Chapter 1
Luna's POV
I entered the house with hurried steps, full of excitement. Today, I wanted to give my husband a surprise—a surprise that I had been planning for a long time. Enthusiastically, I called his name while looking for his whereabouts.
"Honey, I'm home!"
My voice echoed in the quiet living room. There was no reply. I approached our room.
My smile grew wider. I imagined his expression when he saw me. I took off the sunglasses that had become an important part of me, letting them hang from my fingers.
My steps stopped right in front of the door. My hand, which was about to knock, suddenly froze when a female voice came from inside.
"When is the blind woman coming home, Max?"
My smile faded. I recognized that voice. With trembling hands, I put my ear to the door. I tried to calm myself, thinking maybe I had heard wrong. But before I could process it, my husband's soft voice replied.
"I don't know. Just stay calm. She won't suspect anything. After all, she can't see, can she?"
I felt my whole body tremble. It felt like something was hitting my chest hard. I wanted to break through, but my body felt stiff. I stood there, motionless, just listening.
"You're so good at making her believe. I always wondered how you could stand her," the woman's voice replied. That voice... I recognized it.
My husband replied in a sweet tone, "Never mind, dear. Let's enjoy this moment together."
My tears welled up, and I couldn't hold them back. My heart broke as if the whole world had collapsed in an instant. My breathing felt labored, but I didn't want to make a sound. I took a slow step back, still clutching my sunglasses, which now felt heavy.
They tricked me. Pretending to be nice to cover up their relationship.
"You think I don't know?" I muttered under my breath, though no one behind the door heard me.
No sooner had I stepped back from the room than James, the loyal servant who had worked in this house for many years, approached me with calm steps. However, his normally friendly face now looked a little worried.
"Don't you want to see your husband?" he asked gently, as if trying to read my mind.
I didn't answer. My eyes reddened, and tears flowed unbidden, but I quickly wiped them away roughly. I didn't want to look fragile.
My gaze returned to the door of the room, where their warm laughter could still be heard. The laughter now sounded like cruel mockery to me. James, who noticed the change in my face, began to understand something. However, he chose to remain silent, as if waiting for what I was going to say.
I looked away from him, trying to brace myself. In a cold voice that felt foreign even to me, I said, "Go away, James. And forget about the surprise I was going to give my husband. Just be quiet, and don't tell him anything."
James looked doubtful. "But..." His voice sounded objectionable, perhaps not agreeing with my request.
"Go, now!" I cut in firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument.
There was pity on his face as he looked at me. I knew he wanted to say something, wanted to offer his help, but I didn't need pity from anyone right now. Reluctantly, James finally turned and left, leaving me alone, which now felt colder than ever.
I took a deep breath, then put my sunglasses back on, as if that could hide the wound that had just been opened wide. My left hand was clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palm.
Then I knocked on the door of the room. Once. Twice. Their laughter still sounded, light and warm, but to my ears, it was just an insult laughing at my condition.
I waited. This time, I would not back down. I would face them.
The door opened slowly. From behind it, Max was a little surprised to see me coming, followed shortly by the woman. Who else, if not my best friend? Their faces were beaming, as if they had no sin to hide.
I stood there, wearing my sunglasses, pretending to still be trapped in the darkness. My heart skipped a beat, but I forced my lips to smile.
"Honey, when did you come home? How was your vacation?" he asked cheerfully, coming closer and hugging me gently. The once-warm embrace now left only a piercing chill.
Max released his embrace and then looked at Anna. Small smiles graced their faces, a sign of cooperation in a disgusting lie. My husband gestured with a forefinger brought to his lips, reminding my best friend to remain silent. I held my breath, holding back the disgust that was about to burst.
"So much fun! By the way, I had a chance to buy some souvenirs for you and Anna as well."
From behind my sunglasses, I saw my best friend standing not far away, smiling sarcastically, looking at me like I was a toy they had defeated.
I smiled a little, hiding all the pain behind my friendly face. My eyes were fixed on my best friend, though she might not have noticed my gaze. My smile broadened, but my heart was full of anger.
"Well, thank you, honey. Anna must be happy. You're such a good wife and friend," Max replied in an enthusiastic tone that sounded fake to my ears.
I leaned slightly towards him, putting on a curious face.
"Honey, I heard a noise in your room earlier. Like a woman's voice. And you... seemed to be talking to someone in there. Who is it?"
Max smiled a little, but there was a slight frown on his forehead, a sign that he was trying to think fast.
"Oh, that was me watching a movie. There was no one in the room but me, darling."
His hand gently rubbed my head. His voice sounded so convincing, but I knew better. I knew all the lies behind that smile. Although my chest felt tight, I managed to stop myself from exploding.
"Oh, I see. Maybe I heard wrong." I pretended to believe him. I smiled a little, even though I felt like throwing everything at their faces.
"Oh yeah, honey, can you please get me the souvenirs that were in the car? And also my cane. I seem to have forgotten to bring it in."
"Of course, honey. Let me get it," he replied in a sweet tone, neatly covering up his lie.
Max turned around and walked away. But I realized something. Anne was following him. Her feet were on tiptoe, as if to muffle the sound. She wanted to make sure I didn't hear that she was here with me.
However, before actually leaving, my best friend turned her head back, looking at me with a small grin that she didn't hide. Her expression was full of mockery, like a spectator who was sure she had won the game.
I held my breath, suppressing the anger burning in my chest. From behind these sunglasses, I saw everything: her dismissive gaze, her confident stride, and the pride she exhibited at having snatched something from me.
Once they were out, I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. It wasn't time yet. I had to play this game carefully until they were the ones caught in their trap.
"Enjoy your play, Anne. Don't think you can win now," I whispered, my lips pulling into a small, determined smile.
Chapter 2
Luna's POV
Slowly, I walked towards the window that led to the courtyard. My hand grazed the wall, then the window frame, looking for a handle. I took off the sunglasses that were always attached to my face.
Max and Anne's laughter was still ringing in my ears. It was as if the world only belonged to them, without caring that I was looking at them.
My heart sank. This pain was like a thorn that pierced repeatedly without mercy. The sound of laughter was familiar—too familiar, too close. I knew what they were doing there.
It wasn't just this once that I suspected, but hearing and feeling the betrayal firsthand... it was much more painful. I tried to recall how it all started. My marriage to Max was not out of love, but out of responsibility. The incident was still vivid in my memory.
That day, I came home from work. Tired, but hopeful as always. The streets were crowded, but I stepped carefully. There was no foreboding, until the sound of the car's brakes screeched and my body was thrown onto the asphalt. The world turned dark in an instant.
The darkness wasn't just the loss of sight; it was the loss of my dreams, my hopes, and my faith in life. I was angry, frustrated, feeling like life was so cruel. But Max, that man, was the driver who took away my world. Max came with endless guilt.
Finally, Max apologized, over and over again. Eventually, he proposed to me. He said it was his way to make amends, to take responsibility.
At first, I flatly refused. But the days passed, and slowly, I began to accept.
Max was so good. Too good, to the point where I began to think maybe I was worthy of love even in this darkness. I learned to love him and put my broken heart back together.
But now, what did it all mean? His kindness all this time was just a form of regret, not love. While I... this blind me, foolishly, put my heart into him.
I stood at the window, the sound of their laughter in the courtyard like a loud slap that made me realize.
"Why was I so stupid to believe that he loved me?"
I felt tears welling up, hot on my cheeks. I tried to take a deep breath, to calm myself, but the pain wouldn't go away.
Since losing my sight, my life felt empty. I thought no one would stick by my side, no friend would care. But then, there was Anne.
"Calm down, Luna. I'm here to keep you company. Even though you can't see me, you can feel that I'm always here for you."
I still remember when Anne said those words that calmed me down at that moment. Even when I experienced a disaster that made the world dark for me, Anne didn't change. She often came whenever I needed her—accompanying my loneliness, listening to my stories, or just sitting on the sofa while talking about light things.
I used to believe that amid this darkness, Anne was my light. But this time, something felt different. Anne, whom I once saw as a true friend, has now become a stranger. She is no longer my best friend but has become an enemy who is ready to fight with me.
Pieces of memories hit me again. How I was always there for Anne. When she ran out of money, I was the one who helped her. When she needed a place to stay, I let her stay at my house, sharing a room like a sister. Even my clothes were never too precious for her to borrow. However, what I did all this time turned out to be in vain.
My trust was shattered just like that. She stabbed me in the back, without hesitation. I still remember her tone of voice, calm but deceitful. Her words, once felt like a hug, are now a knife that cuts my heart. And here I was, in the dark, realizing that the Anne I had trusted had taken advantage of my kindness.
"Am I not good enough for you, Anne? What exactly made you change?" I murmured.
The tears I had been holding back began to flow down my cheeks. I could no longer tell if it was anger, disappointment, or deep hurt. I clenched my fists, trying to stop myself from screaming.
My heart wanted to fight back, but there was a small part of me that still hoped Anne would explain everything. That maybe, just maybe, I was wrong. But how could I be wrong when this pain was so real?
Over the past few days, I've been watching Anne's movements closely. She was getting more and more comfortable in my house, as if she were the owner. There was no shame or hesitation when she waited for Max to come home from work, even openly flirting and making out with him. I held myself together, trying to remain calm, even though every second felt like a fire burning in my heart.
They didn't know. They thought I was just a blind, stupid woman, unable to see the lie before my eyes. But I had a plan. I let them continue to role-play, while I secretly gathered evidence.
Day after day, I went through this drama, pretending to be blind and helpless. I was no longer the same woman. The eye surgery I underwent had given me my sight back, and now I was waiting for the right time to avenge everything.
That day, I sat on a park bench with Anne. She seemed normal, even trying to play her role as my best friend. With a fake smile on her face, she asked, "How was your vacation, Luna? Was it fun?"
I looked at her silently, trying to suppress the disgust rising in my chest.
"Of course, it was great," I replied in a forced cheerful tone. I started making up stories about the fake vacation—about the beach, the sunset, and how free I felt.
She listened to me, or at least pretended to. Until she finally stood up, turning her back to me with a small chuckle. I heard her mutter, clear and sharp as a thorn.
"Really, sickening! How can a blind woman enjoy her vacation?" she said in a condescending tone.
Anne's words made my blood boil. I threw my hands up, trying to remain calm.
"Anne, why are you silent? Where are you?"
Before she could answer, I stood up quickly and rammed into her. Her body lost balance, and she tumbled into the garden, letting out a small scream.
"Oh my, what did I bump into?" I exclaimed in panic, wearing a worried expression.
"Anne, was that you? Sorry, I didn't know you were standing there."
I crouched down beside her, groping the ground as if I didn't see what happened.
"I didn't mean to! Are you okay? I didn't see you there!"
Anne groaned, trying to get up while brushing off the dirt stuck to her clothes. Her face was red, either from embarrassment or anger.
"Be careful!" she said sternly.
I looked down, pretending to feel guilty. Inwardly, I held back a triumphant smile. This is just the beginning, Anne. You don't know what will happen next.
"Hey, why are you two sitting on the ground?" Max suddenly came over to the two of us. He was confused to see Anne sitting on the ground with an annoyed face, while I crouched down with an innocent face.
Chapter 3
Luna's POV
| sat on the edge of the pool, letting my feet sink into the cool water that afternoon. Swinging my legs slowly, my fingers skimmed the small ripples on the surface. A gentle breeze brushed my face, but my heart remained heavy.
The relationship I once dreamed of being a source of happiness now felt like a burden. I didn't know if I still wanted to stay with Max. Amid this indecision, there was one thought that kept haunting me: my own best friend. If Il wanted to stay in this marriage, I had to get rid of Anne. But if not, 'd have to give in and let go of everything. I let out a long sigh, letting my mind drown in indecision, until suddenly...
My body was pushed hard forward. I plunged freely into the pool, the cold water instantly enveloping my body. Panicking, I tried to grab the air while screaming for help. The pool water made my breath hitch.
Loud laughter could be heard from the edge of the pool. I knew that voice. Anne had now crossed the line.
| pretended not to know who it was, trying to control myself even though my heart was in turmoil. My eyes remained straight ahead as | took a deep breath, trying to calm my chaotic heartbeat.
“Help me! Anyone there, please, I cant swim!" | shouted at the top of my lungs, panicking as my body kept bobbing in the water. My heart was beating fast, the coldness of the water seeping into my bones. However, instead of hearing the sound of steps approaching to help, all I heard was loud laughter piercing my ears.
"Feel that, Luna. If you can, come up here." Anne seemed to be challenging me. I pretended to panic, waving my arms upward like | was drowning, trying to create an impression of desperation.
"Please, help me! It's cold here. My legs are cramping, Anne. Help me!"
| lied, making my voice sound pleading. However, Anne didn't move. Shejust stood at the edge of the pool, staring at me with a satisfied grin, as if enjoying my suffering. Her laughter grew louder, more piercing.
Slowly, I let my body sink into the water. I could still hear Anne's voice, like an echo reverberating in my mind. I knew what Anne wanted: for me to drown, to die here, in this pool. Maybe she thought this was the end for me.
But Anne was wrong. With practiced movements, I swam slowly, approaching where she stood. She was oblivious to my presence, too busy enjoying her victory. Once I reached her feet, without hesitation I pulled hard.
Water splashed in all directions as Anne's body fell into the pool with me. Now, it was her turn to panic. And I, for the first time, had the satisfaction of seeing her terrified face.
Anne took a deep breath. We faced each other in the center of the pool. I smiled—a smile she had probably never seen from me before, a meaningful grin. Her face changed, shocked. She couldn't even hide her fear.
"How does it feel here?" | asked in a cold tone. Her mouth gaped, as if ata loss for
words.
"Luna, you said you couldn't swim. Why are you now..."
| smiled wider, enjoying her disbelief.
"What if I deceived you, Anne? Aren't you the same, a cheater?"
Her eyes narrowed in hatred.
"Shit! And since when can you see?" she asked sharply, trying to change the subject.
| chuckled.
"Ever since I went on vacation and found out you were with my husband... in my room," I replied in a slapping tone. Without giving her time to digest, I pushed her head into the water forcefully.
Water splashed into my face as Anne floundered, creating air bubbles in the pool. I pulled her back up, grabbing her hair furiously. She coughed loudly, gasping for breath, but I didn't give her a chance to speak.
"You, how dare you take Max away from me?" My voice exploded. Anne winced, trying to say something, but I didn't care. Before she could open her mouth, I drowned her in the water again.
My anger burned. My hands still firmly grasped her. I should have been the one angry, I should have been the one hurt. But now, | was in control, and Anne had to know what it felt like to lose her breath like I lost everything because of her.
"When did your relationship start?" | asked, my eyes Sstaring intently at her. Anne was still panting, trying to catch her breath. Her chest was rising and falling, but instead of feeling guilty, she was grinning with satisfaction.
"You stupid! I thought you were smart. Of course, Max and I have been together a long time, since you were blind, Luna."
| froze for a moment, feeling my blood boil. Her words, so casual and full of contempt, burned my anger to its peak.
Without another word, I pressed her head into the water. Longer this time. My hands gripped her tightly, and the air bubbles that emerged from her mouth made me feel a little satisfied.
"How dare you do such a thing, Anne!" I exclaimed, my voice full of emotion, booming even though no one else could hear.
"| thought you were sincere with me! But it turns out you're just a parasite in my life. We've been friends for a long time, and..."
My words came to an abrupt halt as Anne suddenly kicked me in the stomach. To my surprise, my grip on her hair slipped.
Pain shot through my stomach, making me momentarily unsteady. My hand held my throbbing stomach, while Anne emerged from the water. Her hair was soaking wet, but she still had a grin on her face, triumphant.
"You've lived a happy life, Luna. You have Max's wealth even though you're blind." Anne looked at me sharply.
"| know, he only married you out of guilt, not love. And I'm the woman he loves. So, get out of the way."
Anne continued with her words. Her words shook me. But I refused to believe it. | was sure that during our year of marriage, Max would love me. Iwas sure of it.
"Shit! You're the one who needs to get out of here, asshole!" I yelled, my anger exploding. With full force, I kicked Anne in the stomach. She groaned, her body staggering backward. Ihad a satisfied smile, but it faded as my gaze fell on the pool water.
The red liguid began to spread around her, creating horrible patterns in the blue water. My eyes widened. Anne held her stomach, her face turning from pride to pain.
| didn't know what had just happened, but the sense of satisfaction vanished, replaced by an unstoppable feeling of fear and confusion.