Chapter 3

3

I wasn't sure if I was just being sensitive, but it felt like Ria was rubbing it in my face.

Before I could even open my mouth, Silas rolled his eyes and comforted her.

"You're my best friend. Some people aren't important enough to dictate my decisions. Just stay here and get some rest. Tell me if you need anything."

Then he turned to me, his gaze wary and sharp. It was as if he expected me to pounce on Ria at any second.

"Yara, I'm warning you. If you want to keep this marriage going, stop your little tricks. Don't make me hate you more than I already do!"

I finally realized what had happened. I didn't love Silas anymore.

In the past, if Silas brought Ria home, I would have been furious. I would have cried and felt so wronged. But now? My heart was like a still pond. No ripples.

The system's punishment was to take back my love. I didn't know whether to be sad or relieved.

Relief seemed like the better option. Loving Silas was too much work. Even if my memories were a bit blurry, trying to remember my old feelings made me feel like I couldn't breathe.

I took a calm sip of my water and replied coldly, "Oh. Okay."

Silas looked stunned. He probably had a whole script of insults ready for when I fought back. He didn't expect me to be so indifferent. He actually seemed lost for words.

Ria didn't like how easy I was being. She immediately lowered her eyes, acting as if I had bullied her.

"Silas, maybe I should just go. It's clear that Yara doesn't want me here. I don't want to ruin your relationship."

Silas found his opening. He grabbed Ria's hand right in front of me, his eyes full of loathing.

"Yara, who are you trying to fool with this 'half-dead' act? You wanted me home, and I'm home. Ria is just staying for a few days. You can't even manage a welcome? You've got all that education, but you have zero grace. You're acting like a common brat!"

I stood there, frozen. I hadn't said a word. I hadn't even told her to leave. How was I the one with no grace in Silas's eyes?

Oh, I forgot. It was always like this. If I begged him not to see her, he called me possessive and unreasonable.

If I tried to accept them, Ria would claim I was being cold to her, and Silas would scream at me anyway.

Basically, everything I did was a sin.

I was so glad I didn't love him anymore. Looking back, I could see how pathetic and desperate I used to be.

I turned to walk back to my room but stopped. "How about I leave instead?"