Chapter 24
The words cut deep for Gale, whose heartbreak over Lilian had once driven him to the edge of despair.
After her abrupt departure years ago, Gale had spiraled. He refused to work, his days. consumed by drinking and mourning. At his lowest point, he had even threatened to end his life.
His father, cold and practical, had almost sent him to a psychiatric facility out of sheer frustration.
It was a decision that still haunted their family, a shadow that loomed over every subsequent argument.
During that dark period, Gale’s mother had intervened with desperation in her heart.
She had pushed for our marriage, clinging to the hope that I could heal him, that I might anchor him to stability and save him
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from his father’s unrelenting
punishments.
At first, her plan seemed to work.
With me by his side, Gale found his footing. His father‘ s sharp criticism dulled into reluctant praise.
Gale worked harder, earning his promotion to CEO of the Douglas Group, a position hist father rarely granted so willingly.
But after I left for Italy, everything crumbled.
Gale’s father, furious at his son‘ s inability to cope, demoted him to a managerial role, believing the shock would
force Gale to focus.
Instead, Gale’s performance worsened. Every project he touched failed. His once- pristine reputation became a string of public failures.
Finally, his father made the ultimate decision.
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He stripped Gale of all rights and privileges, demoting him to an intern‘ st position at the company.
The humiliation did not end there.
Gale was evicted from the luxurious home we had once shared and relegated to a modest studio apartment, far removed from the life of wealth and power he had always known.
As Hazel recounted all that, her voice filled with concern, her words echoed in my
mind.
“Mr. Douglas believes this punishment will force Gale to reflect on his actions,” she said softly. “But honestly… I don’t think he can handle it.”
Hearing about Gale’s downfall left me with conflicting emotions.
Hazel reached over and gently squeezed my hand. “Rachel,” she said, her voice. steady, “you‘ re not responsible for any of this. Gale’s choices led him here, not you.
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Don’t let guilt cloud the happiness. you‘ re starting to build.”
I nodded, her words a balm to my restless.
heart.
However, the Douglas family’s misfortune did not go unnoticed by the public. The media quickly latched onto their decline, speculating on the fractures within their
household.
Reporters began camping outside my studio and Kim Manor, hoping for a statement or photo.
It became impossible for me to step outside without feeling their prying eyes.
Fortunately, the Kim family were
incredibly kind, shielding me from the chaos.
“Rachel,” Mrs. Kim said one evening,
“Don’t worry about the press. We’ll
handle them. Focus on what makes you happy.”
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Their kindness was overwhelming, and I could not stop thanking them. But I knew I could not stay forever.
Over dinner, I finally shared my decision. “I think it’s best for everyone if I leave Providence and settle in Italy. I’ve found peace there, and I’m sure I can build a life for myself.”
Mrs. Kim’s face fell, sadness clouding her usually cheerful demeanor. “Oh,
Rachel,” she murmured.
But Mr. Kim, ever practical, placed a comforting hand on hers. “If that’s what Rachel wants, we should support her. It’s her life, and she deserves to live it fully.”
Louise and Hazel, though visibly upset, promised to visit me in Italy.
“You‘ re like family, Rachel,” Hazel said, her eyes glistening with tears. “We‘ 11 make sure to see you as often as we can.”
Minnie, however, was less understanding. When Hazel told her about my plans, she
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immediately called me.
“Rachel, you‘ re seriously leaving again? Without my permission?” she teased, her voice tinged with sadness.
I laughed softly. “I’ll miss you, Minnie. Let’s have one last karaoke night before I go.
80.”
The night of our farewell karaoke, we sang until our voices were hoarse. It felt like old times, a beautiful reminder of the
friendships that had sustained me.
“I will miss this time more than anything,” Minnie said with tears in her
eyes.
I then hugged her, “Me too, you will always be my bestie. Please come to Italy with Hazel if you have time, okay?”
“Sure, I will come and find an Italian man, so that I can live there with you,” she said her thought so suddenly.
So, I could only smile.
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Afterwards, we parted ways. I stood alone,
waiting for a taxi, my heart heavy but determined.
Out of nowhere, a familiar voice broke through the quiet.
“Rachel.”
I turned, my breath catching. “Gale?”
