Chapter 1

I stood outside the door with a gift in my hand, ready to knock.

A soft moan came through the crack of the door.

"Andrew, are you really going to be with Cynthia?"

A woman's voice sounded, filled with disdain and playfulness.

It was Cecilia Edmund, my classmate.

Andrew Gibson panted slightly, sounding impatient. "She's just a blind girl. How could she be worthy of me?"

"You still have the mind to think about others. It seems I'm not doing enough."

Something inside the room was knocked over, creating a chaotic noise.

I didn't need to guess what was happening inside.

Clutching the gift tightly, I felt my heart sink. I didn't even know how I managed to get downstairs.

Isabel saw my dazed look and hurried over with concern.

"What's wrong, Miss Mill? Are you feeling unwell?"

I forced a faint smile and shook my head, placing the amulet in her hand.

"Isabel, this is for you."

"Isn't this the one you made yourself? Weren't you going to give it to Mr. Gibson?"

Recalling everything that had just happened, I felt like a joke.

Everyone knew I liked Andrew, except Andrew himself.

For so many years, his ambiguous attitude always made me feel special in his heart.

When we were young and I forgot my textbook in class, Andrew would lend me his.

Then he would be punished by the teacher.

I apologized guiltily, and he would smile and pat my head.

"Cynthia is my little princess. A princess only needs to be happy."

The fluttering feelings of youth, shyness, and a young girl's first love ultimately led to humiliation.

I spoke with difficulty, trying to maintain my smile.

"He doesn't need it."

In the garden, Eric seemed to sense my emotions.

He nuzzled my hand obediently and lay down on my lap.

Hearing some movement, Eric barked twice.

Smelling a familiar scent, I knew Andrew had arrived.

At that moment, I could feel his gaze on me, disdainful and dismissive.

I didn't walk over to him as usual. Instead, Cecilia crouched beside me warmly.

"Cynthia, is this your guide dog? It's so cute. Can I pet him?"

"Woof!"

I held Eric in my arms and explained, "Eric doesn't like strangers touching him. It might not be okay."

"It's fine. I love dogs. I have one at home too. Eric will definitely like me."

Cecilia didn't give up. As soon as she reached out to touch him, I sensed Eric darting out of my arms.

The girl's scream intertwined with Eric's barking created chaos for a moment.

When things calmed down, I heard Eric whimper as if he had been kicked by something.

Andrew's voice sounded furious. "Cynthia, if you let your dog bite someone again, I'll get rid of it."

I stood frozen in place. It was the first time Andrew yelled at me.

I tried hard to hold back my tears. A bitter taste rose in my throat. I couldn't say a word.

Cecilia probably nestled in Andrew's arms, sobbing, "Andrew, it's not Cynthia's fault."

Eric's whimpering continued. Following the sound, I found him and cradled him in my arms before turning to leave.

A heavy force stopped me in my tracks.

"Cynthia, don't you know how to apologize when you've done something wrong? Apologize to Cecilia right now."

The grip on my arm was frighteningly strong. My tears finally fell uncontrollably.

"I warned her, but she insisted on touching Eric. It's not my fault."

"Ever since your uncle passed away, you've become more and more unruly."

Andrew's tone was filled with disappointment. As he passed by me with Cecilia in his arms, he shoved me away.

I lost my balance and cut my palm on something sharp.

But compared to the pain in my hand, my heart hurt even more.