"Do you believe me now, Deirdre? Are you willing to believe that I am not the person you hate?" Brendan's voice was filled with earnestness and a plea for acceptance.

As Brendan opened his eyes again, the clarity returned to his dark gaze. Emotions swirled within his pitch-black irises, a tumultuous mix that mirrored his inner turmoil.

Deirdre, momentarily relieved from her pain, summoned all her remaining strength to weakly reach out and grasp Brendan's sleeve. Tears streamed down her face, h