Voluntary Pain Quotes

“People think evil looks like chaos. Like rage.
But real darkness?
It’s quiet. Rational.
Chapter 59”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“You’re glowing. And that only happens for two reasons — you either won the lottery or you got laid.
Chapter 44”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“The city slid by — shop windows glowing, neon reflected on the glass, people in coats and holding umbrellas. Everything moved on, alive in its own rhythm — without her.
Chapter 39”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Most of us in this job — we’re not afraid of blood, or broken bodies, or danger. But… looking someone’s grief in the eye, the kind that cuts deeper than anything physical… That takes a different kind of courage.
Chapter 14”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“The best way to bury the truth is to present it as an intricate puzzle. Let everyone get lost in the clever details so they never see what’s right in front of them.”
Chapter 4”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Apparently, good coffee clouds intuition.”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Reputation matters. But sometimes it all starts with one thing — being honest with yourself.
Chapter 52”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Forty percent caffeine, sixty percent despair,” Nico said, rubbing his eyes. “Peak performance, really.”
Chapter 51”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“The house was impressive — but not inviting. It had everything, except warmth. Glass, marble, steel — every surface polished to surgical sterility. It didn’t feel like a home. It felt like a verdict.
Chapter 50”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“It’s better to be alone than with someone who drags you down. Or worse — pretends to lift you up, just to drop you from higher up.
Chapter 47”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Name, profession, and psychological stability level, considering he thought it was a good idea to send a bouquet to your mother.
Chapter 47”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Keeping people out doesn’t make you stronger. It makes you lonely.
Chapter 44”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“The October air was crisp, brushing across the terrace, swaying the string lights above. The scent of autumn mixed with freshly brewed coffee.
Chapter 44”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“I think you live behind a wall you’ve built yourself… And armor can make it very hard to breathe.
Chapter 42”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Sometimes... to reach who you really are - to get to the core - you have to take that risk. Step through the fear. It's like crossing a bridge: it's scary, it's cold, the wind knocks you sideways. But once you're halfway across, you realize the view is better from there. And you don't want to go back.
Chapter 42”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Life throws choices at you every day. Temptations. Trials. And most people who come to a psychologist… they’re not seeking answers. They’re dealing with the aftermath.
Chapter 31”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Seriously? One kiss and we’re having an existential crisis? Angie, breathe. There’s no ring on your finger. Date whoever you want.
Chapter 24”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Every man is just a sack of ambition and fear wrapped in an expensive suit.”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Men like that are just cats: while they’re proudly licking their paws, you dangle a little string. Let him think he’s the one playing. Meanwhile, you’re the one with all the control.
Chapter 22”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain

“Everyone has their coping mechanisms, Mom. Some hide behind silk scarves and boutique cafés. Others stick to sarcasm.
Chapter 4”
― Irina Semikop, Voluntary pain