Second Chances

I hate you till my last breath!

Chapter 8: Until my dying breath, I will despise you.

I remembered the sensations I had gotten lost in. I was an utter fool to believe I could jump into the ocean and not drown. Even just standing next to him, one can feel his power and arrogance.

Even in the face of my anxiety of repeating the past, I couldn't look away from his eyes. I couldn't take my eyes off of it for a while, I was enthralled by the beast.

I was amazed by the man standing in front of me: He was beautiful, charismatic, and royal. As a result, she was drawn to him by fear and her enchantment. As a young woman, I'd blush when met with someone like this.

The only problem now is that I've just shouted several insults at him, and now I notice myself doing it. This gentleman was Archduke Ferdinand son, Duke Bennard. My sworn enemy in the past, he was the one I loved most.

He was greeted by all the staff and maids bowing to him. Just as I had to welcome him in kind, so did everyone else. I used to greet him by walking to him when he arrived.

I did so out of courtesy, but stayed sitting as I did so. He didn't appear to care. He made his way to the table, sat down in front of me, and calmly began to read the newspaper.

In a matter of seconds, two new cups of tea were delivered to the table. I stared at Lina, who was bowing and serving him to the best of her ability. Even so, I remained calm, realising that they were doing their duty, as he was an unwelcome guest.

Even though I wanted to give up, I clenched my teeth and continued drinking my tea. He was trash, but god has tried his best to make him appealing.

'Ah, Melinda, now that he's your enemy, focus.' Instead of looking back over my shoulder, I stared directly ahead and paid attention to the foliage and not the man who was staring at me with wide eyes.

Just like I would consume him if I ever gave him a second glance. He was remarkable in many ways. He was an attractive man, and an effective leader. Both his intelligence and martial prowess were lauded.

There was nothing in his heart save an emptiness, and the blood in his veins was like ice.

I am certain that the manner in with which I was handled in my own marriage will forever remain in my memory. He had made a joke of mine in front of everyone, and he's grinning from ear to ear about it. Kendrick, the runner who had run alongside me, was upset when he saw my fury, and so I had pushed him.

Usually, when people get married, they will use a kiss to pledge their unwavering commitment to one other. He didn't kiss me, though. He didn't give me the first dance at the wedding reception, and he certainly didn't share it with me. When he decided to leave, he made some excuse about being weary.

I had to endure everyone staring at me as I was left all alone. It was clear that they were making fun of me with their eyes. I could tell from their compliments that they were making fun of me.

When I was in my twenties, that was when the seed of hatred was planted in my heart. I couldn't bear to witness the way he left me. My first night with him, he didn't even make a move.

That is precisely what he stated." "Melinda, rest assured, I will never make physical contact with you. We're just together on TV." That entire night, I cried.

However, he didn't flinch when he saw my tear-streaked face. There was no additional discussion; he just fell asleep. I was left in a mess after being abandoned on the opposite side. It felt almost as if he were sitting right in front of me, yet so far away at the same time.

He didn't hold my hand even once. I'm grateful to him, as his harsh deeds helped to break my heart and humiliate my pride.

With all of this terrible news, I did my best to ignore him. However, as the minutes passed and my loneliness worsened, I became concerned about drawing his attention to me. When I had no other option, I implored him to help me.

I can still recall my emotional pleas "Your Majesty, why do you keep putting space between us? In order to gain your love, what must I do?"

and what did this unfeeling man have to say in response, "Do not get close to me. It gets even better. Pretend you were never born. No, if you want to make me happy, pretend you're dead."

"My lord, are you saying you don't want a kid with me? Am I not gorgeous enough or is it because I'm too stupid?" While my heart was torn, tears ran down my face and my voice broke as I requested for the third time, this time crying uncontrollably. His face never softened or changed expression, though.

"There is already an heir in my family. Why do I need to get someone else? As you can see, you are only here to replace a duchess whose seat is empty. So, what do you have to say for yourself?" He was openly insulting her looks. He felt disgusted in his gaze.

That began my villainous ways. Kendrick was no longer worthy of ruling the dukedom, therefore I resolved to dispose of him. His only option was to ask me for one.

I became aware of a strange smell, which reminded me of my childhood. It had slipped my mind that I had smashed the cup in my hands.

I've punctured my fingers and palm with some of its bits. I had no pain at all. Everything because of the man sitting in front of me was numb: My heart, my emotions, everything was gone.

He was the villain of my life in the truest sense. He turned an honest, open minded, intelligent person like me into a villainess.

Bennard Fa Luda, to the last day of my life, I will hate you.

While I was waiting for the maids to arrive, I spotted them hurriedly running towards me carrying medicine. The nursing staff carefully cleaned my hand for treatment.