The Three Cuts

My name is Rosalind Sue. I was once the most beloved daughter of the Sue Family. Until that day, the blood-red stain cloaked the grand gates of the Sue Family mansion. The glint of the enemy's blades flickered before my eyes, my parents' agonized screams piercing my ears like shards of glass. I thought I was to perish in this slaughter, until a familiar figure flung himself before me. It was Blake Deer. He took the first strike meant for me; the blade slashed across his collarbone, blood instantly soaking through his clothes. I wept and pleaded for him to go, but he only held me tighter within his arms. The second blade pierced his abdomen; he uttered a muffled groan, yet still refused to let me go. The third knife plunged straight into his heart. I felt as though my entire world was collapsing, yet he bowed his head and caressed my face with his blood-stained hand. The corner of his mouth still curled into a smile, his voice weak yet clear: "Rosalind, these three knives are the medals I earned for you." Tears streamed down my cheeks; I could not speak a single word. He went on, "Each one proves the depth of my love for you." Later, we were rescued by his men and concealed in a hidden villa. Blake Deer's wounds were grave; he lay unconscious for three days and nights before finally awakening. I kept vigil by his bedside, never leaving his side, with only one thought in my heart—if only he could get better, I was willing to pay any price. Day by day, Blake Deer's wounds slowly healed, and the anxious weight in my heart gradually lifted. I thought the nightmare was over, that we could begin anew. Until that afternoon, when a knock sounded at the gate outside the courtyard. I opened the door to find a stranger standing there. She wore a simple, elegant dress, a faint smile of pride playing on her lips. What startled me most was the subtle swell of her belly—she was clearly with child. Before I could speak, she spoke first: "You must be Rosalind Sue? I have come seeking Blake Deer." I clenched my fists tightly, suppressing the unease within my heart, and asked her, "What do you want with him?" She gently caressed her belly, her eyes shining with pride: "I am carrying his child; naturally, I have come to bring him joyous news." My mind buzzed as if struck by a heavy hammer. I looked at her belly, recalling Blake Deer's promises to me, and felt a dizzying whirlwind grip my senses. But I knew this was no time to lose my composure. I took a deep breath, striving to keep my voice steady: "Blake Deer is resting now. If there's anything, wait until he wakes to discuss it." But she would not relent. She stepped forward and leaned close to me, whispering: "Ms. Sue, I suggest you be realistic. I'm carrying his child now; from this moment on, I doubt there's any place here for you." I stared at her coldly: "This place was prepared by Blake Deer for me. Whether I have a place here is not for you to decide." The smile on her face faltered briefly before she quickly resumed her smug expression: "Then let us wait and see. Blake Deer loves the child in my womb most dearly; he will surely choose me." I no longer wasted words on her and shut the courtyard door firmly. Leaning against the door, I felt my legs trembling uncontrollably. The calm I showed earlier was all a facade; in truth, my heart had long been tangled in a chaotic knot.