At Willowbrook Estate, a light drizzle pattered from the eaves, leaving the entire estate damp and misty. Hayden stood under the corridor, listening-was that the sound of fighting, or just the rain?

He stood there for a long time before finally turning and entering the house.

Sonny lived here now. His legs were shattered, and he would never stand again. In addition to his leg injuries, his face bore fractures, and the constant pain tormented him. The pain from broken bones was excruciating.

Hayden didn't visit often because every time he came, Sonny pretended to be fine and hid his pain. It was an act that made Hayden's heart ache every time.

Inside, Chaya was tending to Sonny. She wiped his face and massaged his hands and back to prevent sores from forming after lying too long.

Seeing Hayden enter, she took the basin away and said, "I was just about to feed him some millet porridge. Have you eaten?"

"No," Hayden replied. "Bring another bowl. I'll eat with him."

He pulled a chair to sit beside the bed.

Sonny smiled weakly, his cracked lips still swollen and far from healed. Each smile threatened to reopen the wound.

"Don't smile," Hayden said gently, tapping Sonny's shoulder. "If it hurts, just say so."

Sonny's smile was brittle, and he seemed to struggle to keep it there. "It doesn't hurt."

Hayden took the bowl and fed him.

Sonny's eyes reddened, but he opened his mouth to eat. He didn't eat much, just a few bites. Although Nicholas had hired a physician for him, he hadn't really received proper treatment.

Hayden didn't wait for Chaya to bring him another bowl of millet porridge. He just ate from Sonny's bowl. "It's dirty," Sonny said.

Hayden kept eating, not noticing that something fell into the bowl. "Sonny, we've been together all our lives."

Sonny stared at him, his bruised face showing signs of sadness.

"We've been together our whole lives. You don't mind that I'm useless. Why would I mind you?" Hayden continued, only to realize the tears falling into the bowl were his own.

"Does it hurt?" He took another spoonful of millet porridge and began reminiscing. "I remember when I was 57, I fell off a horse and hurt my waist and legs. The pain was so sharp, I still fear it when I think back on it."

Tears slid down Sonny's cheek, and he whispered, "This old servant feels no pain."

Hayden finished the millet porridge and glanced outside. The rain had intensified, and the Shadow Guard who had been watching over him was still there. Just now, when he had

Shadow Guard had mirrored his actions.

on the corridor, the

The man really was a persistent shadow.

Chaya entered, carrying a bowl. "Here's yours."

"No need," Hayden said. "I've already had Sonny's."

He placed the bowl down and had Chaya stand in front of him, just enough to block the view of the Shadow Guard outside.

He took a small pill from his sleeve and gently placed it in Sonny's mouth. "Take it. Once you do, the pain will be gone."

Chaya froze for a moment. Wasn't that pill meant for himself? The medicine would allow Hayden to leave the world without pain.noveldrama

Sonny seemed to know what the medicine was for and swallowed it dry. The pain was unbearable, and every moment was agony.

Yet, he truly couldn't bear to part with Hayden. His eyes filled with longing and tears that never stopped.

Hayden pulled out a shard of porcelain and looked at Chaya, whose face had gone pale. Then, he smiled and said, "I found a piece too.

Chaya suddenly covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

"You stand here and watch while! talk with Sonny about the past," Hayden said, then sharply dragged the porcelain shard across his wrist with such force that it was clear he had the intent to die.

His hand rested on Sonny's bed, and his blood seeped into the sheets, staining them a dark red. Chaya stood in front of him like an immovable mountain, her body still as stone, tears streaming down her face like a relentless rain.

"Didn't you want to ask him if he regrets it?" she whispered, covering her face with her hands. Her voice was so soft it was almost drowned out by the sound of the rain outside.

"I don't need to ask anymore. I know

everything need to," Hayden said with a look of relief. He glanced at Chaya, his expression tinged with reluctance. "Live well. Someone will come to love and care for you sincerely."

Chaya shook her head violently, hands still pressed to her face.

The Shadow Guard outside seemed to have heard something. He peeked in, but his view was blocked by

Chaya's back, so he could only tell that they were talking.

What they said didn't matter to Nicholas. What mattered was ensuring Hayden stayed alive.

No matter the outcome, Hayden was Nicholas' backup plan.

If they succeeded, Hayden would have to endure the shame of being accused of usurping the throne. If they failed, Hayden would bear the crime of being the leader of the rebels.