Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1265

Samuel said, "It's that woman who got Sean killed. She's not innocent in all this. I can't believe Sean ended up like this because of her. If she had any feelings for him, how could she cozy up to the very person who killed him?"

Agnes chimed in, "Look at her, everyone. Just look at her. Phenix is devastated by my brother's death. It's not just the blow she took; it’s also due to the medication she was on. None of this was her intention. Nobody suffered more than her when Sean died. It’s a basic instinct to avoid pain, and she’s in so much of it that forgetting is her only way to survive. Do you have any idea how many times she's tried to end her life?"

Samuel glanced at Phenix, who stood nearby, visibly moved by Agnes's words. Phenix's expression was indeed odd, shifting between clarity and vacancy, unable to distinguish between dreams and reality. She was obviously under some sort of mental strain.

Yet, Samuel frowned, unconvinced. "I don't buy it. You’re all in this together. I’m here today to avenge my brother. Kearney, stop stalling. There are eight bullets left. If you're scared of dying, put them all in this woman, and you’ll live. Or take them yourself. If you don't act, I'll toss both of you into the ocean to feed the sharks."

Kearney had no options left. These past few months had probably been the happiest of his life. He and Phenix had gone to Australia, where they raised sheep and had two dogs and a cat. Phenix planted a garden full of flowers, many of which had started to bloom. He tended to the sheep every day, living a simple farmer’s life.

He had always considered himself a bad guy, a sinner. He'd killed many, even his brother, who he grew up with, without hesitation. He was a monster, forced into this life by fate. The grandest crime he'd committed was killing Sean, a deed he could have avoided.

He had used his vendetta as an excuse, a shield for the darkness within. But eventually, he realized that darkness was always there, independent of his need for revenge. Killing Sean wasn’t a necessity; it was pure jealousy.