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I didn’t want to see them and pretended not to recognize them. I frowned.“I am Sylvia, but I don’t know you.”
I tried to leave, but Noah quickly grabbed my wrist. His voice was urgent.“We’re not mistaken. You’re Sylvia. Even in a new body, your habits remain–like the vocal flourish on the last lyric.” It turned out that this minor quirk had betrayed me.
Seeing Sylvia’s grim expression, Adam knew he couldn’t push too hard. He softened his voice.“Sylvia, we know we wronged you and you have every reason to hate us. We don’t expect instant forgiveness. We just want a chance to make amends.”
think those
I dropped the act, looking at them with a mocking expression.“Wronged me? Do you words all the pain I’ve suffered? You have no idea how heartbroken I was.” Whenever I remembered what they did to me for Charlotte’s sake, I hugged myself in pain. The icy snow, the freezing pond, my ruined voice–they made me fear winter, a season I once loved. Seeing the mockery in Sylvia’s eyes, Adam felt a sharp pain in his heart. He quickly explained, “No, Sylvia, Noah and I never intended to brush it off. We know the damage is done. Just tell us how we can compensate you, and we will.”
Noah didn’t know what to say, only adding, “Yes, Sylvia, please give us a chance.”
laughed, as if hearing a joke, tears welling up.“A chance? Who’s going to tell me how to overcome the harm I suffered? How can I forget what you did to me?”
Adam felt a sharp pain in his heart. Noah felt the same. Two men who had always stood at the top of the world were experiencing the greatest failure of their lives.
I took a deep breath, calming myself. I was tired of arguing with them.“Don’t show up again. That’s the best compensation.”
Back home, I was still in a daze. My brother noticed my unusual behavior and gave me a glass of water.“Sylvia, what’s wrong? Didn’t you do well in the preliminary round? It’s okay; we can try again next time.”
His warm voice dispelled my anxiety. I shook my head.“No, I was just a little nervous.”
He smiled, ruffling my hair.“It’s alright. First times are always tough. You’ll shine next round! I believe in you.”
I couldn’t tell him the truth–not when this fragile peace hung by a thread.
But unexpected guests arrived that night.
15:16
