Past Love's Expiry Date

Carley was surprised as well. "Hendrix, I get that you want to help out, but we could just donate money. Why donate all your clothes? It's getting cold. What are you going to wear?"

Hendrix looked at Sabrina and chuckled lightly. "You said you'd help Rowan compensate me, right? These clothes are old, and I don't need them anymore. I'll use the money to buy new ones. Is there a problem with that?"

Sabrina stared at him for a moment before nodding. "Fine, how much do you need? I can transfer it now."

Hendrix raised one finger.

"A million dollars? Okay," Sabrina agreed.

"No," Hendrix replied.

"Ten million?"

Rowan immediately panicked. "How are a few clothes worth ten million dollars?"

Hendrix gave him a cold look and then turned to Sabrina. "One dollar."

The clothes were all gifts from Sabrina. Now that he was leaving, he didn't want to take her things or her money.

Just like she said, he was an outsider.

One dollar was a fair exchange. Over 20 years of feelings would be wiped clean.

Sabrina frowned slightly. "What exactly are you trying to do, Hendrix?"

"Are you giving it or not? Transfer the money now or forget it."

After a moment's pause, Sabrina finally made the transfer. "I've kept my promise. The damages Rowan caused have been compensated. Don't take your frustration out on him anymore."

Hendrix glanced at the dollar in his bank account and smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I won't."

"And one more thing. You're going to be the photographer at our wedding. It's Rowan's wish. You have to come."

Hendrix thought for a moment. His flight was in the evening, and it would be their wedding night.

He nodded. "Alright."

In the days that followed, Hendrix barely returned to Gorman Manor.

He took a trip to the countryside and spent some time photographing birds. He sent the new shots to Jefferson.

Jefferson was ecstatic when he saw them and immediately video-called Hendrix. "Hendrix, your composition and color work have improved so much! Several magazines are eager to work with you. When you get here, we'll meet with them and pick the best one!"

Hendrix was genuinely happy with the praise. "Thanks, Mr. Scott."

"By the way, did you talk to Sabrina? Did she agree to let you develop your career in Euressa?"

Hendrix laughed. "She probably can't wait for me to go now."

"That's great! No more worries. Honestly, I thought convincing her would be a hassle," Jefferson said.

Hendrix asked Jefferson for his address and sent his equipment ahead. Jefferson would keep it for him until he arrived.

On the day of Sabrina and Rowan's wedding, Hendrix picked up the camera from the wedding planner.

Since Rowan got what he wanted, his face showed an undeniable smugness. When Hendrix was taking photos, he struck a pose like a victorious winner.

While Sabrina was chatting with the guests, Rowan insisted on pulling her away and urging her to take photos with him.

Feeling sorry for Hendrix, Carley stepped in to intervene. "Rowan, you've had plenty of photos already. Let Hendrix take a break."

Rowan replied, "Hendrix is so talented. A few photos won't tire him out. Right, Hendrix?"

Carley wasn't having it and snapped, "I'll have the photographer from the wedding planner's side take your photos. Hendrix needs a rest."

"But no photographer compares to Hendrix. Today is a once-in-a-lifetime day for Bri and me. We must have Hendrix capture our happiest moment."

Hendrix said nothing. After taking the last shot, he handed the camera back to the wedding planner.

With that, he turned and walked away.

Carley hurried after him. "Where are you going, Hendrix?"

Hendrix smiled. "Mom, Bri will have Rowan to take care of her. You should take better care of yourself."

"Why are you talking like that? Even though Bri's married, I still have you."

Smiling, Hendrix took her hand. "Yes, I'll always be your son."

Carley sighed. "Hendrix, I really thought… Bri would end up with you. I thought she'd become my daughter-in-law. But she suddenly—"

"Let's not talk about this, Mom."

"Alright."

Just then, Hendrix's phone rang. It was Jefferson.

"Hendrix, have you reached the airport? What time do you land? My wife and I will pick you up."

"I'm heading there now," Hendrix replied.

"Great, we'll see you in eight hours."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Hendrix checked the time. It was almost time to leave for the airport. He didn't even go back to Gorman Manor. He grabbed a cab straight to the airport.

While he waited in line to board, Rowan sent him a message.

"Thanks for photographing Bri and me. We both love the pictures. I'll be like a big brother to you from now on. Let's get along well." He ended the text with a victory hand emoji.

Hendrix snorted and took a screenshot.

This time, he sent the screenshot directly to Sabrina. "Sabrina, congratulations on your wedding. We'll never meet again."

After sending it, he blocked both Sabrina and Rowan. From now on, they would be completely erased from his life.

The flight attendant greeted him with a smile. "Have a pleasant flight, sir."

Hendrix returned the smile politely. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to it."

Then, he boarded the plane without a second glance.