Mistakenly Devoted to Fleeting Years, Memories Hard to Let Go

This account had been Millie’s for seven years. She never cared much for posting on her Instagram. Still, in moments of sleeplessness, she would share stray thoughts or the occasional update about her life with Elliot. Over time, her quiet presence had unintentionally gathered a following.

On her wedding day, her feed had flooded with messages of congratulations, each one celebrating her dream come true, wishing her a life filled with happiness and fulfillment. It had been the happiest day of her life.

Not just because she had married Elliot, the man she had always longed for, but because, for the first time, she had been showered with such genuine kindness.

Growing up, she had become all too familiar with ridicule, with being silenced and scorned. But at that moment, she couldn’t stop her eyes from welling up at the sight of real goodwill.

Millie opened the app. The latest update was from half a year ago.

Many followers had sent private messages, asking why she hadn’t posted in so long.

She tapped the text editor and typed the words:

"I’ve been diagnosed with stomach cancer and don’t have much time left…

And my lover has cheated on me.

They’re building a new life together.

He went to her.

Before he left, he told me to wait for him.

But what he didn’t know is that when my mother abandoned me all those years ago, I secretly swore to myself:

I would never wait for anyone again in this lifetime.

So, for these past ten years, I chased after him and stayed by his side.

But in the end, he still left me.

This time, I won’t wait for him anymore.

So, let’s not say goodbye."

***

After typing the final word, Millie pulled out the signed divorce agreement and placed it on the desk.

Once the discharge procedures were complete, she took a car to the highway. To prevent Elliot from tracking her movements, she deliberately chose a carpool.

Elliot would never guess that she wasn’t heading to New Zealand but returning to her hometown, Wellington.

It was there, in a plot she had bought just for herself, that she would lay herself to rest.

As a child, she had often heard the elderly say that fallen leaves always return to their roots. But Millie didn’t know where her roots were. Her heart had been completely consumed by Elliot, hoping that he would give her a home.

But what she had longed for wasn’t truly hers.

And now, she didn’t want it anymore.

When Millie arrived, Tiffany was already waiting at the highway entrance with her luggage.

The moment Tiffany saw her, her eyes reddened. "How could you let yourself fall so far? Was it worth it?"

"You could’ve had proper treatment. There’s still—"

"Tiffany," Millie interrupted with a faint smile, wiping away Tiffany’s tears. "Ever since I found out the truth, I never intended to let them have it easy. You know me—I hold grudges."

Tiffany nodded fiercely. "Exactly! Don’t let those scumbags get away with it. Elliot can regret this for the rest of his life!"

Tiffany Molina nodded fiercely. "Exactly! Don’t let those shameless scumbags off easily. Elliot Hemsworth, that blind fool, can regret it for the rest of his life!"

"I’ll leave the rest to you." Millie handed her phone to Tiffany. "If he comes looking for you, give this to him."

After a silent hug, Millie got into the car bound for Wellington.

From this moment on, there would be no more Millie in this world.