Elsa felt her heart tighten as Leo's words echoed again and again in her mind.
"I didn't expect this from you… that you left me when I was in danger."
The words refused to fade.
Leo was discharged from the hospital that day. Amy stayed close to him, helping him walk—too close. Her hands lingered longer than necessary, her concern felt performative, calculated. Elsa watched from a distance, unseen, unsettled. Silent tears slid down her face as she witnessed everything.
Leo searched the crowd for Elsa, but she kept herself hidden from his sight.
Soon, Leo sat inside his expensive car. The driver started the engine and took the family to the Kingston mansion. Richard and Isabella, Leo's parents, supported him as they led him to his bedroom. Exhausted, Leo lay down and fell asleep. After ensuring he was resting, Richard and Isabella quietly left the room.
That was when Elsa entered.
Leo sensed her presence immediately. Without turning toward her, he pulled the blanket slightly over his face and said softly but firmly,"Elsa, I'm not in the mood to talk or listen to anything.""Please go away.""All I need right now is rest and peace."
Those words shattered her.
Elsa whispered through her tears, just one word—"I'm sorry."
Then she walked out.
Left alone, Leo's thoughts drifted back to the accident… and to Elsa.Did I hurt her too much?Why am I feeling so emotional about her?
Outside, Elsa noticed Amy entering the house and heading straight toward Leo's room.
Her chest burned with anger.
How dare she come here?She's a liar. A thief.She always steals credit that isn't hers.Even in college, she never let me meet Leo.All she ever wanted was his attention.
Elsa clenched her fists.
But Leo never loved her… he always saw her as his sister's friend.
Then doubt crept in.
Why did Amy suddenly come here?
Amy entered Leo's room—and locked the door.
Elsa froze.
Why did she lock it?Who does she think she is?Just a friend.Is she his wife? His girlfriend?
Elsa's thoughts spiraled.
What's wrong with me?Why am I so angry—at Amy… and even at Leo?Should I go inside?But Leo is still angry at me.If I enter, Leo will see me…And then he'll know my secret.That I'm just a soul without a body.And I've lied to him so many times…
Oh God, save me.
She stood outside the door, helpless, waiting.
Twenty-five minutes later, the door finally opened.
Amy stepped out—smiling. Happy. She made a playful sound in her throat and walked out of the house as if she had won something.
Elsa rushed into the room.
Leo looked at her and spoke gently,"I'm sorry, Elsa, for scolding you."
Elsa replied softly,"I'm sorry for leaving you when you were in danger, Leo."
Leo shook his head."No… you're not at fault.""You did the right thing by escaping that fire.""If you had stayed any longer, you would've died.""I don't know why I spoke to you like that.""I'm really sorry, Elsa."
Elsa nodded, accepting his words.
Then Leo said,"Elsa, I found what I was looking for. Thank you for trying to help me.""But I got the truth."
Elsa asked carefully,"What did you find, Leo?"
"My guess was right about Thomas and Lucy," Leo said."They had other plans behind the marriage."
Elsa remembered everything and opened her mouth to speak—but Leo interrupted her.
What he said next broke her completely.
"I will marry Amy."
Elsa stood frozen.
Shocked.Heartbroken.