Deirdre's trembling arms held onto Tilly tightly, but she quickly regained her composure, though disappointment still filled her eyes.

She had cut off all attachments five years ago, so why did Brendan's words still pierce her heart?

Perhaps Deirdre had hoped that Brendan could regain some sanity deep down, but now she realized he was beyond redemption.

"You're right. It was my fault for allowing myself to be imprisoned. I was foolish, holding onto hope for certain people. But over these past