Karl watched Charlotte's profile as she lowered her head and gently patted the child. The warmth of that tiny life seemed to linger on his arms, filling his heart with helplessness and even deeper guilt. He shattered this beautiful scene.
In the end, Charlotte spoke first. "Karl, no matter what you're thinking, from now on... please, you must be careful."
She paused, then finally lifted her eyes and looked directly at Karl. The softness she had shown while looking at the child was gone from her gaze, leaving only a grave calm. "Even if... even if you truly don't love me anymore, please remember that Klein is your biological son. Your blood runs in him. For his sake... you must be well. You must protect yourself."
Her words were like the dullest blade, slowly yet deeply carving into Karl's heart.
Not for her sake, but for the child's.
She had even already allowed for the possibility that he "no longer loved her," placing herself in a position where she could be abandoned—or at least emotionally severed from him. Only the child, only their bond of blood, remained as her final tie and plea.
More than any accusation, any tearful outburst, even any resolute departure, this made Karl feel shame and pain as though ten thousand arrows had pierced his heart.
She no longer believed in his love. Or perhaps she no longer dared to believe in it.
"Charlotte! That's not it!" Karl suddenly stepped forward, his voice rising with urgency and sounding abrupt in the empty corridor. He immediately lowered it again. "I love you! I've always loved you! It's never changed! And I love our son, Klein! I love both of you! I..."
"That's enough." Charlotte cut him off softly.
She clearly did not believe him—or rather, she was