Goodbye Saintess (by Edelweiss W.S.) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78

I stood frozen, my eyes locked on Claire, utterly stunned by her question. Something about it felt strangely off, as if she were slipping into some kind of method acting. Yet beneath that oddity, her gaze was undeniably magnetic—charged with a subtle, almost hypnotic allure. I doubted any man could meet those eyes without feeling a flicker of something deep inside.

Two women immediately sprang to mind. First, Hera—the woman who had shown me the darkest nightmares marriage could bring. Then there was Rhea, someone with whom I shared a tangled, elusive bond that defied simple explanation. Thinking of them helped me steady myself.

I shook my head gently. “That’s not really my thing,” I said, trying to sound casual.

Claire’s eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement. “You think marriage is the tomb of love, too?!” she exclaimed.

It was clear she had finally found someone who understood her. She had long resisted her mother’s persistent pressure to marry because she believed marriage could suffocate love. Sebastian was the first man who had made her question that belief, making the idea feel less repulsive.

My mind flashed back to the five years I spent married to Hera. A complicated mix of sadness and relief swirled inside me, though I couldn’t quite pinpoint which emotion dominated.

I replied, “It’s more complicated than that, really. If two people never truly fall in love, or if they don’t take the time to understand each other’s flaws, then yes—marriage can become the grave of whatever love they thought they had.

“But maybe it’s not love that dies. Maybe it’s the passion—the honeymoon phase where everything feels fresh and intoxicating. When that fades, and there’s no solid foundation beneath, the whole relationship falls apart.”

I exhaled softly, memories of Hera flooding back. I had believed I loved her deeply, that accepting every part of her would be enough. I thought she felt the same way.

But everyone knew how that story ended.

“On the other hand,” I continued, “if two people truly know they’re meant for each other, if they’re soulmates, then marriage doesn’t have to be a tomb. It can be a new beginning—a fresh chapter.”

“A hint? Of what?” I asked, intrigued.

“We’re living together, aren’t we?” she said softly, smiling bashfully before turning her gaze away.

Who would have thought Sebastian could be so insightful about marriage? It felt like fate had finally brought her the perfect man.

He had to be more than just a partner—Sebastian had to be her soulmate.

Her face warmed with a sudden flush. She felt intoxicated again, but this time, the feeling had nothing to do with alcohol.

“This is my first time living away from my family, and already it’s with you. It feels like a trial run for us, doesn’t it? I really believe we’re a great match,” she whispered, her voice full of hopeful certainty.