Chapter 7

Liam Miller was a friend from my orphanage days.

I had actually forgotten him.

Until recently, when he found me and declared I was the love of his life.

He swore he would do anything for me.

I slowly chewed on those two words in my mind, then suddenly smiled.

"Then... will you marry me?"

His grip on my arm stiffened. He froze for a moment.

Then, his face broke into a joyous, astonished smile.

"Really? I can marry you? There's such a wonderful thing in the world!"

I stared at him, my expression blank.

Having been with Damian all these years, I’d witnessed the shifting loyalties of people's hearts.

But at this moment, in his clear, bright eyes, I couldn't find an ounce of falsehood or pretense.

They seemed full, overflowing, with genuine sincerity.

But—sincerity?

Did I deserve such a thing?

A woman Damian had used and tossed aside. A woman who'd debased herself, bearing children for a man who refused to acknowledge her—practically a concubine—

I almost laughed out loud.

"Are you sure you want to marry me?"

He nodded.

"Then go die."

I spoke the words, filled with malice.

I expected him to get angry and leave.

But to my surprise, his eyes widened, round and full of disbelief.

"Do I... do I really have to die to marry you?

"Then you'd be a widow, wouldn't you?

"Can't we avoid that? I'm perfectly healthy. Or I could just change your lightbulb for you!"

I was speechless.

Later, I learned that Liam had been adopted by wonderful foster parents.

They were a loving couple, their family harmonious.

He grew up bathed in love, living a life completely opposite to mine.

That's how he developed his slightly naive, somewhat innocent personality.

He was serious about wanting to marry me.

From the moment I agreed, he had been planning our wedding for a long time.