I Broke Off My Engagement With My Fiancé to Dedicate Myself to National Research

Kelly had no idea how long she had been unconscious. When she opened her eyes, she saw George standing outside the door, smoking.

The night wind howled and it was making the ember at his fingertips flicker on and off.

She shifted her gaze away and quickly opened her palm. Upon seeing the amulet was still there, the tension that had gripped her heart finally loosened. Through her tear-blurred vision, she noticed George's silhouette slowly stepping into the room.

"How did you fall into the river?" he asked. "Do you realize how dangerous that was? You've been unconscious with a fever for two days!"

Kelly's eyelashes trembled slightly when she asked, "Why did you give my amulet to Amanda?"

George’s face stiffened and it took him a long moment to reply, "It's just an amulet. So what if I gave it to her?"

Kelly let out a bitter laugh. "Of course. She's the one you care about most. For you to give her an amulet seems perfectly natural."

George’s eyes lingered on Kelly for a long while. His eyes looked suspiciously at her. "So … is the reason you fell into the river on purpose to get my attention because of that?"

Disgust flashed in his eyes. "Kelly, you're unbelievable. Have I not told you before? We are just like siblings. Everything I’ve done for you was out of brotherly care. "You need to stop having inappropriate thoughts about me!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, George felt a pang of regret. He had never spoken so harshly to Kelly and had no idea how she would react.

Yet, Kelly merely replied with a single word, "Fine."

George, who had prepared a long speech, was caught off guard by her quick agreement. He froze. Although he could sense something was wrong, he did not know what it was.

Before long, Kelly's voice broke the silence, "George, I'm leaving."

George's presence had taken root in her heart over the past eight years,. He had intertwining himself into her very being. This time, she was determined to cut him out herself. Though it would hurt, she would not regret it.

A sudden wave of panic seized George’s heart. "This is your home. Where could you possibly go?"

Huh? This is my home?

Kelly let out a soft laugh. She said, "George, I’ve been blamed and targeted over and over and you’ve never believed me. What kind of 'home' is this supposed to be?"

George looked uncomfortable. "As long as you behave yourself, I’ll always treat you like a younger sister."

After he said that, he pulled out a small bottle of medicated oil from his pocket and said, "The bruises on your arm haven’t faded yet. Apply this tonight."

Kelly felt his order was quite baffling. On one hand, he wanted to distance himself from her. On the other, he still showed concern in the smallest ways.

As he placed the bottle on the table, George’s eyes landed on a few books about satellites by her bedside. He frowned slightly and asked, "Since when were you interested in satellites?"

Kelly reached for the books and replied, "One day, I want to be like my parents and work in satellite research."

George stared at her face for a moment before speaking, "Satellite research is tough. Once you're in a research base, you’re practically cut off from the world for life. If you’re serious about it, once the special recruitment ends, I’ll ask my dad to take you to the base for a look."

Kelly gave him a strange look before nodding. "Okay."

Seeing her unusually compliant, George’s tone softened, "When you’re feeling better, apologize to Amanda."

His gaze settled on Kelly. It was deep and unreadable.

Kelly turned her head away to avoid his eyes, though her chest felt as if needles had pierced through it. The pain left a dull, persistent ache.