- 6.
Ever since leaving the hospital that day, I blocked all contact with Gideon. With only my savings, I boarded a plane to go abroad.
Before boarding, I called a number that had been in my phone for ten years. Hearing the familiar voice, I asked with a hint of hope, “I’m coming to find you now, can you take me in?”
The other person paused for a few seconds, and with a voice full of suppressed emotion, simply replied, “Okay, I’ll pick you up when you land.”
With that answer, I walked towards the boarding gate without any hesitation. Looking out the window at the shrinking view below, I felt an unprecedented sense of relief.
After nearly ten hours of flying, with no luggage, I walked out and saw Ethan waiting at the pickup point. After years apart, the boy–next–door had grown from a young boy into a handsome man.
Even in a land full of handsome men in Northern Europe, his looks were outstanding. Had he not approached me, I wouldn’t have recognized him as the boy who used to nap and wet the bed at my house.
Ethan looked me over with concern at my frail appearance and took me to the most popular restaurant in town. When the waiter served the steak, he transferred more than half of his portion to my plate.
Seeing my puzzled look, he frowned and said, “You’re too thin, eat more.”
With each dish served, he thoughtfully placed it on my plate. Even the tiny bones hidden in the chicken, he patiently removed and cut into small pieces for me.
This kind of tenderness was something I never experienced in ten years with Gideon. Looking at the food before me, I suddenly felt like my ten years of sacrifice were a joke.
I endured ten years for a man who constantly hurt me. Unable to contain it, I let out a cold laugh, tears streaming down my face.
Ignoring the curious glances from others, Ethan held me tightly. “Don’t be afraid, Adeline, you’re away from that painful place now.”
After that day, whenever he had free time, Ethan would drive me to explore the country. He never questioned why I suddenly left Gideon, just stayed by my side quietly.
He even introduced me to a local animal charity team based on my interests. Being around the animals every day brought me great joy.
Half a month later, I gave Ethan a birthday gift I bought early with my limited savings. He seemed surprised, looked at the gift in his palm silently. When I thought he didn’t like it and wanted to take it back, he suddenly held it tightly, cherishing it like a treasure.
“Thank you, I like it a lot.”
A blush appeared on his face, and he suddenly invited me to watch the stars outside. Excitedly, I leaned over the telescope, happily watching
1:08 PM
<
A blush appeared on his face, and he suddenly invited me to watch the stars outside. Excitedly, I leaned over the telescope, happily watching the sky when a warm breath surrounded me.
Feeling flustered, I tried to escape, but Ethan held my hand. He looked at me tenderly, “Adeline, I like you. Would you be willing to…”
Blushing, I fled back to my room before he finished, avoiding Ethan, who lived in the same house, for days.
Sensing my odd behavior, Ethan didn’t say much. He continued preparing my favorite meals each day before heading to work.
Eating the warm food on the table, a sweet feeling surged in my heart.
