A Bright Future

Indya had appeared in front of me at some unknown point.

She looked coldly at the fire burning in front of me.

Then she kicked me.

The sparks scorched my skin, and I instinctively stood up.

But I bumped into the foot of the bed.

“It’s Nina, right? I’ve heard about you. I thought someone who married Anthony must be someone very special, but you’re really nothing.

“Looking at how pitiful you are now, I’ll be kind and tell you the truth—I was never blind. I just didn’t expect Anthony to actually make something of himself back home. I came back to see how he’d react.

“Luckily, he didn’t disappoint me.”

Indya looked down on me from above, her cold palm slapping my face.

“You know, ever since I returned to the country, Anthony started renting hotel rooms with me. He married you, because he wanted the right to sign the cornea donation papers on your behalf. Every day since you got your marriage certificate, he’s been in my bed. All I have to do is beckon. As for your eyes—well, what can I say? You just happened to be by Anthony’s side. They’re more useful helping me than sitting in your sockets. From now on, just enjoy being the princess of this fancy little house. I’ll take good care of Anthony for you.”

My emotions surged uncontrollably, and I lunged toward her.

“Nina! What are you doing?”

It was Anthony’s voice, and in the next second, a burning slap landed on my face.

My head turned from the impact, and I didn’t need to see to imagine how pathetic I must have looked.

“Anthony, I just came to check why there was smoke in the bedroom. I was worried about Nina’s safety. After all, she can’t see. But I didn’t expect... I didn’t expect her to misunderstand you and me.”

Indya sobbed in Anthony’s arms, sounding utterly aggrieved.

Anthony glanced at the ashes by the bed, not even noticing that they were his love letters to me.

“You can’t see now. Could you stop causing trouble? Would burning down the house finally satisfy you? How many times do I have to tell you? Indya is my friend. She’s here to help us with the wedding. Can you stop being so paranoid?”

Anthony’s accusations came one after another.

I sat on the floor, pain radiating from every part of my body.

As Anthony walked out of the room with Indya in his arms, I couldn’t help but call out to him.

“Anthony, did I really lose my sight because of the car accident?”

If I could see at that moment, I would’ve noticed how unnatural his expression was.

“What else would it be? What are you thinking about all day?”

“Then why did Indya regain her sight just after I lost mine?”

As if I had exposed his secret, Anthony’s breathing turned rapid.

“You mean Indya took your eyes? Nina, can you stop being so unreasonable? Indya’s corneas were donated by a kind person. They have nothing to do with you. Now apologize to Indya.”

Anthony walked over, yanked me up, and dragged me in front of Indya.

“Apologize!”

“No need, Anthony. I understand Nina. It’s not easy to remain calm after going through something like this. Nina, if you really want, I’m willing to donate my corneas to you. It’s okay. I just want you and Anthony to be happy.”

Her voice choked with emotion, while Anthony felt his heart ache.

“Your eyes are yours. You’re not allowed to donate them. She just needs time to calm down.”

After that, they left the room without another word.

Seven years of love vanished completely as the door slammed shut.

I told myself that I was paying the price for not being able to see what kind of person Anthony really was.