But that wasn't the only source of his pessimism.
There was also Nina Donovan's scorn to consider.
He could already imagine it: if these hidden feelings were ever dragged into the light of day, they wouldn't blossom into a beautiful result, but would instead rot into filth.
Nina Donovan's mocking insults were the only things that could strike him to the core. Those sensitive emotions would come pouring out, breeding malicious thoughts until he might not even recognize himself anymore.
He felt the helplessness of wanting to push her away, yet craving to be closer.
'Life hasn't made me suffer enough, it seems,' Jasper Sherwood thought.
Because when he looked back...
Nina Donovan was still standing in the dazzling sunlight. He was the one who belonged in hell.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed.
Then, Nina Donovan's voice reached him. "Jasper Sherwood, I'm finished. Can you get up now?"
Nina Donovan gazed with satisfaction at the test paper in her hand.
