End the Quest Early

On my fifth year of courting the villain of this novel, he finally agreed to marry me.

The day of the wedding, the grand chandelier in the hall suddenly plunged. In that critical moment, he violently pushed me aside, shielding the trembling protagonist, his true love, Eleanor.

His arm was gashed, a large stain of blood blossoming across his white tuxedo. Eleanor, in his arms, was completely unharmed.

Clutching the bleeding gash on my neck, I finally accepted the truth: he didnt love me.

The System appeared, asking, Do you want to end the mission early?

I nodded. Since hes destined to lose his limbs and suffer a fate worse than death because of her, Ill grant him that wish.

Are you sure, Host? Once confirmed, theres no turning back, no room for reversal. The System sighed, a touch of regret in its tone. After all, the System was born from my wish. It had sent me into this book when I despaired over Eliass tragic fate, hoping I could change his ending.

I pressed a hand to my neck, where blood was faintly seeping, feeling lightheaded. I did my best

Elias was the villain of this story, his character twisted by a childhood devoid of love. As an adult, he would go to hell and back for even the smallest kindness from Eleanor. In the end, saving her would lead to him losing all his limbs, becoming a mere torsoa living death.

Id been in this world for five years, meticulously documenting his every joy and sorrow, staying by his side to redeem him. Everyone knew I loved him. I was the only one who had seen his dark side and wasnt afraid.

Initially, he was hostile towards me, distrusting my words, his eyes only for Eleanor. I knew his cruelty. When he deliberately aimed a small knife at me, I stood still, letting him stab me near my heart. The smile on his lips froze, replaced by shock and confusion. I smiled and told him that in this world, he wasnt the only one willing to give everything for the person they loved. I was too.

I won that gamble. He personally took me to the hospital. From then on, he stopped speaking to me with malice.

He loved racing. I knew nothing about cars, but to earn a smile from him, I worked desperately, barely sleeping three hours a night, to buy him a global limited edition helmet.

But in the fifth year, he had an accident during a race and disappeared. I searched for him tirelessly, without sleep, for an entire day. When he awoke and saw me, his eyes were red-rimmed. He cradled my face, murmuring against my ear. He held me so tight, as if wanting to crush me. Then, suppressed sobs echoed by my ear, and I held him back, comforting him.

After he was finally discharged, the first thing he did was grab my hand, his gaze heavy. Well get married someday. You wont be able to leave then. His words were soft, laced with a threat, but they left me stunned, unable to recover for a long time. My heart pounded so hard it made my ears ring, and my cheeks flushed. After a long while, I squeezed his hand back firmly, my eyes locked on his. Then its settled, well get married!

That very day, I began planning every detail of the wedding. From selecting the grand ballroom to pairing the smallest accessories on my gown, I handled everything myself. My heart and mind were completely consumed by the final vision. I even invited Eleanor to our wedding. I had been so confident, believing Elias would no longer be captivated by her. But the moment the chandelier crashed, it shattered all my beautiful dreams of these past days.

I pressed my hand to the freshly bandaged wound on my neck. It still throbbed. I smiled bitterly, lowering my head to hide my tears. I pulled out my phone, telling the wedding planner to cancel everything, then removed my wedding gown and accessories, folding and sealing them away. I had thought that Elias and I had been through hardships together, that he would treat me differently. But I underestimated Eleanors devastating power. No matter how long Id been with him, how much Id given, as long as his true love was still around, I would always lose.

The System couldnt help but ask, Host, are you truly going home?

I nodded. Why dont you tell me when I can go home?

Approximately one day from now, the tunnel will reopen. During this time, you can do whatever you wish, leave no regrets.

I handed the bag to Eliass sister, Selena, who had been kind to me over the years. After I leave, please burn this dress for me.

Im no longer worthy to wear it.

Selena clutched the bag, a hint of indignation in her voice. My brother is truly awful. Im going to go confront him right now, make him give you some severance pay before you go She turned to leave, but I pulled her back.

No need. She had seen how I had treated her and Elias over the years, and she remembered it. The easing of her relationship with Elias was also something I had worked to achieve.

Just as I finished speaking, Elias appeared, clutching his freshly bandaged arm, his voice icy. Where are you going?

I looked up at him, feeling a strange disconnect after only half a day apart. I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. The bar was dimly lit. He leaned against the tables edge, drinking alone. He wore a utility jacket, his posture tall and straight. His eyes were dark, his lips a thin line, as if pushing the world away. But with just one glance, I was captivated, unable to tear my eyes away.

Over the years, I had seen so many expressions from him, but the gentleness he reserved for Eleanor, I had never witnessed.

My thoughts returned to the present. I spoke. You misheard.

I was just asking my sister to dispose of some unimportant things for me. The more I spoke, the more my gaze drifted, as if trying to convince myself. Yes. I came empty-handed, and Ill leave empty-handed.

Elias stared at me for a long moment, seemingly unable to find fault with my words. Finally, he conceded and left.

Thats right, I thought. This is the normal him. He was always so taciturn with me, only becoming more talkative when Eleanor was mentioned. Why would he genuinely care where I was going?

Soon after, the front door opened. I watched, utterly invisible to Eleanor, as she rushed upstairs to find Elias. It was as if this was her home, and I was merely a phantom. I followed her up. As she knocked on the door, a muffled "Get out" echoed from inside. Eleanor grew more frantic. Elias, its me

Click.

The door quickly opened from within. I realized then that the Get out had been meant for me, Elias mistaking Eleanors knock for mine. Restraining his desire, Elias asked, Why are you here?

Arent you afraid hell find out you came to see me?

Eleanors eyes immediately welled with tears. Her voice trembled as she spoke. Hes not with me yet, he cant control me.

Besides, you were hurt because of me. How could I rest easy without knowing youre okay?

I froze. My heart felt as if it had been struck by a hammer, aching dully. Her words were spoken as if I didnt exist. Even though I had spent half a day trying to sever their ties, in their eyes, I was still nothing more than cannon fodder.

Eleanors tears began to fall. Dont you want to see me?

Elias could no longer hold back. Right in front of me, he embraced Eleanor tightly. I need you, Ive always needed you. I watched his eyes, red-rimmed, as if he were holding a precious treasure he had thought lost forever. Those words cruelly twisted my heart.

So, what about me? Had I been a joke all along?

After they had held each other long enough, Eleanor began to inspect Eliass wound, caressing it while sniffling. Does it hurt?

Elias looked at her, his heart aching even more. He took her hand from his neck and held it with both of his. His gaze was tender and lingering. Dont be scared, Eleanor. It doesnt hurt anymore.

Look, the doctor bandaged it well. As long as I change the dressing carefully, Ill be fine.

You should go back.

Five years. I had never heard such a gentle voice from him. Clearly, only the female protagonist deserved it.

I couldnt bear to watch any longer and quietly slipped away. The tears in my eyes refused to be held back, streaming down my cheeks and staining the floor. I sat in the living room for a long time, silently watching the wall clock, counting down the hours. Thankfully, only two more days, and I could leave. Never to return.

After a long while, Eleanor carefully came downstairs. Her lips were redder than when she arrived. I averted my eyes, pretending not to notice. But Eleanor walked directly toward me, giving me careful instructions. Elias is asleep now, dont wake him.

Ive been a bit busy lately and cant come often. You must take care of him, dont let him get hurt again.

Although he has a bad temper, hes a good person. If he ever yells at you, just come to me, and Ill get justice for you.

She held my hand, her smugness barely concealed. I subtly pulled my hand away, unable to resist snapping back, Im his fiance, I dont need you to tell me what to do.

The smugness on her face grew more pronounced. She scoffed. If I hadnt allowed it, do you think youd have had a chance to be with him?

You think too highly of yourself. Im his true love; youre just my stand-in.

Do what a stand-in is supposed to do.

It was strange. It felt as if I had been utterly broken. There was no ripple in my heart. Whether Im a stand-in or not, you dont need to tell me.

At least, Im his fiance. If we dont marry this time, we can always marry next time.

You! Eleanor was furious, her voice rising considerably. Then she took a deep breath, composing herself. Hmph, you only win with your mouth. Im happy this time, so Ill let you win.

Next time, Ill make you roll out of this house.

Guess if Elias listens to me or you.

With that, she strode away, the door slamming shut. I instantly lost all strength, collapsing onto the sofa, breathing heavily.

Elias came down from upstairs, unable to resist scolding me. Why do you argue with her? I just see her as a sister

My gaze fell on the redness at the corner of his lips, and I couldnt help but mock him. It seems your relationship is truly close.

He flinched, quickly raising a hand to wipe away the red on his lips. That was just an accidental smudge. Can you stop overthinking things? He walked over, his gaze heavy on me.

But the excuse was too flimsy. I couldnt fathom how his lips could have gotten red in such a way.

When I first arrived in this world, I knew no one. I only knew to stay by his side. Everyone thought I was mad, shamelessly trying to seduce Eleanors man, unafraid of being bitten back. He never offered explanations, only saying, Dont even think about it. I wont abandon Eleanor to be with you wholeheartedly. I cried until my eyes were red, locking myself in my room, refusing to eat or see Elias. He broke down the door, dragged me out, his expression cold. Do you think if you starve yourself to death, Id spare you a second glance? You might as well make the most of things. I understood his underlying meaning, taking it as comfort. And just like that, I was placated. After that, no matter what outsiders said, I remained indifferent. When someone called me his lapdog, his expression never changed. Yet now, he was worried I would suspect his true love, forbidding me from insulting her.

I lowered my head, wiping away my tears. Youre overthinking. Im not imagining things.

Elias looked at me with a questioning gaze.

I continued, Next time I see her, Ill apologize.

Late at night, I looked at my neck in the mirror, unable to stop tracing the wound. An entire day had passed, and such a visible injury, yet Elias hadn't noticed it. It was as if he was certain I couldn't be hurt.

That day was pure chaos. Only Selena helped me up and took me to the hospital. After all this time, I really thought my brother loved you. Hes such a private person, yet he was willing to invite so many people to his wedding.

But you were right beside him, and he still pushed you away to save Eleanor, who was some distance away!

Its clear he doesnt love you at all!

My face was ashen that day, speckles of blood staining my wedding gown. But Eliass eyes didnt spare me a single glance. His arms were wrapped tightly around Eleanor, shielding her from all the glass shards, protecting her so she was completely unharmed. Eleanor huddled in his arms for a long time before she reacted, pushing him away with restraint. Your wife is hurt, you should go check on her.

Elias didnt listen. Instead, he scanned Eleanor up and down several times before sighing in relief. Its good that youre alright. I knew she wouldnt be seriously hurt.

Selena helped me stumble out of the banquet hall, tears of pain streaming down my face. Recalling that day, the pain seemed to return once more. I couldnt help but flinch, trying to shake it off. But a bitter ache still lingered in my heart.

Only in moments of life-threatening danger could one truly see if someone loved them. As long as I left this place, I could heal myself. With time, I would completely forget Elias. It would be as if I had never been here.