Because of the chemotherapy, I had wasted away. My once full, round cheeks were now hollow, dark circles etched deep beneath my eyes. My once proud, long hair had all fallen out, shaved off because of the treatment. Every day, I had to wear different hats just to cover it. I looked into the mirror at my gaunt, exhausted face and realized that even I could barely recognize myself.
["If you confront him and he remembers you, he’ll feel obligated to take care of you. But what then? You’ll die and he’ll live the rest of his life in misery. Is that what you want, Tiara? You want Caius to suffer because of you? You selfish fool!"]
Tears finally streamed down my face.
I couldn’t bear the thought of Caius suffering because of me.
I missed him so much. I missed his smile, missed hearing him call my name. I wanted so desperately to be part of his future. But I couldn’t be that selfish.
I asked, "If Caius stays with Poppy, will he really be happy for the rest of his life?"
["Of course! She’s the heroine!"] the system boasted smugly. ["The heroine is nothing like a side character like you. Look at how quickly Caius fell deeply in love with her."]