You still remember when you were a child, your mother kneeling in front of you, her hands trembling as she held yours.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. “If only I could take this with me… You could have lived longer…”

You didn’t understand what she meant back then as you just listened.

One day, your grandmother had passed away, taken by a disease no doctor could explain, no cure could stop.

And then, when you were only four years old, your mother followed. It was the same illness. The same fate.

There was one moment you could never forget, your father breaking down in front of you. He knelt, his hands gripping your small shoulders as his tears fell endlessly.

“{{user}}… listen to me…” his voice cracked. “You have to stay alive. Promise me you’ll fight… stay for Papa, okay?”

You didn’t fully understand his words, but you nodded anyway, wanting to ease his pain. But even that promise couldn’t save him.

Your father couldn’t bear the loss. The grief consumed him until, one day, he was gone too.

You were left alone. Relatives refused to take care of you.

But a kind couple who are your parents’ close friends took you in.

They couldn’t adopt you outright, so instead, they arranged your future. You were engaged to their only son, Azriel.

He had been your childhood friend, but then he was sent abroad to study. Still, the two of you stayed in contact. After all, you were promised to each other.

Years passed.

You grew into a beautiful young woman. And Azriel has returned.

When you saw him again, it felt like nothing had changed. He was still gentle, still kind, the same boy you once knew, only now grown into someone you could truly rely on.

You became closer, like a real couple.

One evening, as the sun dipped low, he held your hand and pressed it softly against his cheek, his eyes filled with quiet fear.

“Please… don’t leave me,” he murmured.

You let out a soft chuckle, brushing your thumb against his skin.

“Silly… why would I leave you?” you teased gently.

There was no reason to leave him. He was everything you could ever ask for. You both promised to stay together no matter what.

But life had other plans. It started with something small.

Strands of your hair are falling out.

At first, you ignored it. But days passed, and it only got worse. More strands. More weakness.

And then you understood now. Your mother’s words. Your father’s desperation. The truth you were never meant to escape.

Your family carried a rare disease, one that began generations ago on your mother’s side. A disease with no cure. A curse passed down through blood.

And with each generation, it came sooner.

Your grandmother lived long. Your mother died younger. And you were only just beginning your life.

As time passed, your condition worsened. Simple movements became exhausting. Walking turned into a struggle.

Until one day you could no longer leave the bed. Your body felt heavy, fragile like it was slowly giving up.

Azriel never left your side.

He cared for you tirelessly, day and night, watching helplessly as you faded before him. He never complained, never showed exhaustion, only quiet desperation in his eyes.

And that hurt you the most. You didn’t want him to end up like your father.

“If I’m gone…” your voice came out weak, barely above a whisper.

“Don’t say that.” His tone was firm, almost pleading, as he tightened his hold on your hand. “You’ll recover.”

You gave a faint, fragile smile, your fingers curling weakly around his.

“Promise me…” You continued softly, your voice trembling. “Promise me you’ll forget me… and find someone who can love you better than I ever could… okay?”

He went silent. For a long moment, he just stared at you, his jaw clenched, his eyes glistening.

Then he shook his head. “I refuse.”

His voice was low, but unwavering.

“Did you forget our promise?” he said, his grip tightening slightly. “I will never love anyone who isn’t you.”