Though they had seen much of life’s harsh realities, the children at the local orphanage couldn’t fathom the depths

of darkness that might dwell in the heart of a seven-year-old girl who had just lost her parents.

Serana kept to herself, a solitary figure in the corner, quiet and well-behaved in class, and equally so during recess,

watching the others play with an expressionless demeanor, like a still pond devoid of life.

Perhaps they sensed a kindred spirit in her, or maybe it was pity, or a thick slather of curiosity, but from that point

on, Boyd had someone else woven into the tapestry of his childhood.

From then until now, Serana had become a thread running through the narrative of his life.

In their daily interactions, Serana was the picture of innocence, speaking in gentle whispers, looking at people with

sincerity and care. Even as the years passed and she grew, she never changed – tender and fragile, yet brave and

stubborn.

Outwardly, she seemed as delicate as a glass figurine, always needing protection, yet she fiercely tried to prove her

strength, insisting she didn’t need anyone’s care and could even protect others.d2

Such a girl was irresistibly endearing – tender and attentive, pure and kind, brave, stubborn, and resilient.

Like her long, dark hair, the number of people drawn to her grew day by day. And it was true what they said – girls

should have long hair.

Yasmine was beautiful but frosty by nature. Others kept their distance. From start to finish, Boyd was her only

constant, and she never felt lonely. At least, not until she suddenly realized what loneliness was and found that

certain things had become inevitable.

Boyd’s time was no longer solely dedicated to her as he began to learn deeper subjects beyond the basic

curriculum.

Companion? She had never considered Boyd’s presence as companionship before.

But when did it start? It wasn’t when Boyd’s time began to scatter, leaving more for Serana.

Was it from the moments they shared meals together, or those occasional breaks when they sat beside the flower

beds?

Or when they planted a lily bulb together, one digging a hole, the other tenderly placing the bulb inside?

never felt

Serana began to irk her. And in

hostility

other kids at Angel’s Haven Orphanage noticed too,

refute them.

she knew

it

it was when the lilies in the garden

appeared so harmonious.

later, she found the desecrated lilies, and realized

lilies had been a captivating sight at Angel’s Haven

scattered, leaves shredded, and stems snapped. Such an act was a significant

orphanage, and the investigation

days after planting, I saw her by

the seedlings with that trowel,”

garden was frightening, like… like

doesn’t like Serana. We all know that. The lilies were planted by Serana, so it must’ve been

another.

piled up,

had merely added extra seeds after Serana planted, knowing the germination rate was

them out

blamed her out of ignorance, which she found

frustrating and laughable.

the ruined garden, picking up petals with tears streaming down

at Yasmine, but the children’s naive and ignorant

concern.

particular feelings about Serana. There’s no motive. It wasn’t me,”

jump to conclusions based on the

all, the lilies thrived

time being, and the

reprimand for the culprit.

scene of the “crime,” seemed indifferent

rare appearance in craft class, he

at a long table, as Serana was already

colorful paper, greeted him casually. “Rare sight,” she

finance books he’d been carrying –

grown accustomed to.

a word, he shook the books, and out fluttered colorful petals. One book after another, until Yasmine

of lilies,

heart felt

his eyes serene but his lips curved in a casual

up all

her with a detached gaze, standing by the table, not much taller than the

seemed to hold a universe of secrets, now veiled with a frosty

care

glanced at the petals and let out a light chuckle. “And what, pray tell, should I

at her for a long moment. “Indeed, Serana picked them up. She

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