Chapter 24
Sebastian’s breath hitched for a moment, but he had anticipated her question. He quickly regained his composure and nodded, hiding nothing.
“Vivian, I don’t know if this is right, but I believe Lucian wouldn’t want to see you like this. If you choose someone you truly love, I’ll accept it, support it, and wish you well. But at the very least, he should be someone you genuinely care for.”
She looked at him with an emotion he couldn’t quite place. “Even if it’s not you?”
“Even if it’s not me,” he affirmed.
“Perhaps I should thank you, but…” Seeing Lucian again had indeed brought joy to Vivian. She no longer felt any regret over ending things with Alistair because, as they had both realized, neither of them was him.
Since the moment Lucian’s heart became a part of someone else, Alistair would be the continuation of his life but no longer him in essence.
Vivian could unravel her emotional knots and indeed owed a thank you to Sebastian. Yet, stepping outside of that identity, during those four years entangled with Sebastian, she felt she had no regrets.
She owed him nothing. She had approached him with a purpose but had never treated him unfairly. However, what Sebastian owed her could never be erased. A simple “I’m sorry” couldn’t wipe away the past.
“Sebastian, from now on, let’s pretend we never knew each other.”
Her steps were light as she took the elevator downstairs. When the doors opened, she met Alistair’s gaze inside. She pressed her lips together and stepped in, pushing the button to close the door. “Thank you for your generosity last night, Mr. Nollan. When I check out, please also cancel the room. I’ll reimburse you. Also, I’ll submit my resignation to HR today.”
Alistair stared straight ahead but couldn’t help glancing at her from the corner of his eye. Her words caught him off guard, and after a pause, he replied, “I apologize for being harsh last night. There’s no need to repay me. Nollan Corporation isn’t so stingy as to make employees on a business trip pay for their own rooms.”
Vivian shook her head. As she spoke, the elevator reached the ground floor, and she exited first, bidding farewell to each of them.
“Mr. Nollan, it’s been a pleasure working with you. And Assistant Smith, thank you for all your help. I hope our paths cross again someday!”
She waved and turned away, leaving the hotel and quickly disappearing into the crowd after hailing a cab. By the time Sebastian hurried outside, all he saw was her taxi vanishing into the bustling street.
He rushed forward, but her cab was already lost amidst the traffic.
“Don’t bother chasing. Alistair said, a strange emptiness settling in his heart despite being the one who had driven her away. He knew, deep down, that even if she stayed, she never really belonged to him.
As for Vivian, she headed to the airport, finally going home after a long time.
Since Lucian’s accident, she had avoided returning home, fearing the memories it would trigger. Now, she could finally face them.
When she unexpectedly appeared at her parents‘ doorstep, Robert and Genevieve Delmont’s eyes glistened with tears, though they uttered no words of reproach.
“Mom, Dad, I’m sorry…” she choked, enveloped in their comforting embrace as they gently reassured her, “It’s okay, darling. It’s just good to have you home.”
Perhaps drawn by the commotion, the door next door opened, revealing Gregory and Claudia Winslow. Thev were equally surprised and delighted.
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Chapter 24
“Vivi’s back? Come inside and cool off; it’s hot out there!”
Seeing the elderly neighbors who treated her so warmly, Vivian felt both guilt and sorrow. Her throat tightened, and all she could manage were the words, “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault…”
Gregory and Claudia gently patted her head, tears brimming in their eyes nonetheless. “Oh, sweetheart, how could it be your fault? Luc gave his life for you; you must live well to honor him. We all have to keep moving forward.”
Their kind words made her want to cry even more, but she held back her tears.
“Things will get better. Everything will be alright.”
She would live well, carrying Lucian’s share of life with her.
From now on, though hidden from view, he would be everywhere around her.
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