CHAPTER 73 : April 3, 1896

• Vivian gently placed her hand on Damian's chest, her touch radiating warmth and compassion. "There is a soul in this body, Eric, even though you try to hide it from the world. They may see you as a monster, but that's not who you truly are. I know, deep in my heart, that you have a good heart," she said, her voice filled with conviction and tenderness.
• Damian despised the vulnerability he felt in that moment, as if his walls were crumbling. It made him feel weak, exposed to emotions he had long suppressed.
• "I have to go," he said abruptly, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and inner turmoil. He walked past her, his steps heavy with a silent struggle, and opened the door, allowing the outside world to swallow him whole. He left the building, seeking solace in solitude.