Chapter 8 PART 7

Part 7 - Farewell

Anyelir walked along the path towards the guest house, her flashlight flickering several times, almost going out. She had to shake it to make it light up again; perhaps the battery was running low. She quickened her pace, regretting not bringing her cellphone. She didn't want to walk in complete darkness, especially since Grandma's house was not very close to the residential area.

As she entered the guest house gate, she realized it was deserted again. The soft breeze rustled the leaves, creating a gentle whisper in her ears. Various small animal sounds echoed around, some in the distance, and some nearby.

In truth, Anyelir was afraid of the dark. She always had to sleep with a lamp on since her parents' accident, which had left her haunted by nightmares. She passed by the Green House, knowing Byan wouldn't be there, and made her way to the Cream House.

Anyelir slowly opened the door to the dark house. It wasn't like the Green House, which had some lights on; the Cream House was completely dark, or perhaps the light bulbs were simply not working.

She used the flashlight to search for the light switch. "The lights are broken," a deep voice came from inside the house, precisely from behind her. The sound seemed to come from the bedroom door. She immediately pointed the flashlight in the direction of the voice, revealing Byan lighting a match for his cigarette.

Byan handed the flame to a small purple candle, casting a dim glow in the room. He placed the candle in the corner on a small table and sat down on a wooden chair not far from it, facing Anyelir.

Anyelir closed the door behind her and turned off the flashlight. She was afraid the battery wouldn't last long enough to light her way back home.

A tense silence filled the room. "When is your wedding?" Byan asked coldly.

"Why did you stay silent when Emil proposed to me?" Anyelir asked, trying to break the silence.

"You agreed to it, didn't you? Congratulations," Byan replied.

Their gazes met again. Although the room was dimly lit, Anyelir was sure that Byan had returned to the same annoying look as before. She had hoped to see the longing gaze she saw a few moments ago.

"What does our togetherness mean to you?" she pressed.

"Where is our relationship heading?" Anyelir asked, hoping Byan would finally answer her.

But Byan remained silent, looking away. Although the night was dark, Anyelir was certain that tears would soon fill her eyes if she didn't hold them back.

Byan finally spoke, his voice barely audible. If Anyelir hadn't been listening closely, she might not have heard him. A dark hole seemed to appear in her chest. A hole she had thought would be filled, but now it seemed to grow larger. She felt a painful grip around her heart, even the air around her felt suffocating.

Anyelir didn't look away from Byan. "So?" she asked, still finding it hard to believe what she was hearing.

She hoped Byan would look at her and answer her question.

But Byan just kept his head down. Anyelir waited to see what response she would get, but all she saw was a man who refused to meet her gaze or answer her question.

Anyelir smiled sadly. Her love was one-sided; this man couldn't even make a decision about their relationship from the beginning, a relationship that was never real to begin with.

"Fine, I guess it's over between us," Anyelir said, turning away.

Enough was enough. She didn't need to beg or kneel before this man anymore.

Anyelir walked away without looking back. She couldn't believe she had entrusted her heart to someone who couldn't make a decision about their relationship. She had waited for two years, but Byan couldn't even make up his mind, and now he had disappointed her once again.

Perhaps it was best if they separated now, with no one knowing. Anyelir continued walking, taking deep breaths to ease the tightness in her chest. Luckily, she managed to hold back her tears in front of Byan tonight. She had to forget this man.

Maybe her future was with Emil, a man who truly admired her and had shown his sincerity over the past year.

Farewell, Byan.