Chapter 4 It’s All in the Past

Maria's mind was sharp, and her quick, clever words made Cruz pause for a moment. He quickly recovered and looked at her, explaining calmly. "Besides the connection you mentioned, there’s another aspect, Maria. You’re part of the Kardashian family. You share a bloodline with us." As soon as Maria heard the words "Kardashian family," her expression tightened. "I don’t feel any connection with the Kardashian family, and even if there is, I won’t acknowledge it. My existence is the biggest stain on her life. The best outcome is for her, me, and the Kardashian family to never interact again." Maria’s straightforward and resolute words, filled with rejection and distance, made Cruz a bit displeased. But he knew that Maria was still in a heightened emotional state. What she needed most was comfort, calmness, and protection. Cruz's steady and gentle voice served as the perfect reassurance. "I’m not asking you to do anything. I’m just trying to help you. You’re in a lot of trouble right now, and I think you need my help." Maria understood his good intentions. After hearing his words, she gradually calmed down and spoke softly. "I know you’ve already done a lot for me. I was able to leave that gang and go to school because of your help. I’m grateful for that, but I don’t want to owe any more favors." Hearing her words, Cruz suddenly recalled the first impression his grandfather had of her. His grandfather had said that Maria seemed quiet and intelligent but was inherently distant. Her coldness stemmed from a deep moral sense and a unique love for her mother. It was this love that led Maria to choose to become an orphan, ensuring that the Kardashian family felt reassured while leaving no room for others to criticize. In some ways, Cruz believed that Maria was more like a Kardashian than even he was. Noble, elegant, intelligent, and never giving up. "Think carefully about this. Los Angeles isn’t too small, but it’s not too big either. Whatever happens, people here will talk." To his surprise, Maria didn’t care at all. "It doesn’t matter. Once I get the divorce papers from Johnson, I’ll leave Los Angeles." She didn’t plan on telling anyone where she was going. Hearing this, Cruz’s expression deepened. "Are you saying you plan to completely let go of Johnson? Do you remember that you once sat across from me, just as you are now, and firmly told me that you would marry no one but Johnson?" Maria’s voice was crisp and decisive. "It’s all in the past." Cruz admired this version of Maria—her clear, resolute, and straightforward way of speaking, with no hesitation, just honesty. Johnson, who had been eavesdropping with Catherine at the door, frowned upon hearing this. He thought to himself, *If she really has nothing to do with me anymore, then that’s fine. I don’t want to have any ties with her either!* But strangely, when Johnson returned to his hospital room, lying in bed, his mind was filled with memories of Maria and their past together. The romantic fields of flowers, dandelions floating in the air, the sweet fragrance, and Maria’s radiant smile. Johnson's heart began to race uncontrollably. He clutched his chest, sweat breaking out on his forehead. Johnson didn’t understand what was happening to him. He went to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water. As he calmed down, Maria’s words echoed in his mind. *"Once the police finish their investigation, you need to apologize publicly, and then we can get the divorce papers."* Johnson grew anxious. He didn’t want any further contact with Maria, not even for a moment. The next day, Johnson planned to discuss the divorce with Maria. However, as he passed by a hospital room, he heard a familiar male voice inside. "Kyle has been your friend since childhood! Do you want her to end up with a criminal record? You have to understand, she did it for your sake! If she didn’t want to bring you and Johnson back together, why would she have drugged you? She was just trying to help you two reconcile!" "Otherwise, why do you think she would do something that didn’t benefit her at all?" Maria’s eyes were filled with confusion as she listened to Kenan. "Why? Why do you all think that just because you mean well, you can do things I don’t want or allow? Does she think that just because it’s for my own good, she can mess up my life? You’re right, I’m curious too—why would she do something so harmful and pointless?" "Did someone pay her off? Or has she secretly resented me all this time?" Kenan, feeling guilty, awkwardly looked at Maria and continued. "This really has nothing to do with me, okay? I just don’t want you to misunderstand your friend. Think about it—if Kyle had told you directly, would you have agreed? No, of course not. That’s why she did what she did!" "She only did it because she knew Johnson was planning to propose to Catherine on his birthday. She was just trying to give you a chance to reconcile, don’t you see?" Kenan kept trying to convince Maria. "She didn’t know that Johnson would be so ruthless, spreading your photos all over the city… Originally, Kyle planned to talk to Johnson about it yesterday, but then both of you ended up in the hospital…" His voice trailed off. "I’m begging you, please drop the charges. Then Kyle and I can explain everything to Johnson, okay?" Kyle and Kenan were friends with Johnson since childhood. Later, they met Maria and spent a lot of time together. Kyle was the only one among her friends who had been particularly kind to her. Even during the two years when Maria was in a coma, Kyle was the only one who hoped Maria and Johnson could reconcile after she woke up. After hearing all this, Maria suppressed her anger, her face drained of all color. "If that’s the case, why didn’t Kyle come to me directly? Why did she send you?"