Chapter 1004

“I’m not tired. You should go to bed first, don’t mind me,” Stefan hoarsely replied in a weak, unmotivated tone.

“What’s the point of staying here and giving yourself a cold? You should go back to your room and warm up.”

“I’d like some time alone.”

“But you…” Francine let out a long sigh. “That woman made you this way. Please don’t tell me you’re still hung up on her.”

Stefan remained silent.

“Oh Stef, don’t be like this. I’m your mother, and I know my son best. You may be perfect in every way, but you’re still a victim to love. If it weren’t for that woman, your life would’ve been smooth sailing, and you wouldn’t have ended up…”

“Mom, I told you. I want some time alone.” The man, sounding slightly aggrieved, balled up his fists gently.

“Alright, I… I’ll leave you alone. Just… ring the bell if you need anything.” Francine didn’t say anything else and wiped away her tears, leaving the backyard quietly.

Renee, on the other hand, hid herself quite well, which was why no one noticed her the entire time. She continued to stand behind the pillar, watching Stefan from the back for a long while.

She didn’t want to leave just yet.

‘Hey Stefan, you’ve lost so much weight… oh, you weakling! A mere snake bite caused you to end up like this? Come on, man, get up! What’s the point of moping in the middle of the night?’

‘You know, I actually came here to say goodbye. I made a deal with the gods when you were on the verge of death. I was willing to step out of your life completely if it meant you could stay alive. So hate me all you want. I’m sure that will bring you more happiness than loving me.’

‘So I hope you spend the rest of your life with Seraphina Murphy and be happy, okay? She really does love you. She had to endure so much trauma just to save you. I don’t even think I could ever do that for you. That’s why I just know you’ll be loved when you’re with her. It will be much easier than loving me…’

Not daring to approach him, Renee was only able to blabber on in her mind, taking this as saying her goodbye.

Just as she was about to leave, she accidentally bumped into a vase.

“Who’s that?” Stefan’s hearing had drastically improved after losing his sight. He stood up and slowly walked over towards the pillar, asking in an alert tone. “Mom, are you still here?”

Despite still hiding behind the pillar, Renee was sure her cover had been blown. Just as she was about to wave at him, the man… acted as if she wasn’t there.

‘What the hell is this guy doing? Is he doing this on purpose to ridicule me?’ Renee thought. She took a deep breath but soon noticed something off when she was about to explain herself.

‘Stefan’s eyes look kind of weird. They aren’t focused on anything at all. It’s like he’s blind…’

‘Wait… Is he actually blind?!’ Renee felt her heart sink as soon as she thought about that possibility.

She gulped and mustered up the courage to walk away from the pillar, revealing herself to him.

Stefan narrowed his eyes slightly, walking towards the sound of footsteps. “If you’re not my mother, are you Seraphina?”