Refusing to Love Again: My Ex's Regrets and My Bright Future

"Miles, if you're determined to go through with this, I won't be able to stop you. But I don't want to live anymore either."

I had never spoken so calmly or with such conviction before.

Five years of experimental treatments had taken a severe toll on both my mind and body.

The thought of ending it all had crossed my mind more than once, but I had clung to life for the sake of my mother, not wanting her to bury her own child.

But now, I felt like I couldn't hold on any longer.

Miles knew me well; he understood that I wasn't making an empty threat or lying.

Panic flashed in his eyes as he stared at me in disbelief.

"Alexia, say that again if you dare."

I met Miles' gaze, a mocking smile tugging at my lips.

"If I die, you should be happy. After all, you'll finally have a legitimate reason to cheat."

For once, Miles didn't get angry. He held me tightly, as if trying to help me find a reason to live—and perhaps, trying to find an excuse for himself.

"We're contributing to the advancement of human civilization with these trials. You should feel honored and proud.

"You're saving countless suffering people in Aruha. What you're doing is incredibly noble."

I laughed bitterly but didn't bother to argue.

"Forget it, Miles," Ophelia chimed in, her tone laced with false concern. "The side effects of the drug are unpredictable. It might cause dizziness, nausea, or worse—this time, it might not be as 'lucky' as the previous ones. Alexia could hemorrhage and die. If she's really against it, let's just stop.

"Switching subjects midway is troublesome, and it means all our previous efforts will be wasted, but I don't want to force her."

The car came to an abrupt halt. Ophelia tugged at Miles' sleeve, clearly not wanting him to get caught up in my emotional turmoil.

Miles' eyes regained their clarity, and his voice turned steely.

"Alexia, take the treatment for Ophelia, or you'll get nothing."

He was so confident, certain that I would submit as I always had before.

Before I could respond, the nurse approached me with the injection.