But this time, her heart was in a panic, and her stomach felt like it was stuffed with cold, wet cotton.

For no reason, she remembered her first episode of self-harm. It happened because one of Arthur’s blind dates had said to her, "Elena, you have to leave your uncle someday."

Those words were like red-hot needles, piercing into Elena’s chaotic but sensitive nerves, making her lose control and cut herself.

She remembered Arthur rushing over, his face as pale as a sheet, holding her bleeding wrists tightly, his hands shaking.

On the way to the hospital, Arthur had held her very close, repeating over and over in her ear:

"Elena, don't leave me. I’m here, I’ll always be here."

That was the first time he had not referred to himself as "Uncle" in front of her.

Later, Arthur drove that date away and began to treat every woman who tried to get close to him with a cold face.

He had given Elena an airtight world, a world where only the two of them existed.

She thought that would last forever.

But now, the person who once said he would always be there was going to personally drive her far away.

"Elena, dinner is served."

Arthur’s voice pulled Elena back from her cold memories.

The dishes were laid out on the table, steaming hot.

Sweet and sour pork ribs, stir-fried shrimp, steamed egg custard—everything she loved.

Arthur dished up her rice and sat opposite her, saying softly, "Your first wish, I’ve fulfilled it."

A sourness stung Elena’s nose. She picked up her bowl and began to shovel the food into her mouth mechanically.

She tasted only the bitter saltiness, but she chewed hard and swallowed in large gulps.

It was as if this could plug the hole in her heart.

She didn't know how much time had passed before Arthur suddenly pressed his hand down on her bowl.

His brows were slightly furrowed. "You used to be full after half a bowl; what’s wrong today? If you eat too much, your stomach will be upset tonight."

Elena obeyed and set down her bowl. "Okay, then I won't eat anymore."

Arthur gave a hum of approval and called the servants to clear the table, then took her out for a walk along the tree-lined path to aid digestion.

But they hadn't walked very far when his phone rang.

Two words danced on the screen: Cassie.

Arthur stopped walking and glanced at Elena. "Stay here and don't move, I’m going to take this call."

She waited quietly where she was, but the wind still carried his words to Elena’s ears.

"...Who said Elena has to marry? I can take care of her for the rest of my life."

"Elena is the most important person to me; I told you that long ago..."

"Alright. Before we get married, I will have her move out."

The surroundings went completely silent.

Elena looked up at the sunset on the horizon and counted on her fingers.

Arthur and Cassie’s wedding was set for the third of next month. There were nine days left.

Chapter 3

It was a long time before Arthur returned after his call.

Elena turned her head to look at him and pulled at the corners of her lips, her voice barely a whisper: "Arthur, I'm a little cold."

Arthur paused, then took off his coat without hesitation and draped it over her shoulders.

He stroked her hair: "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Let's walk a little longer."

His coat smelled faintly of cigarettes. That scent, mixed with the food she had forced down at dinner, felt stuck in her stomach.

It was heavy, and as the evening breeze blew, it turned into a sour, aching chill.

Arthur, how much longer can you really walk by my side?

Elena couldn't bring herself to ask that; she could only follow him as they wandered along the quiet paths of the villa complex.

It wasn't until the sky was completely dark that Arthur, figuring it was late enough, brought her back.

After washing up, Elena opened the door and stepped out to find him sitting on the sofa nearby.

"Elena, it's time to think about your second wish."

She shivered, her voice low: "Okay."

Arthur stood up then, his footsteps heavy as he walked toward the door.

In a daze, she heard him say: "Elena, don't hold any hate for your uncle."

The door closed softly. Her tears welled up silently, slipping into her hairline, feeling cold and damp.

Arthur, how could I ever hate you...

I am just like a puppy discarded on the street, waiting for you in a daze, until I can wait no longer.

Elena lowered her head, opened her locked drawer, took out a diary with a rainbow-colored cover, and opened it gently.

[Today Arthur smiled because I drew a picture. His smile is like the sun; I want to watch it forever.]

[Arthur’s hands are so warm. I pretended to have a nightmare just to hold his hand while I slept, and he didn't push me away.]

[They say Arthur will get married and have kids. Then what about me? I want him to be mine alone.]

[They say people who kiss at the highest point of the Ferris wheel stay together forever. I wish I could go with Arthur.]

From the clumsy script of her childhood to the neat handwriting of today, these were all the secrets Elena dared not bring to light.

She didn't know how she fell asleep, but when she was woken by a knock on the door, it was already dawn.

Cassie’s voice drifted in softly: "Elena, are you awake?"

She snapped completely awake, yanked open the door, and asked viciously: "Why are you here?"

Before Cassie could speak, Arthur’s cold, biting tone made Elena feel faint.

"Elena, is this how you treat your elders?"

Elena froze, only then noticing that Arthur was standing not far away.

Cassie smiled at her and said warmly: "I’m a psychologist. Arthur specifically asked me to come over to look after your health."

"This is some milk Arthur just warmed up. Shall I bring it in for you?"

Elena didn't want her in her room, so she reached out to take it: "Give it to me."

But Cassie released her grip early. The sound of shattered glass and her cry of pain erupted almost simultaneously.

Arthur strode over, his tone stern as he looked at Cassie’s lower leg, which had been scalded red.

"Elena, stop throwing tantrums. Cassie has no obligation to tolerate your temper."

Cassie patted his arm: "It was my fault for not holding it steady. Don't be mad at her."

Elena wanted to retort, but looking at the cold way Arthur was staring at her, she couldn't say a word.

Arthur liked Cassie. Arthur didn't want her anymore. Whatever she said was useless now.

Elena could only lower her eyes and say numbly: "I understand."

Arthur studied her overly calm face and her clenched hands. Deep in his eyes, some emotion seemed to churn.

Finally, he only said: "Be good. I have a meeting this morning. Cassie will stay here to keep you company, so be obedient."

Elena nodded blankly. Watching his retreating figure as he headed out, she instinctively wanted to chase after him.

But she was grabbed forcefully by the arm by Cassie.

"Stop! Are you trying to act crazy again to seduce Arthur, aren't you?"

Elena shook her off forcefully: "Let go! If you do this again, I’m going to tell Arthur on you!"

Cassie let out a cackling laugh.

"If you really dared, would you still be acting like a coward when I roast you on WeChat?"

She lowered her voice, every word like a poisonous needle: "If Arthur really cared about you, would he send you abroad to fend for yourself?"

"Elena, Arthur said it himself—he’s exhausted after all these years. He can’t carry this burden anymore!"

Even though Elena had long known Arthur intended to send her away, when Cassie ripped it all open and laid it bare so nakedly in front of her, the sharp pain gripped her heart instantly, leaving her gasping for breath.

Elena pressed her back against the door panel, shaking her head in denial: "No, Arthur wouldn't..."

Tears surged into her eyes, instantly shattering the dikes of her reason.

She shoved Cassie aside and ran outside.

She didn't know where she was running to; she just kept running forward, wanting to forget everything Cassie had said.

The sky shifted from blue to pitch black, and her throat filled with the metallic taste of blood.

Still, Elena didn't stop. She kept running in a daze until a familiar figure appeared before her eyes.

It was Arthur. How could he be here?

When Arthur saw her, a brilliant light erupted in his eyes.

Elena suspected it was a hallucination, and for a moment, she didn't dare to approach him.

But the next instant, Arthur ran toward her and pulled her into his arms.