Chapter 12
The only time I had free, aside from that, was on the day Neil proposed to me, when we went to the snow–capped mountains.
He slipped the ring onto my finger and promised that on our anniversary, we’d go to the beach.
Now, three anniversaries had passed, and I had fulfilled my wish, standing on that same beach we’d talked about that night.
It wasn’t all that difficult after all.
Was it really impossible before?
Was it because of the long period of adjustment, not wanting to burden the other?
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Or was it because I cared too much about his feelings, choosing silence instead?
The result, though, was that he pushed harder and harder against my limits.
His worst emotions were always saved for those closest to him, while the gentle side was reserved for the person who was in his heart in the pretext of a shortcut.
It was utterly boring.
I lay on the sofa with my sunglasses on.
The foreigner beside me repeatedly asked if I wanted to go for a drink.
I motioned to the juice next to me just as the phone rang.
“Helen, Helen…”
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Chapter 12
+ 5 Points
The voice on the other end sounded urgent.
I frowned and glanced at the caller ID, and for a moment, I almost hung up.
But the person on the other end seemed to anticipate my move, quickly pleading, “Helen, don’t hang up!”
“I–I usually back up my files, but the old ones are missing. I saw your medical
report… the previous one was taken away by Carroll…”
Neil’s voice was disjointed, he choked up, struggling to find his words.
“I’m sorry, Helen, I had a professional look at the report. Are you… not going to have much time left? When I heard the news, it felt like the sky was falling.”
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Chapter 12
+ 5 Points
Neil’s voice trembled as though he was on the verge of tears, “I’m so scared, Helen. I can’t leave you. No matter what, we need to be together.”
“Helen, where are you? Please, let me see you…”
I interrupted his words coldly. “I’m fine, you misunderstood.”
Just then, the phone screen displayed a news alert: “Diagnostic equipment error leads to major discrepancies–headline news.”
Neil was sobbing uncontrollably on the other end, “No, I won’t be at ease until I see you. Where are you? I’ll come find you.”
The waves crashed rhythmically, and the
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seagulls skimmed low over the water.
The fiery clouds at the horizon burned a deep red. I turned slightly.
“What difference does it make if you see me?” I said. “I told you it’s nothing, I wasn’t lying.”
Neil’s voice broke into sobs as he choked, “Okay, we won’t get divorced, alright? We won’t separate… I can’t live without you. I won’t be able to survive.”
Couples by the seaside were taking wedding photos for their travel shoots.
Under the sunset, the girl’s smile was radiant and full of joy.
I pushed my glasses up, squinting as I watched the happy couple.
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Who hasn’t truly loved someone?
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