Chapter 17
This thought calmed Evelyn. Her room had a good view snow–covered forests through the window. The afternoon winter sun offered gentle warmth as she sat by the window.
A measured knock came at the door. Checking the time, expecting the doctor’s rounds, Evelyn called “Come in.” As she turned with a smile, her expression froze.
Issac stood there.
Three years had matured him. His frame, wrapped in a wool coat, had grown thinner, making his features more striking yet colder. His dark brows shadowed his eyes, barely containing their wild joy.
“I found you,” Issac’s voice shook with emotion. “I found you!” He stumbled forward, dropping a large
bouquet, and rushed to embrace her in her chair. “Evelyn, I found you!”
Evelyn’s surprise lasted only a moment before she grew calm. She’d known this discovery was inevitable, so she didn’t struggle. His arms gripped her shoulders tightly as she felt warm tears fall on her neck.
“Yes, it’s me,” Evelyn said flatly. “Long time no see, Issac.”
“Why…” Issac sobbed, his breathing ragged. “Why try to die? Why not tell me about your illness? Why
deceive me…”
The thirty–something man cried like a betrayed child, clutching her desperately, repeating her name as if she might vanish.
“Issac,” Evelyn frowned, speaking softly, “you’re going to suffocate me if you don’t let go.”
He backed away, collapsing to the floor, looking up at her. His face was a mess – reddened eyes, nose, and brows, his forehead wet with sweat or melted snow.
His trembling hand caught hers, trying to control his sobs though tears kept flowing.
She’d only seen him this undone once before – when Sophia died.
“Don’t go,” he grabbed her hand again as she pulled away, his voice trembling. “Evelyn, please, don’t go.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Evelyn pulled her hand free again without hesitation, looking down at him. “But you should leave.”
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It’s Too Late for Your Expired Regrets
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Chapter 17
Issac’s lips went pale as he finally registered her clear rejection, slowly remembering everything he’d
done to her.
Evelyn’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“We forgot the pleasantries, Issac,” she said softly. “How are things with your wife? Do you have children?
I should tell you – Lucas and I are married.”
“Our daughter is Eva. I believe you’ve met her.”
The words struck Issac like a hammer blow. His ears rang, sound seeming to vanish in that instant.
Terror gripped him. His lips trembled, but no words came.
Complete disarray. Evelyn watched his changing expression with bitter amusement. So this was how she must have looked when she loved him – no wonder she’d been mocked and despised.
Issac stood shakily, nodding in confusion. “Yes… she’s beautiful. Evelyn, I…”
He meant to offer to pay for her surgery, but Evelyn cut him off, as if predicting his words.
“I’ve finally found the courage to live, to have this surgery,” she said quietly. “Issac, don’t make me die a
second time.”
Her words cut like a knife, the pain so sharp he could barely breathe, clutching his chest and gasping.
ར༠༠༩.
steadying himself on the bed frame, his face ashen. Knowing Evelyn meant every word,
he couldn’t speak. He just nodded helplessly and turned to leave.
His steps were unsteady as he left. Evelyn watched him go in silence.
She realized she couldn’t find much hatred in her heart anymore. Like a drop of water diluted by the ocean, her former love and hatred had been washed away by Lucas’s sea–deep care and companionship. Seeing Issac now, she felt nothing beyond surprise.
Perhaps this was best, she thought. He wouldn’t interfere with her life, and she wouldn’t interfere with his. They had always been parallel lines, only connected through Sophia. Now that Sophia was gone, they should return to their original paths.
The nurse cleaned up the fallen flowers, but when Lucas returned, he sensed immediately that someone had been there. He sniffed the air, frowning. “That’s a strong scent.”
“Just flower fragrance,” Evelyn didn’t hide anything. “Issac was here.”
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Chapter 17
Like a protective guard dog, he rushed to her, checking her over twice. Evelyn stood up smiling, letting him look for any possible injuries. “I’m fine.”
“You scared me,” Lucas wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her neck with relief. “I thought he might take you away. Thank God you’re alright. Evelyn, after the surgery, let’s go back south, okay?”
“Yes,” Evelyn preferred the warmer climate too. The city’s winters were too harsh, sunlight too rare. She smiled. “But you’ll have to deal with the cockroaches.”
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