Lilia, biting her lip to hold back her emotions, asked in a trembling voice.

“Why is this yours?” 

“Shall I get you a newspaper?” 

Ciela replied, her hand still outstretched, unwavering. The harder she squeezed, the tighter Lilia clutched the necklace. 

“During our rendezvous yesterday, Calix asked me why I wasn’t wearing the necklace.” 

Ciela sighed deeply and brushed the strands of hair that had fallen over her shoulder. 

“I tried to cover for you because I felt sorry for you, but he insisted that I wear it today.” 

Lilia’s body jerked and tears welled up in her blue eyes. But Ciela was unmoved, delivering her words with unyielding firmness.

“If I don’t get the necklace back today, Calix will definitely come here. Do you agree with that?”

The thought of Calix’s cold voice and harsh actions flashed through Lilia’s mind. In the end, she took the necklace off voluntarily. But just as Ciela reached for it, Lilia grabbed it and refused to let go.

“Give me back what’s mine.”

“Why are you saying the words I should be saying?”

“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that belongs to you.”

Lilia’s eyes sank lower than the shadows of the dim room. Her tears gathered under her eyes, reflecting Ciela’s flushed face before rolling down her cheek.

‘There is nothing that belongs to me.’

Ciela lifted her head. The veins on her hand stood out as she gripped the necklace. Maybe it wasn’t the story she had in mind, but because she knew another truth, Lilia’s words seemed to hint at her origins. To Ciela, it sounded as if Lilia was indirectly referring to her birth.

‘Did she say that deliberately? Or is it just what I hear?‘

Ciela’s eyes moved slowly to one side before she opened her mouth. 

“When was Calix ever yours? And if we’re talking about status, isn’t it obvious that I fit better with Calix than you?” 

“No!” 

Lilia vehemently brushed back the hair that had fallen across her face, her voice trembling. When her breathing had settled, she let out a bitter laugh and spoke. 

“You don’t suit Calix at all.” 

“Is that so? What will you do then? Calix doesn’t want you – he wants me.” 

As their sharp gazes met, Ciela pulled hard on the necklace. The chain tightened under the strain. 

“If this necklace breaks, I’ll tell Calix the truth.”

“You are so cowardly.”

Lilia loosened her grip, letting her strength drain away. She watched helplessly as the necklace was taken from her, tears streaming down her face. Once the necklace was back in Ciela’s hand, she turned away as if her business was done. After taking a few steps, she stopped and turned around.

“Didn’t you just ask me to give it back?”

“…”

“You want me to give it back?”

Lilia’s head snapped up at her words.

“Give it back.”

Her voice was deep and tense, full of suppressed anger. She reached out as if to grab it, but Ciela easily avoided her, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

“Fine. I’ll give it back – eventually. But who knows how long it’ll take.”

Instead, she offered a vague promise with an enigmatic smile. 

* * * 

Mother and daughter stood in silence, watching Ciela’s retreating figure. The light streaming through the corridor windows enveloped her as she walked further away, her shoulders held high with confidence. As she disappeared from view, Lilia returned to her room and Madame Arcel hurriedly followed her into the dimly lit room. 

Lilia sat on the edge of her bed, her hand caressing the bare nape of her neck. A tear that had gathered on her chin fell to the floor. 

“She took it again.” 

“Lilia…” 

“My sister has taken again what was mine.” 

Madam Arcel clasped her hands just below her stomach, her fingers fidgeting nervously. 

“I’m sorry, my dear.” 

Madame Arcel, forever feeling like a sinner in front of her daughter, lowered her head in shame. 

“Just wait a little longer. Ciela’s health has deteriorated noticeably – it won’t be long now.” 

“You’ve been saying that for years.”

Lilia replied flatly, her voice dry, followed by a weary sigh. Her hand brushed over the empty space beneath her neck and her expression tightened. The necklace had felt like a symbol of her destined union with Calix, and its absence left her feeling hollow. 

Biting her lip so hard it almost tore, Lilia squeezed her eyes shut. 

“I wish this was just a nightmare.” 

Calix was supposed to be her fate. But the thought of her other half smiling in front of anyone – especially Ciela – made her blood boil. 

“If only my sister weren’t here, I wouldn’t feel so miserable.” 

Lilia opened her eyes and looked up at her mother. The guilt-ridden woman couldn’t even raise her head, let alone utter a word in response. Watching her as if it were only natural, Lilia finally held out her hand. As if offering salvation, she gently clasped her mother’s hand in hers. 

“If you really feel sorry for me, grant me just one request.

“What do you want? I’ll do anything for you.

“It’s time to call my sister’s doctor, isn’t it?”

“It is time.”

Madame Arcel admitted hesitantly, her eyes filled with unease.

“But why do you want to see him?”

“I am worried about my sister’s health. Does it matter if there’s another reason? All you have to do is grant my request.”

Lilia turned her head, her expression calm as she hid her true intentions. The light that tried to filter through the window was blocked by the curtains, leaving it to beat helplessly against the barrier.

‘I will fix everything with my own hands.’

She was done waiting. Determined, Lilia clenched her fists tightly. 

* * * 

“Meow!”

When Ciela returned, Titi swished his tail on the dressing table. Delighted, she beamed and hurried over to him.

“My little darling, you’ve been staying at home a lot lately, haven’t you?”

“Meow!”

Titi looked up at her and let out a happy meow. It almost sounded like he was saying he’d be staying in more often. Ciela couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Her eyes, reflected in the mirror, shone with pure affection.

“I’m glad, but are you sure it’s okay not to go out?”

“Meow?” 

Titi cocked her head to the side and pricked up her ears. With her eyes half closed, Ciela spoke quietly again.

“Didn’t you see a kitten outside?”

“Meeeoow?” 

Titi let out a long, curious meow, as if surprised by her question. 

Titi’s eyes widened and his fur stood on end. He shook his head quickly in denial.

“Really? No?”

“Meow!” 

“That’s too bad.” 

Ciela was about to suggest bringing the kitten in, if there was one. But then again, no matter how much Titi seemed to understand human language, he wasn’t a mother cat, so it wasn’t like he could bring a kitten home at will. 

“So… do you have a friend cat?” 

Curious, she asked another question, just in case. 

Shake, shake! 

Titi shook her head vehemently, her tail bristling and swishing erratically as if deeply offended by the suggestion. 

‘If it’s not that, then why doesn’t he come home often?’

Titi was an adult cat, and since he often stayed out for long periods of time, she had naturally assumed that might be the reason. She pursed her lips but swallowed her words, afraid that saying more might actually make Titi sulk.

“Sorry, I was just joking.”

“Meooow.” 

Titi gave her a wary look. 

“You’re generous enough to let it go, aren’t you, Titi?” 

“Meow!” 

Without hesitation, Titi puffed out her chest in a gesture of pride and confidence.

‘Adorable!’ 

Ciela let out a soft moan and lowered her head. No matter how many times she saw him, she could never get used to his overwhelming cuteness. Her heart felt like it would burst from the sheer loveliness of it all. 

“Meow.” 

Titi pressed her hand lightly with his paw. When she lifted her head, he flicked his tail to touch the chain.

“Meow!” 

Titi’s golden eyes shone brighter than the sunlight streaming into the room. 

“Want me to try it on?” 

Nod! 

“It’s not too heavy.” 

Purr, purr.

Titi purred contentedly, obviously pleased. 

Ciela fastened the necklace around her neck and looked at herself in the mirror. The bright red stone stood out against her skin, catching the light just below her collarbone. The weight of it felt unfamiliar and her hand, which had brushed over it absently, froze in mid-movement. 

She suddenly remembered Lilia clutching the necklace as if it were her own lifeline. 

‘If things had gone as planned, this necklace would have belonged to Lilia.’

If the original story had unfolded as intended, Calix would surely have given the necklace to Lilia. But since everything had gone wrong before the story could even begin, was the original story relevant at all?

Ciela pulled the corners of her lips into a wry smile. 

‘How heartbroken they must be to see their beloved daughter fall apart.’ 

The daughter they had cherished and protected from curses now locked herself in her room and ceased all activity. The Marquis’s face had become shadowed, with dark circles permanently etched under his eyes. Clearly, cleaning up after the misdeeds of mother and daughter had become a considerable headache. Madame Arcel’s cheeks were hollow from weight loss. After the ordeal Ciela had just put her through, it wouldn’t be surprising if she couldn’t even eat tonight. 

‘They shouldn’t think this would end here.’ 

This was just the beginning. 

Just then, a figure entered her room. Without a hint of surprise, Ciela turned her head as if she already knew who it was. 

“Welcome.”

Sara bowed her head respectfully. 

“You know what to do, don’t you?” 

“Yes. I am to escort Madame to the Marquis’ study in an hour.” 

Ciela nodded in satisfaction and rose. Titi, who had been purring contentedly since she had put on the collar, cocked his head in curiosity. 

“Meow?” 

His pricked ears seemed to ask, Where are you going? 

Ciela stroked his fluffy head gently, her smile soft. It was said that whenever Madame Arcel visited the Marquis’ study, there were often loud arguments. Sara had mentioned that she had overheard their arguments, usually about Lilia. 

“I will disturb the harmony of your household for a while.” 

With a wave to Titi, she made her way to Marquis Arcel’s study.