Chapter 9

Hearing this, a teardrop unexpectedly fell onto the back of Linda's hand, warming her skin with its heat. William's words, spoken in the gentlest of tones, were heart-wrenching. She nodded. "Without my father's protection, I can no longer be willful." She implied that she wouldn't make the same mistake again with someone like him. Once bitten, twice shy. After a long silence, Linda smiled. "William, I know my request might be unreasonable, but I still want to ask." She sniffled and asked, "Can you hug me? Just for a while…" As she said that, she suddenly laughed, knowing her request was inappropriate. Being able to have a peaceful breakup dinner was already a luxury for her. Just as she was about to say that she was just joking, a force grabbed her elbow and pulled her into an embrace. Linda could smell his unique, fresh scent and hear the strong beating of his heart. Her tears finally fell uncontrollably. She didn't raise her arms to hug William back as she knew it was inappropriate. A moment later, Linda gently tried to push him away but couldn't. She said, "Thank you. I know these words don't mean much to you, but I sincerely thank you. Don't worry, I'll keep my promise. I won't appear in your life again, and I'll pretend you never appeared in mine." William frowned as his thoughts rang louder in his mind, causing him to hold her tighter, pressing her petite body against his. For a moment, he didn't want to let go. Just then, his phone rang. He released her and took out his phone. It was Ida calling. Linda felt a pang in her heart. He would answer anyone's call but hers. She smiled as she turned around, then began packing the items on the shelf one by one. Seeing her actions, William answered the call. Ida's anxious voice came through the receiver. "William, something's happened!" William's frown deepened. "What happened?" "Joanne has been kidnapped!" William's gaze turned frosty. "What happened? Explain clearly." Ida spoke through choked sobs, "Today, Joanne's schedule was to go experience the company's newly developed private hot spring project. "In the morning, a few ladies invited her to play cards. Joanne thought that they'd soak in the hot springs and then stay at the hotel for the night, saving a trip back. "Those ladies were supposed to go with Joanne, but her necklace arrived, so she had them go first and planned to join them later. "I just got a call from one of the ladies asking why she hadn't arrived yet. I called the driver, but he didn't answer. Then…" The call was cut off, and William felt his temples throbbing. "Something's happened. I have to go." Linda nodded in understanding. He had always cared deeply about his family, and she knew that. She had already gotten what she wanted and was satisfied. "Stay here tonight and leave tomorrow," William said before changing his shoes and leaving. Linda walked to the window and watched him hurriedly get into a car parked by the roadside. She then turned back to continue packing. When she finished, she realized that she didn't have many things. She packed everything and moved them to the door with some difficulty. She turned off the lights inside and closed the door, bidding farewell to her past. Linda asked the property management to donate her belongings to those in need the next day, to which they agreed. She then called for an e-hailing car and waited at the community gate. The security guard poked his head out. "Ms. Felix, why are you leaving so late?" "Because this place doesn't belong to me." "Make sure to dress warmly. The snow in Osmo is terrifying." Linda nodded. When her ride arrived, she thanked the security guard. … In the car, Linda received a call from Samson. "Linda, where are you?" Samson's voice sounded anxious and was accompanied by the sound of wind. John had bought a property for Linda in Novena, but some matters weren't handled properly. Samson didn't trust anyone else to take care of it, so he flew back himself to handle it before returning to pick up Linda. "I've been discharged from the hospital. I'm on the way back to the hotel now." "The flight is at 9:00 am tomorrow. I've already arranged for everything. I'll see you at the airport." Linda responded, "Okay." Samson sighed, knowing what she had done. "Linda, we need to let go of what's behind us. Otherwise, you'll end up hurting yourself. Since you decided to leave Osmo, take care of everything before you leave. Don't leave any loose ends." Linda naturally understood what Samson meant. If she was going to leave, she had to let go of everything—both people and matters. Having attachments would keep her from moving on. He didn't want her to hold on to William anymore. "I understand, Samson. Thank you." The day after next, she and William would go their separate ways. They would erase each other from their lives without leaving a trace. "Rest early. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Samson bid her goodnight and hung up. Linda knew what the call was about. Even though Joanne had killed her child and orchestrated Ida to impersonate her as the one who rescued William as a child, Linda still didn't wish harm upon her. After all, she was William's last living relative in the world. She didn't want him to be alone before finding his lover. Linda still loved William. She had loved him for over ten years, so she couldn't just let go of it immediately. Thus, she wished Joanne well. It would also be the last time she'd be considerate of them. The driver sensed that Linda wasn't in a good mood. He handed her a tissue and started a conversation. "Miss, the new year is approaching soon. New year, new you." Linda took the tissue and thanked him. "Yes, a new year is coming." She needed to get rid of William's shadow and live a good life. "Look forward, not back. Once you turn back, you'll lose." Look forward, not back. John used to often say that to her when he was still around. Thinking of John, Linda's vision became blurry again, just when thought she had no more tears left to shed. "Thank you, sir." The driver smiled. "Miss, you must look forward. Don't change your mind just because of one small thing. You must be yourself. Love yourself, and you'll get the best results." Linda nodded repeatedly. Yes, she needed to be herself and love herself. In the first half of her life, she had given all her love and care to William, only to end up like this. Moving forward, she just wanted to properly love herself.