The events from 30 years ago had long been tucked away at the back of my mind. Besides, I didn’t have the heart to hold grudges.
“El, saying that is like driving a knife into my heart.”
Ivor sat aside, teardrops rolling down his face.
No one else knew how badly he wanted to strangle his past self. The second he stepped into the room, he could hardly stand himself.
If only he had been firm in his choice. If only he hadn’t wavered, there was a good chance that I wouldn’t have ended up like this.
“Ivor, I truly don’t blame you. From the bottom of my heart I wish you and Rhianne well. You are a match made in heaven. It had always been a dream of mine to come here–in fact, I owe it to you guys. If it weren’t for you, I might never have made up my mind. So please, stop blaming yourself.‘
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I paused to catch my breath. “By the way, where are your children?”
To save him the embarrassment, I glanced behind him. In my peripheral vision, I could still see him scratching his nose awkwardly.
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Chapter 10
- C) +25 BONUS
“El, Ives and I never got married. All these years, he’s been waiting for you,” Rhianne answered for him, leaving me momentarily speechless.
I had never considered the possibility of Ivor waiting for me Based on his attitude toward me back then, I had assumed he would take Rhianne off the market as soon as possible.
“Ives.”
Rhianne was quick to read the room and make space for us. ‘El, Jeff and I will get going first. You two take some time to catch up.”
At once, Ivor placed a hand over my mouth. “I know what you are going to say, El. Please keep it to yourself. We just met again after years of being apart; I would prefer if things didn’t get ugly so quickly.”
His eyes shimmered with tears as he pleaded with me.
I shook my head slightly and pulled a weak smile. “Ives, your dad and the rest wouldn’t want to see you like this. You should live your own life–get married and have children. There’s still time. I won’t be here much longer.”
“El.” He tried reaching out to my cheek, but I flinched away forcefully.
The look in his eyes was all too familiar, When we were happily in love, his eyes housed a similar twinkle.
But life was short; we had missed our chance, and there went a lifetime.
“Show them out,” I coldly instructed the guards stationed by the door. Ivor could only stare at me in disbelief.
He desperately clung to my arm, begging for forgiveness. No matter the grievance or regret, 30 years had passed.
“El, how about we start over? I’ll pursue you all over again. I’ll treat you like the princess you were born to be. You can name your price–just don’t abandon me. Please. El, I promise I’ve realized my mistake.”
The guards had to use significant force to subdue Ivor. He was struggling frantically, looking utterly defeated.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
It was then that Jeffrey rushed in. He was hoping to intervene but felt unqualified to speak.
Rhianne dropped to her knees before me. “El, all these years, Ives has never once forgotten you. It was all my fault back then. Can you please forgive him?”
I let out a few coughs and staggered to my feet.
Truthfully, those few movements drained most of my strength, Yet, I forced myself to stand tall and smile it out.
“It’s precisely because he owes me nothing that he should go out and seek his own happiness. It would be best if you all leave and never come back.”
As soon as I finished speaking, I collapsed heavily to the floor, gasping for air.
Rhianne resisted, unwilling to leave. But the guards outnumbered them. Despite her protests, the group was escorted out.
A week later, the doctor determined that my body was at its limit. Somehow, I felt at peace taking in the information.
I had no regrets, no lingering attachments–only the sense that the weather had grown colder today.
During these final days, I met my biological parents. They sported full heads of white hair and spent most of our time together apologizing with my hands in theirs.
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Chapter 10
Perhaps our familial bond was only weak, as I felt no parti good care of themselves.
Ivor had also snuck in a few times to see me, including tod
But I no longer had it in me to drive him away or to persua
My time was up. In this life, I had achieved my dreams. I kr
Even if I departed this world with no one by my side, it wo
Continue
Chapter 10
75 BORUS
Perhaps our familial bond was only weak, as I felt no particular emotion. I simply hoped that they would take. good care of themselves.
Ivor had also snuck in a few times to see me, including today. I knew he was just across the street.
But I no longer had it in me to drive him away or to persuade him otherwise.
My time was up. In this life, I had achieved my dreams. I knew I would leave with neither resentment nor regret.
Even if I departed this world with no one by my side, it wouldn’t change my belief that this life was worth it.
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