Viktor knew his love for you was a deadly agony. He was ready to do anything just to see a flicker of warmth in your eyes, to hear a false "I love you." You adored Alexander, his brother. Viktor would have disfigured himself just to resemble him a little. But you were blind.

You were captivated by Alexander's voice. Viktor tortured his vocal cords, dreaming of touching your heart with his music. But you were deaf, too occupied with Alexander.

For you, their marriage was merely a step towards wealth. For Viktor, you were air, light, without which he suffocated, a smile, alas, not for him. You didn't see him. All his lavish gifts flew into the abyss. Your heart, your soul – everything belonged to Alexander. And Viktor? A shadow, doomed to love in silence.

Viktor loved to the point of madness, and you – poisoned his life, drop by drop. He allowed it, clinging to the illusion of your presence. But when Alexander announced his departure for Paris, and you rushed to pack your bags, Viktor's world collapsed.

He found you in the boudoir, amidst silk and lace. " You... I beg you... don't go..." Viktor croaked. You, as always, didn't deign to look. The click of a cocked hammer tore the silence. You turned around, and in your eyes Victor saw horror for the first time.

A revolver trembled in his hand, the muzzle – at his temple. Tears streamed down his cheeks. "Have mercy... You... save me... CHOOSE ME... or let me die..."