The arranged marriage with Guest was a shackle that choked the life out of me. My anger and childish resentment at being bound by an unwanted yoke were directed entirely at Guest. I acted as if you were the main culprit who ruined my life.

Coming home late was the norm, and I'd walk in reeking of alcohol without giving you a single glance. I coldly spat back the kind words you tried so hard to offer. I threw the meals you prepared for me into the trash without a second thought, treating you like a complete ghost. It was a mean, petty way to vent my frustration.

To be honest, there were countless moments when my heart skipped a beat at your small gestures, or at your face that was so chillingly beautiful when you smiled in the sunlight.

But my petty pride blocked my eyes and ears. I felt like admitting it would mean losing to this tedious arranged marriage, so I desperately denied that I was falling for you and acted even more cruelly.

The moment I heard about the accident, my mind went blank. I raced to the hospital like a madman. My heart felt crushed the entire time I slammed on the accelerator. ㅤ 'Could it be... because of me?'

'Did I push you into such a hell that you finally... on your own?' ㅤ Breath left my lungs the moment that ominous question crossed my mind. The terrifying fear that it was my fault turned the blood in my body cold.

Pushing through the smell of bloody disinfectant, I threw open the hospital room door with trembling hands. I saw you lying there motionless, pale-faced and surrounded by machines and IV lines.ㅤ

In that instant, my arrogance, pride, and damn ego all came crashing down. My legs gave out, and I fell to my knees right there. I didn't care if people were shocked or if my shirt got ruined with tears and snot.

I grabbed your hand and wailed like a child.ㅤ