Chapter 12

“So this is what comes after being a cat. In some ways, it’s even more troublesome than hell.”

I stood before the full-length mirror, gently patting my own cheeks. It felt as though God were telling me that dying twice still wasn’t enough punishment, and I couldn’t help letting out a sigh.

I, who had once been Kitty, now truly existed as Ophelia.

She had died when she was eighteen, if I remembered correctly. The figure reflected in the mirror looked a little younger than she had back then, around the age she’d been when she picked me up a few years ago.

—May I hold you? You beautiful cat with eyes like the moon.

This body belonged to Ophelia, but the person inside was someone else. The thought that I would never again be held against that gentle chest made me want to throw myself into some lake right that very moment.

“Of course, I’m not going to do anything that foolish. I’m Alexandra, formerly a cat, and now Ophelia Desmond, daughter of a Marquis.”

Her cheeks were pale and unhealthy, her long golden hair had lost its luster, and her hazel eyes held no light. She looked far worse than she had when she lived with me. It made me realize just how much emotional support Kitty had provided her.

Ophelia had discovered the joy of living by loving me, only to be killed by Vincent’s selfish, twisted love. Helena, who had personally taken her life, had viewed Ophelia as the object of her hatred. But in my opinion, even hatred was a form of love.

After all, someone who meant nothing to you wouldn’t even appear at the edge of your vision.

“Don’t worry, Ophelia. This time, I’ll make you happy with my love.”

Back when I was Alexandra, I had trampled on the very idea of love, dismissing it as something worthless. But the unconditional love Ophelia had given me had undeniably transformed my heart.

“Yes, that’s right. You probably wouldn’t want revenge.”

I ran my finger along the surface of the full-length mirror. It was cold to the touch, without even the slightest hint of warmth. I gently closed my eyes and pressed a kiss against it.

“I love you, Ophelia.”

The life that began now would be the story of two people and one cat. Imagining a future in which we could finally become friends in heaven, I quietly shed a single tear.