I remained silent at his words, wanting to let him know that silence meant yes. I met his cognac eyes that I inherited from him. In my previous life, I couldn't even dare look into his eyes because of how frightened I was.

But at this moment, I failed to see that meeting his eyes was supposed to be the best thing ever. Meeting that filthy gaze of his was enough to bloom the flower of detestation.

"I knew you would come, Papa." I wiped the blood that besmirched my hand on my skirt before cocking my head from side to side. Then I curtsied before him.

Papa clenched his...