4
Only then did he notice the luggage in my hand. He pursed his lips, clutching my hand tightly, refusing to let go, his eyes deepening with guilt. Finally, urged by Olivia’s impatient calls, he spoke: “Tomorrow, I’ll go see your aunt.”
I carried my luggage back to my mother’s place, intending to collect all her belongings. But looking at her room, I couldn’t help but shed more tears. Her room was large, capable of holding many things. Yet, her room was also small, small enough to only contain the tiny fragments of my life with Julian.
the mi
On the wall, hung our joint photos. On the table, sat the cheap little duck dolls Julian and I had given her. In the corner, the milk ! had brought her remained untouched; she hadn’t dared to drink a single bottle, saving it for Julian and me. The bracelet Julian had given her, she had carefully placed in a box, polished to a shine.
Other than that, her own possessions were only countless handmade craft components, endless embroidery projects, and a small mountain of leather bags. All of this was to save money to pay off Julian’s debts. And all of it was for my future happiness.
I tore the joint photos to shreds, smashing the little duck dolls. But the one photo–the one of Julian and me, holding her hands–1 couldn’t bring myself to destroy. I placed it at the bottom of my suitcase. With everything packed, I returned to the company for my final handover.
Upon arriving, I saw Olivia Reed sitting at my desk. My colleagues watched us, nobody speaking. Perhaps, in their eyes, this was a showdown between a childhood sweetheart and an unexpected rival, and no one caught in the middle could escape unscathed. Seeing me approach, Olivia crossed her legs and flung a check onto the desk. “Ten million dollars. For this position.”
Faced with her provocation, I calmly picked up the check. “Alright, I’ll just pack up my things.” Everyone assumed I was bending for a paltry sum, sighing with pity for me. I didn’t care. I calmly packed my belongings, preparing to leave.
Just then, Julian walked over, noticing me with my luggage. His expression suddenly tightened. “Where are you going?”
“…”
Olivia cut in, speaking first: “I bought this position.”
Julian frowned, glancing at me. I raised the check in my hand. “I’ve accepted the money. Ten million.”
Hearing my words, Julian suddenly froze. He turned his head, seeing Olivia’s triumphant, expectant expression. His face suddenly turned grim, and the atmosphere solidified. Julian said nothing, as if in silent agreement.
Not until my back disappeared from view, did Julian shrug off Olivia’s clinging arm. In front of everyone, he slapped her across the face, his voice cold: “Don’t you dare humiliate her. Do you understand?”
After leaving the company, my phone received a text message from Julian.
【The specialists I hired have arrived. I’m sending them to your aunt’s hospital room now.】
[Tonight, we’ll go see your aunt together.)
[I’m craving your cooking.]
I smiled, a sudden, bitter taste in my mouth. Julian Winthorpe, goodbye. I gathered all my luggage and headed to the airport.
Just as I was about to board the plane, Julian’s messages popped up furiously.
[Lila, the specialists went to the hospital, but your aunt isn’t there?]
【Lila, where on earth is your aunt?!]
[Mother, has she really…]
