A Love Lost in the Years

"It's fine."

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, holding back from blaming Wesley. That slap was the closing chapter of all we had once shared as childhood sweethearts.

From this point on, all debts and feelings between us were settled.

Just then, Nathan stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "You're not leaving until you apologize to Jade!"

His gaze was sharp and unyielding—so different from the boy who used to trail after me with wide eyes.

I looked toward Jade, who stood there wearing a smug, victorious expression. I swallowed the fury rising in my chest, expressing, "I didn't do anything wrong. I won't apologize."

I wasn't afraid. Whether they forced me out or not didn't matter—my decision to leave had already been made.

Nathan was filled with rage, but Wesley seemed weighed down by guilt.

He stepped forward, gently holding Nathan back, his voice softening. "Forget it. I lost my temper. Don't take it personally. How about this—after work tomorrow, I'll treat you to some buffalo wings.

"But you have to promise me one thing—no more picking on Jade."

A slap paired with kind words was Wesley's typical way of keeping me in check. Yet, he seemed to forget I had a weak stomach. I couldn't handle spicy food.

Back then, Wesley and Nathan spared no effort in consulting nutritionists. They took turns, meticulously overseeing my diet to aid my recovery.

Now, it seemed all that care had been completely forgotten.

A cold breeze swept past, sending a shiver down my spine.

That was when I noticed my clothes were still drenched. I was likely running a fever.

Just as I was feeling unwell, Nathan abruptly shoved past me. "Stop acting," he sneered.

The shove threw me off balance, and I fell hard to the ground.

Wesley looked back, hesitation flashing in his eyes, but ultimately, he sided with Nathan and led Jade away.

After a long, agonizing struggle, I managed to stand before calling for an ambulance.

The doctor was my former physician, and upon seeing my condition, his expression darkened with anger.

"Do you realize what your body has been through? How could you walk around in wet clothes in this weather? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

I said nothing in reply and simply followed his instructions, remaining in the hospital for several days under observation.

Only once my fever broke was I allowed to be discharged.

Because of the setback, I had no choice but to hasten the rest of my plans.

When I returned to the office to finalize my resignation paperwork, Wesley and the others were nowhere to be found.

After waiting outside for most of the day, I learned they had taken Jade on a business trip.

They'd gone to Yathenfall, my favorite place. Their itinerary also included Duskwater Lake, a destination I had long dreamed of but never had the chance to visit.

I forced a bitter smile and handed in my resignation.

I had once been conflicted about whether to stay or leave, but now it was clear that my presence no longer mattered to anyone.

All that remained was to bid farewell to my mother and Francis.

After that, I could walk away without anything holding me back.