Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 45
Kyden’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected Roel to refuse, and his surprise was evident.
“Why?”
Roel forced a smile.
His kindness had been more than enough. Thanks to him, she had spent a warm winter.
“Winter is over now. I can go on my own.”
“Then what about me? You’re just going to leave me behind?”
“There’s no reason for Kyden to leave because of me.”
“Of course there is!”
Kyden stared at Roel with a hurt expression. He couldn’t understand her words, or rather, he didn’t want to.
“You think that little of me…?”
He hadn’t spoken it out loud, but he had thought they had a mutual understanding. Roel had been gentle, caring, and attentive. In her eyes and touch, he had felt her love.
The feeling that pierced him was betrayal. A searing pain that twisted his insides.
“I don’t want to cause you any more trouble.”
“…”
“I’m sorry.”
Her cold voice made Kyden feel as if the ground had dropped out from under him. It was like being thrown overboard into a tumultuous sea.
He got up from his seat.
“…Do whatever you want.”
He didn’t mean it. He wanted to plead with her to stay, to tell her that he would go with her no matter what. He wanted to beg her to stay with him even if she didn’t love him.
But his pride suddenly took over.
How does she think she can survive on her own without him? Does she really think she can manage?
She can’t be serious. Even if she is, Roel is too delicate and fragile to live on her own. She needs the safety of his home.
Kyden believed Roel would change her mind. Just like when she had tried to run away in the dead of winter and then returned.
She would feel scared again and cling to him. She would admit that it was just stubbornness and that she truly wanted to leave together.
Kyden waited for Roel to regret her decision.
He was certain she would.
* * *
Night fell.
In the awkward silence, without speaking or meeting each other’s eyes, they prepared for bed.
Kyden took only a blanket and lay down in front of the fireplace. He lay on his side with his arms crossed and his eyes closed.
Roel clutched the covers awkwardly and stared at Kyden’s back.
“Sleep in the bed, it’s still cold out…”
Roel spoke timidly, but there was no response. She understood his coldness. He must be very angry. She had no right to complain about his resentment.
But Roel believed this decision was for his sake.
She had sent Roniti away, but she wasn’t the type to just let things go. Next time, she would come back with the villagers to capture her.
If Kyden tried to protect her, the furious mob would likely try to tear down the cabin.
Roel had to leave.
However, she couldn’t take him with her. If they abandoned the cabin, what would he have left?
Nothing but her, someone who brought him no benefit. She couldn’t ask him to make such a sacrifice.
She just needed to disappear. Then everything could end peacefully.
‘If I just disappear.’
Kyden wouldn’t be hurt, and he wouldn’t have to leave this place. He could forget about her and return to his peaceful life.
He might even meet someone better—someone more beautiful, healthier, and free from the scars and misery she carried. Someone who could make him truly happy.
“Maybe I should sleep there instead.”
“Forget it.”
“But you’re not feeling well.”
“And you are?”
Roel looked down at herself. She was covered in cuts and bruises. She looked pathetic.
She wasn’t a match for him, strong and kind-hearted as he was.
Don’t be greedy. You know better.
“I’m sorry.”
“…Does your stomach hurt?”
Even in his anger, he was concerned for her. Roel placed a hand on her flat stomach. There was no hiding the truth.
It would have been easier if she could use that as an excuse. At least then she could claim she had no choice.
To sever his lingering attachment completely, she needed to clear up his misunderstanding.
“…Kyden, I won’t have your child.”
Kyden, who had been facing away from her throughout the conversation, looked up. His face was tense with displeasure.
“I… haven’t had my period for months. My health isn’t good enough to conceive a child.”
“You can’t be sure of that.”
“No, I know my own body.”
Kyden turned away again, his head dropping heavily onto the pillow, revealing his disappointment.
“…It doesn’t really matter.”
His sullen voice was dark. Roel’s shoulders slumped, and she suppressed the sobs that were bubbling up.
He says it doesn’t matter, but it does. He had talked about having children from the beginning.
