Chapter 11

My mother took one look at my exhausted face and sighed, nodding helplessly. But as we turned to leave, she couldn't resist getting a few sharp words in.

"You did a terrible job raising Thor. If it weren't for the fact that our families have known each other for so many years, I'd have slapped him myself. I can't believe I ever thought so highly of him—what a fool I was."

Mrs. Bentley's face darkened instantly, her lips pressed tight, speechless.

I didn't stop my mother. In fact, her words brought me a quiet, guilty satisfaction—it was as if she had vented the anger I'd been holding in for too long.

We had barely reached the doorway when a sudden, panicked scream split through the air.

I turned around instinctively and froze.

A maid had stumbled. The tray in her hands tilted. A pot of steaming soup flew out. The scalding liquid arced straight toward Lina.

It was obvious the maid had lost her footing and fallen, sending the soup flying.

Just as it was about to hit Lina's face, Thor moved. Without thinking, he threw his arms around her, pressing her head tightly against his chest to shield her. The soup splashed across his broad back instead.

He grunted in pain as the hot liquid soaked through his shirt. I thought angry red patches must have quickly spread across his skin, blistering almost instantly.

A chorus of screams erupted around the room.

Mrs. Bentley cried out in panic, rushing to him. "Call a doctor! Hurry!"

Someone fumbled for their phone to dial emergency services. The once-cheerful celebration dissolved into chaos.

I wanted to walk away, but my feet refused to move. I stood rooted to the corner by the door, watching silently.

Soon, the doctor arrived and treated his burns.

Lina stayed beside him the whole time, weeping uncontrollably but never letting go of his hand. He looked down at her tear-streaked face, his voice soft, patient, and full of comfort as he whispered to her.

They looked every bit the devoted couple—two people perfectly attuned, wrapped in their own world.

I knew he wouldn't die. That was enough for me. I took my mother's hand and finally left.

When we got home, I felt hollow—like a shadow of myself drifting through the motions. My mother sat quietly beside me, saying nothing.

I didn't want her to worry, so I forced a small smile and leaned into her embrace.

"Mom," I said softly, "I'm leaving. I've decided to go study in Grelyce."

She stiffened, her brows knitting in surprise. "Sweetheart, that's so far away. Are you sure?"

I realized then that I hadn't told her in advance—it was my fault. I lowered my voice. "I'm sorry. I've already been accepted into a university there. I have to go."

For a long moment, she said nothing. Then she wrapped her arms tightly around me, her hand patting my back. The warmth of her palm seeped into my heart.

"Go," she murmured. "I support your decision. Just promise me you'll be happy. Leave the pain behind and live your life well."

I nodded silently. There was nothing more to say.

That night, I packed my things. I booked a flight for five days later.

…

Five days passed quickly.

Before I left, I handed my mother an envelope.

"Mom, if Thor ever comes looking for you or causes trouble, give him this letter."

She took it gently, smiling through the sadness in her eyes. "Alright. You go first. Once your dad and I finish settling our business here, we'll come join you. We'll live with you there."

I blinked in surprise. "You're not staying here anymore?"

She shook her head, squeezing my hands. "Wherever you go, we'll follow."

My throat tightened. I knew my parents only wanted to protect me—to stay close, to keep me from breaking apart completely. I nodded, tears burning in my eyes.

When they sent me to the car, Mrs. Bentley came running out in a panic. The moment she saw my luggage, her face went pale.

"Aisha, where are you going?" she asked anxiously.

I looked at her calmly. "I'm leaving. I'm transferring to another city for school."

Her expression twisted in confusion. "But… aren't you and Thor going to the same university? You're not going together?"

Before I could answer, my mother stepped forward with a cold, cutting tone. "Aisha's enrolled in a different university. She won't be studying with Thor anymore."