Chapter 4

His mouth curved in a sneer. “The woman I love? A happy life together?”

“That’s what you want to say to me now?”

Maybe because I had once cared so much about his moods, I immediately sensed his displeasure.

But I still couldn’t understand what I had said wrong.

Perhaps my very existence was enough to make him unhappy.

If so, he would be much happier after tomorrow.

Because this would be the last time he ever saw me.

Tomorrow morning, when he left to collect his bride, I would head to the airport and fly to Iceland.

I let out a long breath, raised my head, and looked at him earnestly.

“Yes, Adrian. I want you to be happy.”

His frown deepened. He studied me, as though he had noticed something was wrong.

But there was nothing unreasonable about what I had said, and I had kept my expression perfectly composed.

“Fine. Behave tomorrow. Don’t upset Vanessa, and maybe you won’t have to move out.”

Then he left, giving me no chance to say anything else.

The next morning, I got up early and packed the last of my luggage.

Thankfully, my mind was unusually clear. I knew exactly what day it was.

The day I was leaving.

Luxury cars crowded outside the main house.

People I normally saw only on the local news had all gathered there.

I took my cough medicine before daring to leave the guest wing.

As soon as I stepped out, I ran into Adrian in his custom wedding tuxedo.

He took one look at me and frowned, his voice full of obvious displeasure.

“Why do you still look like you’re going to a funeral?”

My heart stung. I opened my mouth, but I didn’t know how to explain that I wouldn’t be attending.

He had once loved buying me gowns. Later, when he started avoiding me, he had burned every dress in my closet. The truth was, I didn’t have anything suitable to wear.

Fortunately, a voice calling from downstairs saved me. “Mr. Blackwood, it’s almost time. We need to leave!”

He pressed his lips together and gave me a long look. In the end, he left me with only one warning.

“Be good today. Don’t wander off, and watch what you say.”

I murmured a vague response and watched him head downstairs, surrounded by people.

Looking at his back, I knew this truly was the last time.

I returned to the guest wing and looked at my parents’ photograph on the table.

“Mom, Dad, Adrian is getting married today. I saw her for you. Vanessa is beautiful. They look good together…”

I touched the frame, my voice catching. “From now on, the three of us… will stay together forever, too.”

Standing by the window, I watched Adrian get into the wedding car and leave amid the noise and celebration.

When the estate fell quiet again, it felt as though a piece of my heart had been hollowed out.

But only for a moment.

I gathered myself. Under the servants’ astonished gazes, I held my parents’ photograph against my chest, pulled my suitcase behind me, and got into the car taking me to the airport.

On the way there, giant LED screens on department stores and advertisements on taxis played coverage of Adrian and Vanessa’s wedding.

I watched quietly, the wind leaving my eyes dry and sore.

After I reached the airport, Julian sent me a photo.

It was from the ceremony venue.

Adrian stood in a black tuxedo, striking and composed. Beside him, Vanessa looked beautiful in her white wedding gown.

Julian sent a message: [I’ll give him your gift after the wedding. Lily, I hope your surgery goes well. Wishing you all the best.]

Although the picture sent tiny aches through my heart, I let out a long breath.

At least the last family member I had in this world had found his happiness.

I smiled as I replied: [Thank you, Julian. I hope you find your own happiness soon, too.]

After sending it, I turned off my phone.

A flight attendant smiled and offered me a small wedding favor box.

“Miss, the Blackwood and Sterling families are celebrating their wedding today. They’re giving these out so everyone can share in the occasion.”

I paused. So the whole city was celebrating Adrian’s wedding…

I thanked her softly, unwrapped a chocolate, and put it in my mouth.

It was very sweet.

It tasted just like the candy Adrian used to cross half the city to buy for me.

Only… this would probably be the last piece.

As the plane began to taxi, I looked out at the familiar skyline, took out my phone, and typed a message, deleting and rewriting it.

[Adrian, I was immature before. I caused you so much trouble.]

[I’m leaving. Please forget about me completely. I hope you’ll always be happy.]

After sending it, I took out my old SIM card, gently snapped it in half, and dropped it into the disposal bag.

Then I inserted my Icelandic SIM card.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our flight to Reykjavík is preparing for takeoff…”

As the engines roared and the plane lifted beneath me, I put on my sleep mask.

It shut out everything beyond the window and hid the tears slipping down my cheeks.

Goodbye, Adrian.

Goodbye forever.