𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐋: Love Beyond the Shadows

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

I was standing in the softly illuminated living room of our elegantly appointed two-bedroom apartment.
It was a shadowy evening, and the birds, accompanied by their young, were soaring through the sky, signaling that it was time to return home and recount the joys of their delightful day.

Just a few hours prior, everything seemed perfect. Yet, in an instant, my life spiraled into chaos.

What could have caused such a dreadful shift in my life?

I stood there, my legs trembling, on the verge of collapse, burdened by the overwhelming guilt of my recent actions.

The vase in my hand, crafted from the finest materials and the priciest piece in my collection, was a treasured purchase from Singapore, now drenched in blood, cascading down like a torrential downpour.

Shattered glass lay scattered all around, reminiscent of a grand dream that had fractured into countless fragments.
The sofa, lights, chandelier, coffee table, and mirror stood as silent witnesses to the hostility that had unfolded moments earlier.

Now, an eerie stillness enveloped the space, akin to the serene tranquility of someone lost in a deep, peaceful slumber.

There he lay on the ground, blood flowing from his head like a crimson stream. His hands remained motionless, a haunting sign of his lifeless state.

His body lay motionless. No breath escaped his lips. His eyes were shut, yet I found myself unable to summon the strength to approach him and determine if he was truly lifeless.

What if he's merely pretending, and as I draw closer, he turns on me?

What if he's really gone?

What have I done, oh God? I've taken the life of my own boyfriend.

I experience a sense of guilt, as I recognize my selfish tendencies. People often label me as self-centered, consumed by my own frustrations. I fail to consider the emotions of others, and given my behavior, it's understandable why someone would hesitate to remain with someone like me.

I feel utterly exasperated. I don't believe I deserve to pursue love. He was everything I ever desired, yet now he lies lifeless before me.

Who could have done this to him?

His own girlfriend, the one he cherished above all else, in my eyes.

He asked me to be his girlfriend during our graduation ceremony, and we shared over a year together.

Perhaps he had sadistic tendencies or a controlling nature, but to me, he was a wonderful boyfriend.
I liked him as well, so I accepted his proposal, and after graduation, we moved into my apartment to spend more time together.

When Daniel, my crush, proposed to me, how could I possibly say no that day?

Daniel was such an endearing man.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

I stood there, unable to come to terms with my actions. What was meant to be a romantic evening filled with love and confessions had spiraled into one of the darkest moments of my life.

I lost track of time, just staring at the lifeless body until the doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts.

What should I do now? I lack the courage to face anyone. I can't even bear to look at myself.

That was the moment the murderer within me was born. I am a killer. I took the life of my beloved boyfriend.

I, Park Ayla, am a wretched murderer. I have no right to seek a peaceful existence.

In a frenzy, I dashed to the kitchen, grabbed the sharpest knife, and glanced at him one last time before slicing open my wrist.

The final sound I heard before darkness enveloped me was someone calling my name, "Ayla, no, don't do that."

"Ayla, stop!"

"Ayla"

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