Inside Her Dream ( 323 )

"Young Master~"

Liana's voice was light, filled with warmth and happiness.

She rushed forward, arms open, ready to embrace him.

Javier stood just ahead, his back to her.

But when he turned around—

Her smile faded.

An old man.

His hair was completely white. His once-bright eyes were dim and filled with exhaustion. Wrinkles lined his face, and his movements were slow and heavy.

Liana stopped.

Her heart pounded.

Who…?

The man smiled weakly.

"Ah… Liana…" He coughed, his voice rough with age. "You still look as young as ever…"

Young Master?

She couldn't understand.

Why did he look so… old?

This isn't right.

Javier was still a boy. He had years until adulthood. This wasn't supposed to happen.

"Liana…" His voice was softer now, filled with regret. "I'm not young anymore."

She shook her head.

No. No, this was wrong.