With Viola's soothing, Ormand calmed down a lot.
He held her hand tightly as if he had found a place where he could be put at ease.
"Viola, don't go to Jerry! Don't agree to his conditions."
Viola hesitated.
"Viola, promise me! We agreed on this."
Ormand tightened his grip on her hand, so tightly that, without his noticing, he had left a red mark on her hand.
"I promise I will never marry him, but... I'm sorry."
The moment Viola's voice faded, the other hand of hers ruthlessly struck the back of Ormand's head. She used all her strength to knock him out.
Viola held Ormand in her arms and pressed her face against his forehead, gently caressing him.
Tears slid down from the corners of her eyes and disappeared into her hair without a trace.
Viola murmured, "Sleep, Orin. Leave the rest to me."