Christine paused, seemingly convinced by Azazel’s reasoning.

“She was acting strangely today. It does seem like she’s just trying to upset us.”

Azazel continued with complete self-assurance:

“When you suggested the marriage arrangement, Rebecca slapped her. She’s always been proud and temperamental—it’s normal for her to be angry about that.”

“Plus, while she believes I’m Alaric, she loves me so much that seeing my face must still stir emotions in her. She can’t help subconsciously treating ‘Alaric’ like me.”

“This morning, seeing me being affectionate with Rebecca probably upset her. That, combined with being slapped yesterday, made her lash out. She still can’t accept my death. In her mind, if Alaric agreed to marry her as my substitute, she could pretend he was me and continue living. This whole scene is just to pressure me into agreeing to the arrangement.”

Hearing this, Christine complained:

“That girl—if she wants something, she should just ask directly. Your father and I treat her like our own daughter. We try to accommodate her wishes whenever possible. Why say these hurtful things just to upset us? And you—I told you to agree to this arrangement and take better care of her…”

Azazel interrupted, his tone irritated:

“Enough, I get it. Sylvia is such a hassle. Tomorrow you can bring up the marriage arrangement again. I’ll agree this time, for the baby’s sake. I’ll compromise one more time.”

Seven Years of Obsession