William had truly lost his mind.

He actually passed my gift onto another woman and aimed it at me.

Looking at the black muzzle, I felt a mix of emotions.

He knew how much I valued the things he gave me, yet he could give it away without a second thought.

What did he think of me?

I had been so patient, letting him and Erin be all lovey-dovey, not saying a word.

And this is how he repaid me?

A heart full of bitterness and sorrow.

I closed my eyes and turned fully towards them.

I even took a step forward, pressing my heart against the muzzle.

"Indeed, I've used this gun for eight years; it really is effective."

The words were directed at Erin, but my gaze was fixed on William.

If Erin pulled the trigger, I would surely die.

I wanted to bet my life on William's heart.

He looked back at me, his dark pupils hiding his emotions.

After a while, he smiled.

His brows relaxed completely, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, which remained stormy and dark.

With Erin's hand, he took back the gun:

"Since you've used it for so long, it's better left with you."

As he spoke, he handed the gun back to me.

Seeing his expression, my heart sank like I had fallen into an abyss.

After being by his side for ten years, no one knew him better than I did.

I realized that look in his eyes was a test.

So that was it.

The reason he took Erin everywhere was that he no longer trusted me.

Or perhaps, with another version of me around-someone who didn't know how to use a gun and was unfamiliar with the business-he found it easier to manage, leaving her by his side for reassurance.

And what about me?

What did my ten years of sacrifice mean?

I concealed my sadness, reaching out to take the gun.

Our fingers brushed, and he quickly withdrew his hand, shifting his gaze.

His voice was firm:

"Amber, starting tomorrow, you'll teach Erin how to use a gun."