XXX. Shattered Illusions

I went downstairs, only to be stunned by the sight of Lara in a luxurious long evening gown. Curiosity consumed me, and Lara's suspicious behavior only added fuel to the fire. So, I followed her.

My heart pounded when I saw someone grab her, and I immediately hid, taking a sneak peek—just enough to eavesdrop without being caught.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Canim's grip on Lara's arms was tight, his eyes cold and threatening.

"She needs to know the truth!"

"Just like how I badly want to know the truth?"

The tension between them was undeniable. Something was going on—something I wasn't supposed to know.

"She is not a mere tool you can use to fill the hollow inside of you."

What are they talking about?

"And she is not what you're making her out to be," Canim shot back.

"I know you and your intentions. I've warned you long enough—stop what you're doing. Don't involve her in your foolishness, or you'll deal with me."

"Just like how you 'dealt' with Via?"

Via.

I've heard that name before.

"But that matter is over! You have to let it go. Don't drag Kaesu into this! Don't you think she deserves the truth? She is not someone you can just use to patch up something she didn't cause."

Right. I remember now. He mentioned that name before—when he was drunk.

I scoffed bitterly. I hate eavesdropping. It always reveals truths that hurt more than they should—if not physically, then mentally and emotionally.

"Enjoying the scene?"

I turned around in a panic, and our eyes met—our lips just inches apart. I froze. I couldn't move, couldn't speak. It was as if time itself had stopped.

"The quiet little mouse hiding in the corner."

I looked up, narrowing my eyes in annoyance. "What do you want, Antonio?"

"Just wondering why you never speak up for yourself. Are you too weak and scared to let your true feelings be heard?"

I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening with determination. "You think I'm weak? That I'm a coward? Well, I'll prove you wrong. I may be quiet, but that doesn't mean I won't fight for what I believe in."

I know what Canim and I had was real—something only the two of us understood. So why should I hide? Why should I stand in the shadows when I have something worth fighting for?

"Oh, really? I'd like to see you try."

"Watch me. I'll show you that silence doesn't equal weakness. I'll make sure my voice is heard—loud and clear."

With full determination, I walked toward them.

Lara and Canim's faces were frozen in shock.

"K-Kaesu?" Lara stuttered.

I simply smiled at her, then turned my full attention to Canim.

"Who is Via? And what are we?"

I watched as the color drained from his face, his eyes filled with unspoken words. The bustling party around us faded into a deafening silence. The tension was suffocating.

"I'll spill the beans if you won't own up, Canim!" Lara threatened.

My patience wore thin. I wanted the truth—from him.

The silence stretched on, only broken by the sound of my pounding heart.

Then, finally, Lara snapped. "How hard is it to admit that Via is your ex—who looks exactly like Kaesu?"

And just like that, the world crumbled beneath me.

Everything made sense now. The way Canim looked at me, his hesitation, his lingering stares—everything I thought was real… wasn't.

It was never about me.

It was always about her.

The air grew heavy, suffocating me. Anger and self-pity clawed at my chest, making it impossible to breathe.

"Alright." I scoffed.

So that's it. Every ounce of worry, every fleeting affection, every look in his eyes, and every touch I held onto—none of it was meant for me. It was meant for Via.

My legs felt like lead. I turned away, each step heavier than the last, walking with no real direction—just away.

"Kaesu—"

"Don't... touch me."

My words made her stop in her tracks. I felt guilty for the way I said it, but I was too drained to care.

Canim rushed after me, stepping in front to block my way, but even then, he stood there, silent, struggling for words.

"What now?" My voice cracked. "Say it. Damn it!"

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Come on. I'll take you somewhere."

He grabbed my wrist, but I was too exhausted to fight it.

Before I could react, Antonio forcefully removed Canim's hand from my arm. I just smiled bitterly. I was so confident earlier, standing up for myself, and yet here I was—back to being weak.

Antonio's gaze hardened. "I thought we had something."

I frowned, trying to understand what he meant. "What are you talking about?"

Canim placed his hands on my shoulders, his eyes locking onto mine. And in that moment—everything flashed before me.

What a fool I was.

"Right… You made me feel like I was nothing." My voice trembled. "Like I was just a mere tool to you. You always made me feel unwanted. Like talking to me was a chore, like you were just waiting for an excuse to leave."

"Please—"

"I feel like I'm not wanted!"

Tears streamed down my face, cascading like an unstoppable waterfall. "That's how I always feel. That's how you always make me feel. And it sucks!"