Chapter 9
Because of the wedding with Chase, I had taken a year–long leave from work.[]
After the ceremony, there was supposed to be a two–month honeymoon.[]
There wouldn’t be a honeymoon now.
During this period, everyone was gossiping about what happened, and I couldn’t numb myself with work.[]
So I decided to travel alone.[]
The day before I left, I went to visit my parents.]
At their graveside, I told them about my painful recent experiences.
“I’m glad you weren’t there to see it.[]
“Otherwise, you would have been heartbroken too.
3
“If I had seen the concern in your eyes, I probably would have broken down crying right then and there.“[]
My dad had been a truck driver, often gone for four or five days at a time hauling freight.
Summer fruit runs were especially frequent.[]
in
**
n.0
He’d finish one haul, get the truck serviced, then immediately head out on the next
run.
Mom was a homemaker who, besides housework and taking care of me, did piecework from home.]]
They both tried their absolute best to give me everything they could.
Even though I wasn’t their biological child.[]
I remember we rarely ate meals together as a family.[]
But on important birthdays and holidays, we were always together.[]
Our favorite thing was grabbing breakfast at that old diner on the west side.[]
I’d ride on Dad’s shoulders, listening to his deep voice call out, “Morning, Joe! One short stack, one regular, and a full combo!“]
e.0
I turned my head and saw Chase’s face.
My face went white instantly
I nearly collapsed to the ground.[]
Chase was startled by my reaction.[]
Then he turned away and spoke in a low voice:[]
As I pulled myself from the memory, I suddenly realized someone was standing beside me.
એટલે કે સંડા કરવા કોઈને થ
કરોડો
F
કિ
ચાર કામ ક
1:|:ཀྱང ག
Chapter 9
“I’m sorry for forcing myself on you that day.]]
“I’ve been thinking it over these past few days, and I realize I was completely wrong.
“I think we should talk this through properly.“[]
He looked at me with dejected eyes.[]
In the past, when we’d fight and he’d give me that look, I’d soften immediately and pull him into a
hug.
Now, I frowned with disgust and said coldly, “There’s nothing to discuss. Leave now. I don’t want
to
see you!”
His breathing hitched, but he acted as if he hadn’t heard me. He picked up some joss paper, lit it with the candle, and tossed it into the pile of ashes.
“Chase! I told you to leave!“]
screamed.
The next moment, a gust of wind came from nowhere, lifting the burning paper and spinning it into the air.
The orange flames licked viciously at the back of Chase’s hand.[]
He jerked his hand back reflexively.[]
Looking at his reddened skin, he turned and stared in surprise at my parents‘ grave.]]
I was stunned too.
I hadn’t cried while pouring my heart out to my parents.
I hadn’t cried while remembering those scattered, precious memories.[]
I hadn’t cried even while screaming at Chase in anger.]
But now, tears came flooding out.]
Mom and Dad were still watching over me…
e…
“Vivienne…“[]
Chase looked at me with furrowed brow and pained eyes, reaching out to wipe away my tears, but I dodged him.
I wiped my own tears and choked out, “Just go. My parents don’t like you.‘
- “0
Chase’s eyes gradually reddened, moisture beginning to pool in them.[]
His back curved slightly, his hands clenching into fists, then releasing.
He looked helplessly at my parents‘ grave, then back at me.]
“I’m sorry.”
After those words, he turned and walked away, leaving behind a dejected, lonely silhouette.[]
A
Chapter 9
I crouched on the ground, staring at the pile of ashes as I sobbed uncontrollably.
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