Chapter 5
Though she’d been wounded a thousand times in her previous life,
Elizabeth had never imagined her own lover would set a knife in front of her.
A
Kaiden avoided her gaze, his voice low and heavy. “Tasha wants a motherhood painting made with blood–as a blessing for the child.”
He hesitated, then added, “She said you’re the most gifted artist, and that painting with blood would make it more powerful.
“Eliza… think of it as atonement. Once you finish this painting, it’s over. I won’t bring up the child again.”
“Atonement?” Elizabeth repeated softly, “What sin do I have to atone
for?”
Kaiden’s brows furrowed. “Tasha’s baby…”
“That wasn’t me!” Elizabeth suddenly raised her voice, only to be wracked by a violent cough from the effort.
She clutched her chest, waiting for the stabbing pain to pass.
When she finally looked up, her eyes were bloodshot, and she spoke each word slowly and deliberately.
“I have never harmed her.”
Kaiden pressed his lips into a thin line.
After a moment, he turned away. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Tasha just
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wants a painting. Think of it as granting her a wish.”
Elizabeth watched him, saw the way he wouldn’t meet her eyes, and suddenly understood.
She sat up slowly, her voice as soft as a falling feather.
“You know she’s faking. Deep down, you know. But you still choose to believe her, don’t you?
“Fine.” She whispered, “I’ll paint.”
Knowing Natasha’s child was a lie, she would paint.
Knowing Natasha had drugged Kaiden to force her way into his life, she would paint.
Knowing Natasha hated her for holding the heiress’s place for 20 years and was only seeking revenge, she would still paint.
Kaiden seemed surprised by how quickly she agreed, stunned for a moment.
“You…”
“But,” Elizabeth looked up at him, a faint, bitter smile on her lips, “I want you to draw the blood yourself.”
Kaiden’s face changed. “What?”
“If you want me to bless your child, then you’ll be the one to take my blood. Every drop–by your own hand.
Only then could she finally let go.
Her voice was barely audible. “I want you to remember how this blood
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was spilled, and never forget it.”
Kaiden stared at the knife she handed him, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He didn’t reach for it right away, and beads of sweat broke out across his brow.
“What’s wrong?” Elizabeth let out a quiet laugh. “Afraid?”
Kaiden suddenly looked up, a flash of anger in his eyes. He snatched the knife, but hesitated as he touched Elizabeth’s wrist.
D
Her wrist was so slender, the pale blue veins under her skin clearly
visible.
い
He’d held this hand countless times–walking through gardens, browsing the market, building snowmen in winter…
“Go on.” Elizabeth urged calmly, her eyes empty and haunting.
Kaiden’s hand trembled.
“Wait,” Elizabeth said suddenly.
Kaiden stopped instantly, almost relieved as he pulled his hand back.
“Did you change your mind?”
Elizabeth shook her head and pulled a sketchbook and brush from the drawer.
“Now we can begin.”
She feared she wouldn’t have the strength to hold anything after her blood was drawn.
Kaiden stood aside, watching blood seep from the wound on her wrist,
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watching her face grow paler and paler, watching the motherhood painting slowly take shape on the paper.
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A chubby, smiling baby emerged. What should have been a joyful image was made tragic by the crimson streaks.
“That’s enough, isn’t it?” When the painting was nearly finished, Kaiden couldn’t hold back any longer.
His voice was hoarse, his forehead slick with sweat, as if he were the one losing blood.
Finally, as Elizabeth finished the last stroke, a weak smile appeared on her lips.
MEANING The
“There you go–your motherhood painting.” Her voice grew fainter, her vision blurring.
She was losing so much blood that her sight turned black, but she forced herself to hand the sketchbook to Kaiden.
“Take it… May you have many children…
Before she could finish, her body collapsed forward. Kaiden caught her in a panic, feeling only icy coldness.
Blood still seeped from the wound on her wrist, staining his sleeve red.
“Doctor, get the doctor!” Kaiden’s voice was frantic, more terrified than ever before.
He held Elizabeth’s frail, feather–light body tightly, suddenly realizing what he’d done.
In his arms, Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered open, her breath barely there.
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“Kaiden…”
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“I’m here! I’m right here!” Kaiden replied desperately, gripping her pale hand.
Elizabeth gazed at his anxious face, and for a moment, she saw the boy who once stayed up all night for her, who carried her down the mountain.
She smiled softly, and with the last of her strength, whispered, “Now, we’re even…”
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