Breanna quietly stared at Todd and at Darlean standing behind him.
All the memories from the past tangled in Breanna’s chest.
Before her father died, he taught her—by example—that she should be a good person and do good things.
But why… why did doing good only ever lead her to betrayal?
She suddenly remembered bringing Todd home for dinner back in high school.
Back then, he was just the Lannisters’s illegitimate child—alone and unwanted.
Her father had said, “From now on, this will be his home.”
After her father passed, she finished his mission and ended up with severe PTSD.
She couldn’t sleep, so Todd stayed up with her all night.
She couldn’t eat, so he learned how to cook just to coax her into smiling…
He told her, “From today onward, I’ll be your home.”
A single tear of despair slid from the corner of her eye.
He never—never—was her home.
All the injustice and bitterness clogged her throat until she couldn’t force out a single word.
She tilted her head back with a broken laugh, her voice hoarse.
“How could you hurt me this much?”
Todd lowered his gaze, hiding the flicker of guilt in his eyes. Then he turned to Darlean.
“You go first.”
He crouched down and gently tried to soothe Breanna.
“She didn’t mean it. I know these photos mean a lot to you. I’ll find someone to restore them for you.
“And besides, with how advanced technology is now, I’m sure your family has digital copies…”
Breanna slowly shook her head.
Her and her father’s identities had always been classified.
Afraid of dragging Todd and his family into danger, she never told him.
Her father was an undercover narcotics officer; he lived in the shadows and never dared keep photos of his family on his phone.
That torn photo… was the last existing proof of his face in this world.
Todd wiped her tears. “Don’t cry.”
His voice was rough, carrying a hint of a pain he tried to hide.
The next second, Darlean—who had just stepped outside—let out a soft cry.
“Todd… my belly… It hurts…”
Her legs buckled, and she was about to fall.
Todd didn’t hesitate for even a second. He spun around, caught her in his arms, and lifted her up. Then, he strode away without looking back.
Breanna’s vision blurred.
She drifted into a long dream.
In the dream, eighteen-year-old Todd had returned to the dangerous Lannister’s place just for her. He held her hand, his smile sincere and unwavering.
“From now on, let me protect you.”
When his uncles deliberately caused a car accident, he shielded her with his body and ended up in the ICU for three days and nights.
After he got out, he acted like a storm, dragging his uncles in front of her and forcing them to apologize.
Back then, he told her, “Anyone who hurts you deserves to die... including me.”
In her dream, Breanna broke down crying and threw herself into his arms.
Then the scene suddenly shifted to reality.
Todd shielding Darlean.
“Stop acting crazy.”
She struggled awake, the sting of disinfectant filling her nose.
It was late at night.
Todd pushed the door open and yanked her up from her hospital bed, his whole expression cold.
“Where did your people take Darlean?”
Before she could speak, he tapped his phone.
Darlean’s trembling, tear-soaked voice played through the speaker:
“I’m sorry, Breanna… Please, I’m begging you, let me go! Ahh! Help—”
Her scream cut off abruptly.
Breanna’s heart clenched.
“You’re doubting me because of that recording?”
Impatience, suspicion, and anger flickered in Todd’s eyes.
“If it wasn’t you, then who was it? If I hadn’t stopped you earlier, you might’ve killed her!”
“Yes. I do want her dead.” Breanna rasped. “But I didn’t order anyone to kidnap her! So whatever she says, you just take it as truth, huh?”
Todd stared at her, growing more agitated.
Seconds ticked by.
Finally, he lost his patience and grabbed her wrist hard—painfully hard.
“Why can’t you tolerate her? She was your best friend. How could you become so vicious, ruining her reputation by hiring someone to set her up?”
Breanna’s face went pale. She let out a cold laugh.
“My best friend? You mean your lover? I already told you it wasn’t me! You can investigate all you want!”
Todd’s gaze turned razor-sharp.
“I’m not in that kind of relationship with her.”
He released her and said coldly, “You better pray she’s safe. If anything happens to her…”
He strode out, already dialing someone.
“Search the entire city if you have to. Find Darlean.”
‘If not… what?’
A mocking smile tugged at Breanna’s lips.
But as she smiled, tears fell anyway.
Todd was now threatening her for another woman.
So this was “forever”—just ten years.
