Chapter B
Chapter 8
When Anthea regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital room. A nurse entered, preparing to set up an IV.
Anthea immediately asked, “Is Hedy okay? Did she make it?”
The nurse nodded, her tone disapproving. “Yes, she made it. But seriously–your husband dragged you in here to donate blood for his sister, nearly killed you in the process, and he’s still over there taking care of her instead of you.”
Anthea just smiled, with a look of acceptance on her face.
She picked up her phone and sent Fred a WhatsApp message:
[You probably already know Hedy tried to take her life. And I’m sure you’ve seen how the past few days between me and Lance went–he still can’t love me. I’m divorcing Lance. Dad… no, Uncle Fred, you promised you’d accept their relationship.]
A moment later, his reply popped up: [Fine. I give up. Do whatever you want.]
Anthea breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift from her chest.
All three of Lance’s regrets had been fulfilled. Everyone’s fate had been changed.
And it was time for her to leave.
During these days, Lance hadn’t visited her even once.
She constantly heard from the nurses about how wonderfully he treated Hedy, but rather than feeling angry, she wore a smile.
The day she was discharged, her divorce certificate arrived.
She texted her parents to meet her at the airport, while she had to go home and pack the last of her things.
By sunset, she was almost done–when Lance walked through the door.
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His eyes landed on the suitcase in surprise. “So you already heard I was planning to ask you to
move out?”
Anthea blinked. “What?”
Lance’s tone was unusually gentle. “Hedy’s being discharged, but she’s still very weak. I want to bring her here to stay for a while. But with you here… it might upset her. So I was thinking you could stay at Sienna Villa for a bit”
Anthea paused for a moment, then simply nodded. “Okay.”
Lance hadn’t expected her to agree so easily.
It finally dawned on him–was she being too understanding?
She knew he had feelings for Hedy, yet she didn’t argue or make a scene. She even donated blood to save Hedy and readily agreed to move out temporarily.
How much must she love him to do all that?
Lost in thought, he barely noticed that Anthea had finished packing. He quickly snapped back to reality and took her luggage. “I’ll drive you there.”
Anthea’s lips moved slightly as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she remained silent.
She just said flatly. “Let’s go.”
On the road, neither spoke.
Then Hedy called, saying she’d scalded herself with hot water and Lance’s expression immediately turned anxious.
Anthea watched his long fingers impatiently tapping the steering wheel and softly spoke up.
“Go to her. I can make it there myself.”
Once again, Lance witnessed her generosity.
For some reason, it didn’t sit right.
He nodded, but as she was getting out, he called after her.
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“Anthea… we’re married. I’m gonna try–really try–to move on from Hedy. Let’s give it a shot, okay? Just stay at Sienna Villa for a month. You don’t have to call or text. When the month’s over, I’ll come pick you up myself.”
Anthea didn’t respond. She silently got out of the car, leaving the second copy of their divorce certificate on the passenger seat.
Lance drove away urgently, eager to see Hedy, completely missing the divorce papers.
Anthea stood there watching his taillights disappear into the distance.
She smiled faintly, lips barely moving.
“Lance Rhodes… you can’t let go of Hedy, and I won’t be coming back.”
This time, you’ll finally get what you wanted.
I don’t love you anymore, and I’m setting you free.
This is goodbye–for good.
She hailed another Uber and headed straight for the airport.
As the car crossed a bridge, she removed her wedding ring and tossed it out the window.
The ring traced an arc through the air before vanishing completely into the night…
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