didn't find me themselves?"

He has a point…

"They're busy with a trial or something. Get this, apparently a guy murdered another guy a few weeks ago."

A calculating look flashes on his face as his gold and silver eyes narrow. "Really?"

"Yea." My shoulders shrug. "I couldn't believe it either. This guy seduced a girl and forced her to run away with him." I click my tongue. "What have people come to?"

The fact that he would seduce her to run away with him… I would like to punch him in the face. How dare he do that? Whoever that girl is, I pity her.

"Has there been an official ruling yet?"

I place a hand under my chin. "Not that I know of but it's only a matter of time. All I know is that mom and dad was very angry because the girl that got seduced was a duke's daughter."

"Ah," His eyes shifts to mine. "Is there currently anyone running an investigation on this matter?"

Huh? Why is he asking?

"I don't think so…" I trail off as my brother gets a glint in his eyes. "Just wondering but why are you asking about this?"

"When's his trial?"

I blink as the guy in front of me stares into my golden eyes. "Uh… I believe tomorrow or-"

"I got to go."

"What?"

His feet glides over the palace floors and out of sight. What the… did he really just leave in the middle of a conversation?

What's going on with him these days? I let out a sigh as my head turns to the bright blue sky. It's like he's turning into a different being or something.

Astral's POV:

"Mother, Father," They jump as my voice rings throughout the room.

"Son," Her eyes light up walking towards me. "I didn't expect to see you here."

I didn't expect to be here either.

"How have you been doing?"

"I'm fine." My eyes drift to the being who is sitting at his desk. "I heard you're planning to trial a guy tomorrow?"

"You're correct." His red and green eyes meet mine. "Why? Does this case interest you?"

Hm… "That depends," I walk up to his desk. "What's your course of action?"

"Well," A sigh escapes his mouth. "Considering his file and this girl is a noble…" His hand goes underneath his chin. "It's pretty obvious what happened here."

I blink at the man in front of me. Are you kidding? Does he not realize? "You believe he seduced her as well?"

"Yea. You think otherwise?"

Really? Does he not see the holes? Did he even look at his file? "Father, may I take part in this case?" I ask after a moment as he blinks blankly.

"You don't usual go out of your way to get involved…" He narrows his eyes. "What's the motive?"

"Nothing. I just want to see where this crime goes. Also," My lips curve a bit into a smirk. "Don't you need to interrogate the lady involved? Considering she's my age, she'll be more comfortable opening up about it to me rather than The King."

Also, she's my friend.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see my mother nod as my father gives in. "Alright but don't manipulate any information."

I scoff with an arm wave. "Why on earth would I go and manipulate her words? What would that get me?"

"Because you done it before."

"Puh-lease, you're still going to hold it against me? I was young and didn't know right from wrong."

"Uh-huh… sure."

My eyes roll as I turn away from him. "Well, I've got somewhere I got to-"

"Hold on a second, son." A voice rings out behind me. "We heard something about a divorce…"

My heart stops in its tracks. What? Did my sister tell them? Come to think of it she can't keep a secret unless her life depended on it so it only made sense but why? Why are they asking about that at a time like this?

"A divorce?" I swerve around with a raised eyebrow. "Why did you ask?"

My parents look at each other then back at me. "We're concerned." A pair of hands grasp mine. "Tell me, are you planning to divorce your wife?"

That question… My stomach knots as I gulp. She would definitely be happier without me in her life. Who would want a guy who still has lingering feelings for his ex? Who would want a guy who has unresolved trauma? At this point in the game, with my mental health, I'm just a burden to her. She's unhappy because of me.

"Why?" My mother whispers gripping my hands tighter. "So far as I can tell, she's been nothing but loyal to you. Caring and kind. Why would you want to divorce such a woman?"

That's exactly it. She's too loving. Too kind. Too caring. If she's like this now, imagine how she would be when I succumb to my illness?

"Love, we shouldn't interfere with this."

"But-"

My father looks straight at me with a neutral expression. "Whatever your choice is, to divorce or not to, we'll support your decision but know this, once you throw her away, someone else will be there to take your place."

"I know,"

I'm sorry, Liliana. You don't deserve me. You're better off with someone who doesn't make you cry everyday.

(Pulse)

"You're shooting yourself in the foot."

"Who cares at this point?"

"She will." A sigh rings throughout my ears. "You still have time to stop the rumors and-"

"By now, she has probably heard about it."

"Why are you so stubborn? You just can't go around making decisions for other people. It doesn't work like that. What happened to freedom of choice?"

"Bye."

"No wait!"

(Pulse)

So annoying.

Derek's POV:

"Zach,"

"Yes?"

My eyes drift to the guy next to me as the wind howls blowing the leaves across the ledge and into the foggy abyss.

"Why are we here?"

Why on earth would he take me to a cliff of all places? And secondly, where did he even find this spot?

He stays silent for a moment looking at the cherry tree perched precariously on the ledge. "What do you mean? You chose to come with me."

"What? I didn't…" My eyes widen as a thought clicks. Oh yeah… "But I thought you said we were going somewhere fun." I lean forward a bit to notice little tiny rocks tumbling down into the water below. "This looks anything but fun."

Should've stayed with Maria. I regret my life choices. "Is there a specific reason why you want to show me this?"

"Say," His tongue clicks. "There's a legend about this cliff."

My ears perk. "A legend?"

He nods. "Apparently it has been rumored to hold the water of forgetfulness."

Water of forgetfulness? Huh… I roll my eyes crossing my arms over my chest. "Like what? If a person consumes the water, it will make them forget who they are or something?"

"Yup."

I blink at him with a head shake. "Sure, let's just say it really does that. Who in their right mind would want to drink such a thing?"

Who knows where that water has been? Ew! It could have germs in it.

"Someone who has a very painful memory affecting them psychologically and is coping through unhealthy means."

I raise a brow as my friend stares at the overcast sky with a look in his eye that I can't make out. Uh… is he alright? A gasp escapes my lips. Did he do something? Immoral? Committed a crime? Prison?! Come to think of it… he's gotten quite quiet over the last few days… hm…

"Zach," He turns to me with a head tilt. I firmly place a hand on his shoulder looking at him square in the eyes. "What you done does not define you." He's done something awful. That's why he wants to forget. I just know it! "I will still be here even if you commit an unspeakable act. Don't worry, my good friend."

Brown eyes blinks as I keep patting his shoulder. "Thanks Derek but that was just a scenario."

Aw, and he's too ashamed to admit it. Oh my poor poor friend.

"I get it." I let out a breath retreating my hand. "You don't want to tell me what you did and that's reasonable."

"What? I didn't-"

"Sh," I shush him with a breath. "I get it. No need to explain anything."

Brandon's POV:

"What do we do now?" She heard everything! Ay ya! She was the last person I wanted to hear this but now…

"We have to fix this." The being next to me mutters as green eyes meet mine. "Where is he?"

"Outside somewhere." Not in the palace, that's for sure. Honestly, his whole schedule is so unpredictable.

"And Lily?"

I shrug. "Probably in her room playing with Melody."

"Hm," She places a hand under her chin. "Where's Katherine?"

My eyes blink with a raised brow. "Why do you want to know her location?"

"Curious."

The wind howls between us as the sky fills with dark clouds. Woah, sudden change in weather. It look like it's about to rain or something.

"Brandon," Her white hair flutters as I turn my head to the right. "If it's true, do you think he's going to…"

Divorce? I let out a sigh. I highly doubt it but… the way he's been acting makes me concerned. Even if it's to fool Katherine, doesn't he think he's taking things a bit far?

"Sometimes I wish I can just get inside his head to dissect what he's thinking. Maybe then we wouldn't have to worry so much."

(Flash):

"Don't tell anyone about this."

(Flash)

This secret is eating me. I bite my lip. Can I really not tell her? A hint shouldn't be too bad, right? She's your wife after all.

Astral's POV:

"Hey kid,"

I stop walking as a force slams into my legs. A pair of dark red eyes look up at me with a gulp. "Why are you following me?"

His fingers fidget in his jacket as his eyes turn downwards. "I'm hungry."

He's hungry? I raise a brow at his shabby looking clothes. What's that got to do with me?

"That still doesn't explain why you've been following me for the last ten minutes." My arms fold as he cautiously looks into my eyes.

"You seem like you have money."

Oh?

"What makes you say that?" Nothing on me indicates of my status and I disguised myself so no way a boy can recognize me. "I could be broke for all you know."

He shakes his head observing me from head to toe. "You have money. You're too well dressed for an area like this."

I guess he has a point… this is quite a rural area on the poorer side by the looks of it.

"Hm, so what if I have money? What is it to you?"

"I'm hungry." His nervousness seems gone and in its place is a demand. "Feed me."

What?

My eyes widen at his request. "Feed you? I don't even know where you came from. What makes you think I will spend money on a random kid?"

His face remains neutral as red eyes stare directly into mine. "Feed me."

"Why?"

"I'm hungry. I need food."

Geez, what is up with this kid? He's demanding me to feed him? Who does he think I am? Plus… the neutral face he's displaying along with his tone of voice is somewhat unsettling.

"Go bother someone else." I turn away from him. "I've got somewhere to be."

"I'm hungry."

A hand tugs my sleeve. "I want food."

Does he only know those lines? Can't he say something else?

"Look kid," My eyes meet his shifting my weight on one leg. "I don't know you. You followed me for ten minutes and you expect me to buy you food?" I raise a brow. "You could be a stalker for all I know."

"Ambrose."

"Pardon?"

"My name."

His name is…

"Alright, Ambrose…" My eyes narrow. "I don't care what you want. Just stop bothering me."

"I want food." He tugs at my arm again with an emotionless expression. "Feed me."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't know you."

He tilts his head to the side a bit. "It's because you don't know me that you should feed me."

"How does that make any sense?" I ask after a moment as a thought clicks into my head. Wait a moment… he can't be more than 7 or 8 years old. Where are his parents?

"I don't care. You have money so you should buy me something to eat."

Are kids usually this demanding? Melody was never like this. Perhaps it's because he's a boy. I glance around the area to notice beings roaming around the road. Could this kid be lost?

"I'm hungry." He repeats once again with a neutral expression. I can't just leave him here, can I?

(5 minutes later)

In front of me lays ten large bowls of noodles as a kid stacks yet another bowl onto the pile with a satisfied look. Holy…

"Hey," He waves a hand as I snap from my stupor. "Order me another bowl."

He's kidding right?

"You just scarfed ten big bowls of noodles and you're still hungry?" I exclaim as he nods patting his stomach.

"Yup." A breath escapes his lips. "I haven't had a decent meal in a while so I'm making up for lost time."

Incredible. How can such a small being consume so much? My eyes widen as a thought occurs to me. Wait, it's $5 a bowl and he had 10 of them. Doesn't that equal to…

"You just ate $50 worth of food!" I glare at him as he laughs.

"Good thing you have money."

"Man," I facepalm my forehead with a groan. "How can your parents provide for you when you eat such a large quantity?"

"That's easy." A waiter walks up to me as I hand him my credit card. A laugh rings through my ears as I raise a brow. "They don't."

They… don't? What does that supposed to mean?

"Sir," The guy hands my card back with a bow. "Your card."

"Thank you." He walks away as I look at the object in my hands. $50 on a kid. Was this worth it? To spend this on a stranger? Oh wait… my parents are surely going to ask about this.

The kid next to me looks at the card with a smile. "Can we have dessert?"

"Absolutely not," My hands cautiously place the card into my wallet. "If you think I'm going to spend another dime on you, you're mistaken."

"Puh-lease," Red eyes roll with a scoff. "It's not like you're poor or anything. You're rich. You can buy whatever you want so why won't you let me get a dessert?"

"Just because I can buy whatever I want doesn't mean I like to spend money on trivial things."

"How is food trivial?" His arms fold over his chest as I shake my head. "It's necessary for survival."

"Yes but $50 for ten bowls of noodles?" I raise a brow. "I can understand if it were a steak or a filet mingnon but noodles? You picked noodles of all things?"

"Don't blame me," His eyes wander as little droplet of rain form on the window. "You were the one who won't let me eat fancy."

"And for good reason. Like I would let a kid have his way with my money." My eyes roll as I raise from my chair. What time is it? I glance at the wall clock. It's that late?

"Well, this is where we separate." I wonder if Waltari had gotten the evidence yet? "Let's not meet again."

His lips curve into a frown as I sense a figure trailing behind me. What is his deal? I brought him food and he's still following me? My feet picks up the pace as footsteps matches mine.

In hindsight, buying $50 worth of food was a bad move. I let out a breath. Oh well. What's done is done.

(Pulse)

Not again.

"What do you want this time?"

"Can't I check in to say hi?"

"Like you would do such a thing." I roll my eyes. "What do you want?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"For the millionth time, I'm not letting you out."

"I figured but remember it's a full moon in a few days."

Oh…

"Even if you don't want to, you have no choice."

"You'd better not do anything to mess with my plan."

"No promises."

This is troubling. If he regains control of my abilities… there's no telling what he would do. In that case… I guess that's the only option then.

(Pulse)

My ears perk up as footsteps trail behind me. It's been roughly 15 minutes yet he's still following me? Shouldn't he go to his parents? Why would he follow a random stranger?

"Shouldn't you go home?"

"Why?"

"Your parents."

"I'll just be an eyesore."

I blink as a force slams into my legs. An eyesore? My eyes scan up and down his body as they narrow. Am I dealing with a runaway kid?

"Why would you think that?"

The kid in front of me rubs his head opening one eye. "Apparently I'm not perfect or something." He shrugs. "I don't really know but I do know they don't want a… what was the word he used again?"

Perfection… why is it always that?

"Kid, let me tell you something." He looks at me as I sigh crouching to his level. "Your parents must be worried about you."

"They don't want me so why should I stay?"

"Sometimes parents say things that they don't really mean." I said after a few minutes. "It's not that I'm defending them in any way but running away from them won't solve your problems."

Ruby eyes meet mine with a head tilt. "Ah, don't worry. I have my whole life planned out already."

Huh?

Liliana's POV:

(Flash):

"Mother, how do I seduce a guy emotionally?"

Blue eyes blink raising an eyebrow. "Uh…"

"It's not enough physically."

She places her cup down with a clink dabbing her lips. "Are you having trouble with your marriage?"

I nod as she shakes her head with a sigh. "What kind of trouble?"

"He's being rather distant." My hands grip the hem of my dress. "It's like he's pulling away from me and…" Not to mention the divorce papers.

"Is there another woman in the picture?"

Katherine and Astraea. My bet is Astraea but who knows what he's thinking in that brain of his. It might be apart if the plan but sure doesn't look like it anymore.

"Is it her?"

I nod once more as she leans towards clasping my hands. "Honey,"

"I know." A lump form in my throat. "I get it. I know what you're going to say but…"

I just wish he would talk to me! Maybe then I can feel a bit better about my actions and things could gradually go back to the way they were. But what am I supposed to do when he's avoiding me all day?

(Creek)

"Let him be."

My eyes meet a man with red eyes as he sits down on the couch next to me. "If he's pulling away, there's a reason. It might be because of her but not necessarily."

"Luca-"

"I know Carissa." He flashes a gentle smile. "But Lily, all I'm saying is not to doubt him. Even if his mental state isn't thriving at the moment, don't let your fears get the best of you."

My eyes widen. "How did you know about his mental state?"

"Enna said some things."

Oh…

"Sweetie," My eyes turn to my mother's as she nods. "It's hard. I get it. But remember you are his wife. You should be able to summon the authority to kick anyone who disrespects you right into the curb. If a girl tries to steal him away, you got to have the power to steal him back."

"She's right. Honey," He places a hand on my shoulder. "Be more confident in yourself."

Be… more… confident?

(Flash)

Hm… they might be onto something.

"Your Highness," Why of all beings…

My lips twitch upwards as I turn around. "Katherine, hey. What brings you to my room?"

And who on earth would let you in?

She materializes a small white bottle with a smile. "Your Highness, here's some ointment for His Highness."

I blink as she hands the bottle to my hand. Medicine? Is he injured? And he has the audacity of not telling me?!

"While I appreciate your concern for my husband, the royal physician will be more than sufficient to treat him."

"Of course I know that but," She bites her lips with a guilty expression. "I was partially responsible for his wound. If I didn't do anything, I would never forgive myself."

She…

"Oh?" I walk towards the couch sitting on it with a breath. "You were responsible?"

Her head bows. "Yes. I wasn't careful enough that night and injured him."

That night? As in… they met each other at night?! My blood boils as I grip the hem of my dress tightly. "May I ask how exact you managed to injure him?" Got to keep calm. It's probably not what I'm thinking. Calm down, Lily.

"I…" Her purple eyes drift back and forth in nervousness as she gulps. "I accidentally… um… his back… I… uh…"

My eyes narrow at the figure in front of me. "You what?"

The woman immediately kneels lower her head towards the ground. "Your Highness, please forgive me! I didn't want to but I… I couldn't resist his charm."

I couldn't resist… huh… My heart drops to my stomach. What is she…

Tears fill her eyes as she looks up into my eyes. "I… I… I know what I did was wrong and I shouldn't have given into my desires but-"

"What did you do?" I slam a hand on the table as she flinches. Given into her desires? What she did was wrong? She shouldn't have given into his charm? What on earth is she speaking of?

"Y-Your Highness,"

My feet slowly approaches her. "Tell me, you Katherine. What did you and my husband do?"

She starts to hyperventilate gulping as her figure trembles. "I-I…"

"Tell me!"

"I… t-this is all m-my fault. I shouldn't have-"

"What do you do?" I shout once again as the door suddenly slams.

Mismatched eyes meet mine as they drift to the woman on the ground housing tears. "A-Astral,"

Wait just a second… My eyes widen as he rushes over to her side in disbelief. This…

"Katie, why are you-"

"I-It's n-not Her Highness's f-fault." She sniffles clinging onto his shirt. "I-I was the one who did wrong."

My husband's gaze snaps to mine. "Liliana, what did she do to get pushed like this?"

A hisses radiates from her lips as she holds her wrist wincing. "Astral, don't blame-"

"You think I would believe you hurt your wrist and fell accidentally?" He raises a brow as he sighs.

"Explain this to me." Gold and silver eyes narrow into mine. "No matter what she did to offend you, you just can't go and push people like this. Look what you've done to her wrist!"

This is…

"You're The Princess Consort. Everything you do reflects me and my reputation." My husband wraps an arm around her waist to help her rise. "For goodness sake's when will you start to shape up and act like a Princess?"

I've fallen into her trap. This was her motive from the beginning. If only I didn't let my emotions get the best of me.

"Can you walk?"

She nods a bit then leans on him for support. "I-I'm sorry-"

"Stop. You don't have anything to apologize for."

He stares at me with an expectant gaze. "First it was Amber, now Katherine." He shakes his head slowly. "Why are you like this?"

Why am I like this? He dare ask me that question?!

"Ask her! She was the one who-"

"Stop it with the excuses." I shudder at his menacing tone. "You think just because you're bearing my children means that you get to do whatever you want without any consideration for others?"

"But I didn't do anything." My eyes drift back to the woman leaning on him. "She was the one who-"

"Enough!" His eyes pierce mine. "Can't you see what you've done?"

He doesn't believe me…

My chest tightens as I bite my lip. After all this time he still suspects me? My own husband doesn't believe my words… he would rather believe that wicked witch than mine. Why does this hurt more than that time with Amber?

Why does he always have a hard time trusting people so much? What is the root cause? And why? Why does he believe her over me? Why?! Is it just an act? Is it real? Genuine concern? Why won't he tell me anything?!

"Waltari,"

He nods as he escorts her out of our room and shuts the door. The clock's ticking is the only sound I hear as the man in front of me walks towards a drawer taking out a file and slapping it down on the table. If my deductions are correct, My heart thumps as a he sits across from me shutting his eyes. "I've been thinking about this a lot recently," No… A lump forms in my throat as I blink the tears away. Why? Why now?

"And I think it would be best if we-"

"Why?" I grip my fingers together. "Give me one reason why you want to do this?" It doesn't make any sense! "Sure, I was wrong about many things. I'll admit that I'm not a good wife or princess consort but," I dig my fingernails into the palm of my skin. "Why would you want to consider this?"

"We're not a good fit." His eyes pierce mine with an emotionless tone. "Our personalities clash."

"If that's the only reason," I immediately grab his hands. "I'll change. I'll stop being too demanding and let you do whatever you want." The lump in my throat grows even bigger as I gulp staring into his gold and silver eyes. "I-I'll do whatever you say from now onwards. I-"

"I don't want you to change who you are because of me." My eyes widen as his hand slips away from mine as I clasp them again. "And even if you were to change, it will be fake."

"I-If you don't want me to do that then why?" My vision starts to blur as my chest hammers. "What am I supposed to do? I'll do anything as long you're happy." My hands grip his as tears drip down my cheeks. "What do you want me to do?"

The guy in front of me stays silent as a hiccup escapes my lips. There has got to be a way to salvage this. There has got to be! "You want me to leave you alone, right? Ok. I'll do that starting from now." My breathing grows ragged as I squeeze his hands tighter. "I-I'll won't get in your way anymore. I will try my best to limit contact with you a-and I… y-you won't even see me throughout the day!" If I can manage doing that… maybe just maybe it would mean… "H-How does that sound?"

"Lily,"

"O-Or if that's t-too little, I can make it so you won't see me at all!" I bite the inside of my cheek. "I promise I won't interfere w-with your work or anything for that matter."

This is the only way to save this. Apart from this, I can't seem to think of anything other than appeasing him. But why? Why is he looking at me like that? As if he's about to shed tears?

"O-Oh, if you don't want to see me at all, that will be fine as well." My chest grows more heavy as I swallow the lump in my throat. "I-I can move back into my father's m-mansion for the time b-being."

"I-I…" I grit my teeth as I hold back a cry. "I p-promise I won't get in the w-way. I… (Hic)." Calm down, Lily. I have to calm myself. I must not cry. Don't cry. Don't!

"My mind's made up." The guy in front of me states after a moment of silence with his eyes shut. "Nothing you say will change it."

"I-I…" I clamp a hand over my mouth breathing heavily as more tears fall. "Why? Why can't you just let me be by your side?" Why are you so cruel to me?

"What's the use of it?" His voice trembles a bit as I bite my tongue until I can taste metal. "If the two of us aren't happy, there's no use in-"

"Who said that I'm not happy?" My voice raise a few notches. "Who said such a thing? Astral, must we do this? After all this time, y-you should know me. As long as I'm beside you, I'm h-happy." Tears blur my sight once more as I grip his hands. "I-I get it. You must still blame me for that incident, right? W-Well I-"

"This doesn't have anything to do with it." My eyes widen as he opens the file.

"Then why?"

"Our personalities-"

"I know our personalities clash! That's why I'm proposing to c-change-"

"You're not the one at fault." His eyes stare directly into mine. "I am."

He is? How is he the one at fault? He hasn't done anything wrong so far as I known…

"H-How?"

The guy in front of me looks downwards towards his lap. "Lily," His emotionless demeanor morphs into a pained expression. Tears flood his eye sockets as he slowly slips his hands through mine letting them fall limply on his lap. W-What's with that look? It looks as if he has given up on everything. The desperation, guilt, why is he…

"You don't deserve me."