Annihilated in the extract implies?

Read the passage and answer the question

World have been Heathcliff’s miseries, and I watched and felt each from the beginning. My great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be. And if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would be turned to a mighty stranger _ is should not seem a part of it. My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods; time will change it, I’m well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath – as source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff!. He’s always, always in my mind _ not as a pleasure to myself, but as my own being…

A. rebirth
B. death
C. marriage
D. problems

Correct Answer:

Option B – death