Chapter 171: ~Hellbound~

Elena, still avoiding direct eye contact, unveiled the depths of her internal turmoil.

"Derek, we almost talked with a lot of physicians, but it didn't work out well," she confessed, her voice carrying the weight of resignation.

"Nobody will be able to help me with this panic attack, Derek. And I already told you to give up on me. I… I just could not feel anything. I feel everything empty around me. I don't want to hurt you anymore. It's just I can't take this emptiness anymore. Everything feels so burdensome in my heart."

Derek's internal turmoil echoed in his thoughts, the awareness of Elena slowly perishing on the inside casting a somber shadow over his concern. He took a deep breath, mustering the strength to confront the complexities of their shared reality. Abruptly, he held her arms, his voice carrying the weight of both frustration and love.