Chapter 5

Samson was still in Usna when his assistant informed him about Linda's accident. He was overseeing an important contract for the Lynch Group that demanded his presence. As soon as the contract was signed, his assistant told him the situation was dire. So, Samson booked the next flight home without hesitation. Upon landing, he learned Linda was at the Wilson residence and headed straight there without comprehending what had happened. Everyone knew about Linda's love for William. Despite knowing this relationship would never bring her happiness, she stubbornly persisted for four long years. If William could achieve the divorce so easily, her perseverance would have been a joke. Linda's expression fell at the mention of the divorce. William's cold gaze still haunted her. Samson handed her a cup of warm water, which she held tightly. Linda remained silent, and Samson patiently waited for her to speak, knowing she would in time. "Samson…" Linda pursed her lips and handed the cup back to him. There was too much history and complexity in her tormenting marriage with William to explain in a few words. She took a deep breath and said vaguely, "I've loved him long enough. I'm exhausted, so it's time to let go." She had loved him for four years and sacrificed her dignity, only to be seen as a clingy, wicked woman. Since that was the case, it was better to end it now. Thinking about the lost child, tears welled up in Linda's eyes. This was the result of her four-year struggle in the marriage. She tearfully caressed her abdomen, lamenting the child she never got to feel. Seeing Linda's profound sorrow, Samson was at a loss for words to comfort her. He decided to stay silent and keep her company in the ward. "Linda, come live with me in Novena," Samson suggested after a long silence, handing her a letter. "This is from Mr. Felix." Linda took the envelope in a daze, and Samson continued, "Mr. Felix knew you wouldn't stop until you hit rock bottom. "He loved you and wanted you to pursue what you wanted. He saw everything you've been through these past years." With trembling hands, Linda opened the envelope and took out the letter. "My dearest Linda, if you're reading this, it means you've finally run out of patience. I know these past few years have been incredibly tough for you, enduring a failed marriage. "You gave everything to a man who once promised you the world, but whether he remembers you or his promise, you've held up your end. You've loved him long enough. You're remarkable. "Your love is so great that William doesn't deserve it. While your mother was still conscious, she always worried about you suffering and asked me to leave you and Chloe a safety net. "She always said that she only saw light in your eyes when you looked at William. Since you saw him as your light, you should follow it. Later, we realized you treated him as the direction and destination of your happiness. "As your parents, we had no choice but to support you wholeheartedly. It was the only thing we could do for you. "My girl Linda, I don't know how long your love can sustain you. My health won't allow me to see you find clarity, so the best I can do is ensure you have a safety net. "By the time you read this letter, you'll be utterly disheartened and will have met Samson. I don't want you to stay in Osmo anymore. "I've arranged a home for you in Novena and left you and Chloe a substantial sum of money—enough for you both to live happily for the rest of your lives. "If your uncle wants the company, let him have it. I don't want you to bear such burdens. Material possessions can come and go. "Remember, whether we're still with you or not, face the world bravely. We will always support your decisions. Linda, you and Chloe are the light your mother and I have left behind. "We don't seek your brilliance. We just want you and Chloe to live a peaceful and happy life. Lastly, always remember that we love you dearly. John Felix." Linda's eyes blurred with tears as she finished reading the letter. Reflecting on the past, she realized how stubborn she had been. In her youth, she had so many choices, but only William mattered. Later, she decided it had to be him. Her parents initially opposed her decision, but they fully supported her when their efforts to stop her failed. Every step she took was on the path they paved for her. If Linda could go back 15 years, she thought she wouldn't have saved William. If she hadn't, her life might not have been so tragic. She wouldn't have clung to him because of a promise, only to end up in this mess. But now, it was too late for regret. Samson spoke at the right moment, "Mr. Felix visited Novena before he passed. He arranged a home for you and Chloe and gave me some orders to pass this letter to you. Now, I've done everything he asked." He wiped away her tears and added, "Linda, it's time for you to grow up. You can't live like this forever. Mr. Felix wanted you and Chloe to be happy. Listen to him this time and live for yourself. "I'll always be here to support you until you can fully embrace this world and don't need me anymore." Linda lowered her head to look at John's handwriting. Perhaps the best ending for her and William was for her to leave and never look back. She thought for a moment and made her decision. "Alright. Samson, I'll go to Novena with you and never return." Linda closed her eyes, and images of the people and events in Osmo flashed through her mind. It was time to say goodbye. Ending things here wasn't such a bad way to close this chapter. But even if Samson hadn't come today, Linda had already decided to leave once she recovered. She would either go to Flomont to find Chloe or find a quiet place to live her life. Finally, before leaving, Linda wanted to see the man she had loved for 15 years one last time. She had to say goodbye to that impossible love and put a period at the end of her story. Linda stayed in the hospital for two weeks before being discharged. By then, Osmo was covered in heavy snow. The green belts along the streets were blanketed, and there were puddles of melted snow on the road. Wrapped in a scarf, Linda walked alone into the wind. Under the snow, her thin figure evoked pity. At that moment, her phone rang. It was a call from her uncle, Tom Felix.