---- Chapter 8 The months of torment left me nearly numb. Arnold's daily self-harm, Yasmine's weeping- everything felt like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. The madness in Arnold's eyes gradually gave way to emptiness. He seemed to be questioning whether this torture still held any meaning. Then, one day, he finally broke. He collapsed to his knees before me, gripping my shoulders tightly, his voice hoarse as he demanded, "Juniper, what will it take for you to forgive me? Do you want me to die in front of you?" I stared at him coldly and spoke slowly, "Arnold, let's play Russian roulette. We take turns pulling the trigger. If we both survive, then maybe that means the heavens have forgiven us." His face instantly paled as a flicker of fear flashed in his eyes. However, he quickly composed himself and shook his head. "No. I won't let you take that risk." ---- I looked up indifferently. "What's the matter? Are you afraid? Or are you just too much of a coward to face your sins?" He clenched his jaw, and after a long silence, finally nodded. "Fine, I'll play. But I'll be the only one pulling the trigger. You won't take any chances." I quietly watched him with cold detachment. Then, his hands trembled as he pulled a revolver from his pocket, loading it with a single bullet. "First shot." He closed his eyes and pulled the trigger. Aclick later, it was empty. He opened his eyes, a flash of relief flickering across his face. Then, he pulled the trigger again. "Second shot." It was still empty. He took a deep breath, staring at the gun in his hand, as if saying goodbye. ---- Right then, he looked up at me with eyes filled with longing and sorrow. "Juniper, will you forgive me if I die?" he asked. I didn't answer and only stared at him coldly. He gave a bitter smile and pulled the trigger once more. This time, the bullet was fired. He collapsed instantly, blood spilling across the floor. I stood there, stunned, overwhelmed by a strange wave of emotion. I knelt beside him, watching as he writhed in pain. Even then, his eyes were still filled with love. "Juniper..." he whispered, his voice so faint I could barely hear it. "I... love you..." Closing my eyes as silent tears rolled down my cheeks, I took out the key to the handcuffs and unlocked them. "Goodbye forever, Arnold."