Chapter 14
Apart from my mom, there was no one in New York I truly missed.
Whether I returned or not didn’t seem to matter anymore.
At 10 a.m. the next day, I checked out of the hotel and saw Brook in the lobby.
He looked pale, sitting in a wheelchair with bandages wrapped around the left side of his face.
The injury, caused by Janis, wasn’t life–threatening, but it might leave a scar.
“Erica,” he called out.
He wore a jacket over his hospital gown, looking thin and frail.
I didn’t stop walking.
Brook had someone push his wheelchair to catch up and block my way.
“Erica, I have something to say to you. I promise, after this, I won’t bother you again.”
I stopped and nodded. “I hope you mean it.”
“Alex talked to me yesterday,” Brook said, swallowing hard.
“Erica, will you ever give me another chance?”
“No,” I answered without hesitation.
“If possible, I hope we never see each other again”
Brook stared at me, stunned. After a moment, he forced a bitter smile and nodded.
“I understand, Erica. I promise, I’ll never disturb you again.”
“But before we part ways, could you let me hold you one last time?”
“No,” I said coldly, shaking my head.
“That’s it, Brook. I hope we never meet again.”
I turned and walked away.
It was spring, but the wind felt like autumn as leaves fell from the trees.
A stray leaf swirled to the ground, only to be crushed underfoot with a faint crunch.
No one noticed. No one cared.
Back at work, I threw myself into my projects.
Winning such a prestigious award had boosted both my salary and my workload.
The day after I returned to the office, Alex moved back to New York, leaving the house next door vacant.
A year later, a young man moved in.
His name was Ryan, a charming and funny guy with an American face like mine.
I learned he worked nearby, and our office schedules often overlapped, so we bumped into each other frequently,
A few months later, Ryan confessed his feelings for me.
I didn’t say yes, but he didn’t give up.
He was respectful and never made me feel uncomfortable. I enjoyed his company, even if I wasn’t ready for a relationship just yet.
Two more years passed.
During Christmas, I heard from Alex that Janis‘ mother had passed away last month.
Janis herself had been sentenced to nine years for attempted murder.
The icy wind howled, but I didn’t feel cold.
Alex talked about many things, though he didn’t mention Brook.
I’d heard that Brook had been hospitalized twice in the past year for stomach bleeding, caused by his drinking habit..
But none of that had anything to do with me anymore.
After talking about Janis’ mother, Alex mustered the courage to ask, “Erica, will you come home for Christmas?”
“No, I’m doing well here.”
Two months ago, I won another trophy.
New York held no appeal for me anymore. My current goal was to work hard and achieve greater success.
As I walked outside, the rare warmth of the winter sun bathed me, and I felt every pore in my body relax.
Up ahead, Ryan stood in the sunlight, the golden rays highlighting his hair and making his already handsome face even more striking.
My heartbeat seemed to skip a beat.
Putting my phone away, I waved at Ryan, who was waiting for me.
He smiled as he walked toward me, his eyes reflecting my silhouette.
Maybe… love isn’t such a bad idea after all.
