A Reluctant Promise

Dominic was soon wheeled into the operating room.

His family received the news and rushed over. After hearing the full story from a few of Dominic’s friends, Mrs. Parker grew so angry that she smashed the beaded bracelet on her wrist.

“He’s maimed his right hand for a woman he's been obsessed with for years. I think he’s gone crazy!”

Dominic’s friends hurriedly stepped in to calm the parents, saying anything they could think of.

Several hours later, the operating room lights turned off.

The doctor emerged, pushing Dominic on a gurney, his tone laced with relief.

“The surgery was successful. With proper care over the next few months, he should be fine.”

Hearing those words, everyone present let out a collective sigh of relief.

Knowing that there would be no lasting consequences, Mr. and Mrs. Parker no longer wanted to see their wayward son. They boarded a flight to attend a meeting that very night.

Before leaving, the two thanked the hospital staff and the people who had stayed to assist.

However, when they reached the seating area where Valerie was waiting, they simply walked by as if they had not seen her as they thanked the staff on their way out.

Watching their retreating figures, Valerie understood everything in an instant.

So, Dominic had never told his family about his relationship with her.

And of course—why would he, when his relationships were bound to end anyway? Who was there to introduce them to?

For the days that Dominic was hospitalized, Valerie stayed by his side and took great care of him. She only managed four or five hours of sleep each day.

Looking at her increasingly haggard face, Dominic softened.

“I’m fine now. You should get some rest.”

He forced her to sit down and handed her a glass of water.

He didn’t explain what had happened that day, as though he struggled with how to put it into words. After a pause, he casually spoke to her.

“Have many people come to visit? I’ve been sleeping for so long—did I miss anyone? Camilla… has she come by?”

Valerie paused for a moment, her hand holding the glass of water. She looked at him steadily.

She knew that of all the questions he had just asked, only the answer to the last question truly mattered to him.

Her answer was brief.

“Everyone’s come. Camilla… I think she was traumatized so she hasn’t been here.”

Dominic frowned deeply, losing any interest in the conversation. He picked up his phone and laboriously began typing on the screen.

The continuous WhatsApp notification sounds filled the air.

Valerie knew that he was once again concerned about Camilla.

She stood up silently, went through the motions of completing the discharge paperwork, and prepared to leave.

As soon as the car reached their doorstep and before they could head inside, Dominic’s phone rang.

It was Camilla.

He turned around and left immediately.

Looking at the gauze-wrapped hand he held and his hurried steps, Valerie's words caught in her throat.

She looked away and turned back toward their apartment.

Dominic didn’t return for the next three days.

The closer the date of her departure grew, the calmer Valerie felt.

She planned to rest while looking for a job, so she spent her time checking recruitment postings in her hometown.

The day before she left, her high school classmates organized a reunion. With nothing to do, she decided to join and add to the lively gathering.

After so many years, her old classmates had all changed dramatically. The reunion was filled with nostalgic reminiscing as everyone reflected on how much time had passed.

When Valerie walked in, no one could believe that the stunning beauty standing before them was the same girl from ten years ago—a girl who had been nothing but a bookworm, awkward and out of place.

Despite their shock, Valerie appeared completely composed and at ease.

After exchanging pleasantries, she joined a few old friends at their table.

Once everyone had arrived, the class president stood up to propose a toast when the door suddenly burst open.