Chapter 24
An earthquake had just struck the place, and the chaos was overwhelming. Every person Benedict saw bore some injury, no matter how small or severe.
Medical staff hurried between them, tending to some while others were left waiting in
agony.
A hand grabbed him, and a voice begged for food. Without hesitation, Benedict pulled a corn cob from his bag and handed it over.
Though he had little medical knowledge, he had spent these months shadowing doctors, doing anything he could to help.
Chapter 24
It was then, as he stepped into the most chaotic refugee camp that he saw her.
Two and a half years.
Benedict had not forgotten.
Today marked the 738th day since Odette had walked away from him.
It was also the 730th day since he had first set foot in South Africa.
He had finally found Odette, just as he had dreamed.
In an instant, Benedict‘ s eyes blurred with unshed tears.
But in the next heartbeat, he saw her body sway dangerously as though the ground beneath her was slipping away.
Chapter 24
He rushed forward, his hands steady as he gently supported her shoulders.
Odette blinked, steadying herself, and instinctively murmured, “Thank you,
Amadeo…
وو
Benedict‘ s heart, already pounding like thunder in his chest, suddenly turned to ice.
Amadeo.
Who was that?
Odette, sensing his silence, lifted her eyes, locking onto his gaze.
And there, staring back at her, was the man she had once obsessed over, day and night.
But never had she imagined finding Benedict here, in this place.
Chapter 24
“You… how…
99
Odette pulled away from his grasp, confusion written across her face.
66
Are you unwell?”
unwell?” Benedict asked, his brow furrowing in concern.
“It’s nothing, just a little stomach pain,” she dismissed, turning back to tend to the patients.
Benedict stood still for a moment, weighing his options before reaching into his bag and pulling out a mushroom bun, offering it to
her.
But Odette shook her head, refusing.
His worry deepened, a sharp edge to his
voice.
Chapter 24
66
Are you really going to collapse at a time like this?”
With a resigned sigh, Odette lowered her gaze and reluctantly bit into the bun.
In a place like this, even the smallest bite was a luxury.
Benedict had brought some money with him, though after two and a half years, most of it had been spent.
These supplies had been arranged by his mother, who, knowing the harsh conditions he’d face, had ensured the locals helped him along the way.
Benedict stood silently by Odette’s side, feeding her the entire bun, his hand trembling slightly as he watched her eat.
Chapter 24
Amadeo had joined them, lending his expertise to save the child. Benedict couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy as he watched them work together seamlessly.
If only he were a doctor, perhaps Odette would look at him, even if just with anger.
After the most urgent situation had passed, night had already settled in.
Benedict sat beside Odette, staring at her for what felt like an eternity before finally speaking, “Amadeo, is he the one who helped you save people today?”
“That’s none of your concern. Didn’t you see the divorce papers?” Odette replied coldly, her voice as sharp as ever.
“I saw them, but I don‘ t accept the
Chapter 24 divorce.”
With a steady hand, Benedict pulled the thin divorce agreement from his chest and, without hesitation, tore it up in front of Odette.
The pieces of paper fluttered away in the breeze, a symbol of his defiance.
Odette remained still, her voice quiet but persistent. “Do as you wish. In my heart, we are already divorced.”
“Odette… I’ve spent two and a half years looking for you. Your face has haunted my dreams. I know I’m the one to blame. Can you….. can you give me another chance?”
Benedict opened his hands, revealing his journal, filled with pages and pages of
Chapter 24
writing. “Look, these are my diaries… all of them about you.”
The journal fell from his hands, hitting the ground with a soft thud as Odette’s calm gaze met him.
“I don’t know how you found me or how your parents let you come to such a dangerous place, but pretending the past doesn’t matter is just hypocrisy. There’s no chance left for us. The lights on the sign say it all: I don’t love you anymore. That’s the
truth.”
