Chapter 23

“That boy is still there. I offered him an umbrella, but he wouldn’t take it. If this continues, he’s going to die.”

At the entrance of the National Medical Research Institute, water pooled around Ian’s ankles.

His faded trench coat was soaked through, hanging heavy on his frail body.

After days of no food, water, and sleep, he was at his breaking point.

He could barely stand.

His vision blurred, and his body wavered.

Just as he was about to collapse, a black umbrella suddenly appeared, shielding him from the storm.

“You finally came.” The moment she draped a warm coat over him, the dam inside him broke.

With a weak thud, he fell to his knees before Selena.

All pride and dignity were gone.

In the pouring rain, he sobbed uncontrollably.

“Selena, please come home with me. I can’t live without you. As long as you come back, I’ll do anything” —- Selena knelt down and gently wiped away his tears with her fingertips.

Her voice was barely louder than a soft sigh.

“Thank you for once bringing me home and staying with me through that long, bitter winter. But this is the last time we’ll ever meet. Please, don’t make me hate you. I’m not worth this.” Tan stared at her, dazed.

The most painful farewell didn’t involve screaming or crying.

Instead, what hurt most was when she wiped away his tears with a determined look that they would never meet again.