“Get out!" he said finally, his voice shaking with rage. “Both of you. Go to the prayer hall and kneel. Don’t come out until I say so.”
And just like that, in front of everyone, they stood up, still holding hands, and walked away together.
Like nothing else mattered.
Like I didn’t exist.
I watched everything without expression.
Was I supposed to cry?
Or laugh?
I didn’t even know anymore.
Slowly, I took out a small wooden box from my bag. Inside was a family heirloom… an expensive sapphire pendant Grandpa had once given me.
He froze when he saw it. “Dahlia… what are you doing?”
I stepped back and bowed deeply.
“Grandpa, thank you,” I said softly. “For taking care of me these past five years. I won’t forget it. But… I can’t stay by his side anymore.”
He frowned, trying to say something, trying to stop me. But I had already decided. I placed the pendant down and turned to leave. No hesitation. No looking back.
As I passed by the prayer room, I heard something. Heavy breathing. Low voices.
My steps slowed for just a second.
Through the small gap in the door… I saw them.