Chapter 30. A Cold Night

A deep, overwhelming disappointment surged within Anna, like a hidden, powerful wave threatening to wash away what remained of her pride. She stood there, looking into Ricard’s eyes, desperately searching for a glimmer of hope, a small sign that he still cared for her. But all she found was cold indifference, a cruel detachment.

Ricard looked straight at her, his eyes holding an invisible wall that separated them. “You don’t need to do this anymore,” he said, his voice steady but devoid of warmth. “I really don’t want you to go through such trouble over things like this.”

His words felt like knives stabbing into Anna’s heart, causing her more pain than anything else. It was clear that Ricard was rejecting her concern, dismissing all her efforts to be closer to him. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the disappointment and pain in her heart, but she couldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes.

“Then... I won’t bother you anymore,” Anna said, her voice gentle despite the