Chapter 7

The rest I had to deal with were all sorts of gifts Jonathan had given me over the past three years. There were interesting and fun items, as well as lavish jewelry pieces. I sorted out the more expensive items and entrusted them to my best friend. She would hold onto them for the time being. I asked her to return those things to Jonathan after I left Pinehelm City. Only then would I no longer owe him anything. As for the inexpensive trinkets Jonathan had bought to make me happy, I didn't hesitate to throw them all away in a trash bag. I once treasured even the tiniest keychain he gave me. Yet, I felt nothing for these things now that I was throwing them away. After clearing everything out, I wrapped Mom's photo securely in bubble wrap and placed it between two foam layers inside a box. Then, I left this place I called home for the past ten years without looking back. As I walked out the gates, Jonathan's car happened to drive over. I didn't bother sparing it a glance. However, I didn't expect the car to stop beside me. The backseat window rolled down to reveal Jonathan's handsome face. Still, I only gave him a brief, indifferent glance before walking away. "Ruth." Jonathan frowned. "Where are you going?" I had two big luggage with me and was already exerting much effort to walk ahead while dragging the luggage. That left me with no energy to stop for a chat with Jonathan, so I ignored him and kept walking. That was when he opened the door and got out of the car. "Shall I have my driver take you wherever you're going?" "No, thanks." I avoided his outstretched hand and continued my journey ahead. Alas, he grabbed my wrist. "Why are you being so stubborn now, Ruth? If you cry a little like before, I might just soften." I flung his hand off me, then calmly met his eyes. "There's no need for that anymore, Jonathan." There was no need to cry or make him soften up to me. I had grown sick and tired after doing it many times. "Fine, then. Have it your way." Jonathan snorted, but he didn't believe I would actually follow through with it.