Chapter 8

At the apartment entrance, William frowned at the keypad lock. "Let me handle it." Linda stepped up and quickly entered the code. Once inside, she handed him a clean towel from the bathroom. "It's new. I have someone come to clean weekly." This time, though, she stood aside rather than helping William dry off as she used to. Her care was still evident, considering she fetched the towel despite being drenched herself. "Go take a shower. I'll change and get some groceries delivered so I can cook dinner," Linda said as she headed into the walk-in closet. As Linda turned, William caught her gaze again. Her clear eyes made his head throb as that familiar force surged, threatening to break free. Without lingering on it, he stepped into the shower. William had bought this apartment for convenience. Back then, Linda hadn't yet used the Felix family's influence to help him, and he had managed everything on his own. The Wilson residence was far away, and company support was weak—any disruption could lead to big problems. William often stayed at the office and only came here when he absolutely needed to rest. After marrying Linda, they lived here together for a few months. Linda ordered groceries while leaning against the dining table after changing her clothes. She felt a pang of reluctance as she looked around. She had decorated every single corner of this apartment and was reluctant to let go, but she had to. … When William came out of the shower, Linda was in the kitchen, preparing food. The warm light cast a gentle glow on her as she worked. As William watched her from the doorway, his head started throbbing again. She was a good wife, but he just wasn't a good match for her. Silently, he took a seat at the dining table to watch her cook. When Linda finished preparing the steak, she turned to call him but was surprised to find him already at the table. "When did you come out?" Linda asked while bringing the dish to the table. "I was just about to call you." "About ten minutes ago," William replied. "Let's eat, then." Linda went back and forth in the kitchen to serve dinner, ending with two plates of pasta. She sat across from William and said hesitantly, "I wasn't sure of what you like, so I just made anything. I hope it's okay." It was almost laughable. They had been married for four years, yet she didn't know his preferences. Linda only knew that the lunches she painstakingly prepared for him never ended up on his desk. They either found their way to the trash or were given to the security guards. He never ate her food. William's hand paused as he looked at the dishes. She used to make him lunch, but he never saw it. "This is fine," he said after taking a bite of the steak. "That's good to hear." Linda smiled and looked down at her meal. She felt a sting in her nose. "William, to be honest, I never thought I'd be sharing a peaceful dinner with you one day. Thank you for enduring your discomfort to fulfill my dream." Linda's sincere words stung William's ears. Her self-mocking tone made him feel a strange, unseen pull on his heart. Linda smiled through her meal, but it tasted bland. William felt the same. The silent atmosphere was far from ideal for dining, but Linda knew this was the closest they'd ever get to harmonious companionship in their entire life. After dinner, Linda cleaned up and put the dishes in the dishwasher. When she returned, William was still in the living room, with the only light coming from a small lamp by the entrance. "Aren't you going back?" Linda realized her mistake as she spoke. This was his place, and she was the one who should leave. "Sorry, I'll pack my things and go." Linda added naturally, "Once I'm gone, feel free to get rid of any decorations you don't like or have the place redecorated to your taste." Linda finished speaking and walked into the closet to pack her clothes. Seeing the untouched suits and shirts in the other half of the wardrobe made her eyes sting with tears again. He wasn't even willing to wear the clothes she bought for him. She had even made some of those shirts herself. Fearing his disdain, she never mentioned it. But she hadn't expected him to despise her so much that he wouldn't even touch the clothes she bought. In this marriage, she felt truly pathetic and absurd. As Linda cleared out the closet, she realized one suitcase was just enough for all her belongings. When she stepped out, William was still there. Without waiting for her to speak, he asked, "Was it worth it? Loving me all these years only to end up like this?" William didn't know why he asked. The thought just slipped out. Linda lowered her gaze. "William, loving you was always one-sided, so there's no question of whether it was worth it. "I've always known our relationship was something that I had begged for and a result of my stubbornness. I've caused a lot of trouble, especially for you, and I'm sorry for that. "I'll always remember today. I wish you all the best." After a pause, Linda added, "At least I don't regret it." She hadn't gained anything from this relationship, but she wouldn't destroy it, either. She only regretted that after all these years, he still didn't remember her. Linda didn't know what had happened on the way back that day to make him forget her so completely. She didn't dare ask, as William would see it as prying into his privacy—something she didn't want. So, she never asked again. However, no matter if he remembered or not, their past would disappear with her departure. Maybe one day, he'd remember, but it wouldn't matter to her then. Linda had entered and exited his life as an imposter, and that was fine. The dim light inside contrasted with the bright city lights outside, creating a fleeting moment of warmth. Linda looked up and smiled at him, but William's face remained expressionless. She knew that was just how he was. "Don't be with someone like me again," William said abruptly.