Chapter 567

Julien gripped the card in his hand tightly, so much so that his knuckles turned white and the veins on the back of his hand bulged. It was over, yet there was no sense of relief as he had imagined. He had hurt her. Instead of letting her sink deeper, knowing there could be no future, wasting her best years on him, it was better to end things earlier. … Helen hailed a cab downstairs. The driver got out to help load her suitcase into the trunk. She didn't forget to thank him, but the words came out choked with sobs she couldn't suppress. Once inside the car, the driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, asking cautiously, "Miss, are you alright?" Her eyes were bloodshot and swollen. Without speaking, she shook her head. Her body felt numb. The journey home passed in silence. Arriving at her department, she dragged her suitcase out of the car, paid the fare, and walked inside. After shutting the door, she collapsed in a daze, unsure of what to do next. It was a long whi