Chapter 13
But later, he always had an endless stream of reasons.
He wanted resources, social connections, to build up his network, and to push his competitors to the brink.
We met when we were young, and in the blink of an eye, ten years had passed.
The so–called reasons made me endure his bad temper again and again, tossing and turning through sleepless nights, watching Carroll join the company knowing full well there would be gossip, and seeing myself become a joke spread across the city. For “our careers, I endured all of this until today.
“Let’s keep some dignity for each other.”
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My voice grew cold.
“If you really care about me, even a little, then seven days from now, please be at the Civil Affairs Bureau on time.”
Being loved can make the body grow flesh and blood again; self–love can do the same.
The day I saw Neil again, he looked awful. His figure was gaunt, and his spirit was utterly drained.
In contrast, I was in much better shape. My skin had darkened to a sun–kissed tan.
I was eating well, sleeping well, maintaining a healthy routine, and feeling full of energy.
Neil begged me, pleading for us not to
separate.
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“Helen, you finally agreed to see me. Let’s not break up, please?”
Even though we were already at the door, Neil still made one last attempt to hold on.
I pried his hand from my arm, which he had gripped tightly.
“I’m only seeing you because we’re getting a divorce. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come at all.”
“I’ve already said it, let’s keep some dignity. Do you really want me to hate you?”
I straightened my clothes, took out a handkerchief, and carefully wiped my hands.
Neil’s gaze dimmed. With pale hands, he handed me two green books.
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I took them without a word, heading toward the door without looking back.
The glass reflected the man behind me, shedding tears at my retreating figure.
I paused, thinking for a moment, and murmured, “Take care.”
And then, we never saw each other again.
The assets in my hands were enough for me to live at ease for the rest of my life.
I used emotions and reason to persuade Neil’s mother, exhausting every method to finally make her accept the news.
I canceled my phone number, changed my contact details, and moved to a new address.
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I met up with old friends and made many new ones during my travels,
I kept challenging myself, trying extreme sports, trekking snowy mountains and forests, walking across deserts and wastelands, chasing the aurora and whales.
Elon sent me postcards many times.
He recounted the feelings he had for me since childhood, saying he would always wait for me.
I just smiled and told him that day would never come. I wished him to find someone better, wished him health, happiness, and peace.
As I journeyed on, the more I walked, the more at peace I became, with a tranquil
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heart.
The world was vast.
Life was limitless.
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