Eleanor gazed at Bernard, her eyes holding a mix of understanding and determination. She didn't blame him for the position he was in; instead, her grip on his fingers tightened.
"I could stop being his granddaughter, reject taking over his role, and choose to stand by your side. Would we still have to part ways then?"
Her unwavering stance seemed to warm Bernard's desolate heart, making his next words feel all the more cruel and guilt-ridden.
"Blood ties are hard to break, and your identity as the head of Area Opaca was sealed the moment Yates made the announcement. It's too late to change anything now...
Soon, both Area Opaca and the Siren Organization will know who you are. Do you think they'll just let you go once they find out?"
Eleanor's already taut nerves clenched tighter at his words, as if something had ensnared her, leaving her no room for escape.
With a sense of defeat, she let go of Bernard's hand. Her eyes, once clear and bright, began to cloud over with confusion, mirroring the sensation of desperately trying to navigate through a thickening fog, only to surrender to the overwhelming uncertainty.
Bernard's fingers trailed from her soft, curly locks to her cheek, caressing her as if she were a rare treasure, tracing the lines of her face with tender care.
"I'm afraid when the time comes, if I see a member of the Siren Organization hurting you, I won't be able to hold back. I'd strike them down without a second thought. But as the head of the Siren Organization, if I harm my own people, how can I lead them in our cause?
Thinking about that moment, I realize it would be difficult for me, and you'd suffer too... So, isn't it better if we part ways?"
His words of resignation left Eleanor speechless, he left her no space to argue.
"Bernard, you've given up on me twice before. This would be the third time. There's a saying: 'Three strikes and you're out.' After this, I won't look back. Are you sure this is what you want?"
The first time was out of necessity, the second was a product of coercion, and now, a reluctant surrender.
Eleanor had grown weary from being abandoned time and again. If he had truly made up his mind to part ways, she would not protest.
The phrase "three strikes and you're out" felt like an agonizing revelation, as if invisible hands were wrenching her bleeding heart from her chest.
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