Chapter 9

When Caroline immediately began blaming Sheldon without even learning the truth, the tearing pain in his heart finally reached its peak.

Nonetheless, he held onto his composure and tried to explain what had happened.

"He hired some thugs to beat me up, and the fall was all a staged act. If you don't believe me, head to that private room. Those two thugs should still be there."

However, Oliver panicked when he heard that. Eyes reddening, he said, "No, that's not it, Caroline! He insulted me first, calling me a bastard who interfered in your relationship, then he shoved me down the stairs. I didn't even do anything! How could he be so wicked as to slander me like that?"

Between the two men, Caroline chose to believe Oliver without a second thought.

She gathered him into her arms and took all her fury out on Sheldon. When she spoke, her voice was frosty.

"As if Oliver would ever do something like that! You pushed him down the stairs like a savage, and now, you're even accusing him of doing it himself?

"You've always loved to pester me since we were young, so it was only due to our families' closeness that I stuck around you. However, if you're going to be so full of yourself and ungrateful, then get the hell away from me!"

Those words finally chilled Sheldon's heart.

He stared at her, uttering firmly and clearly, "Fine! I'll oblige your wish and cut ties with you completely!"

The cold indifference in his voice that left no room for argument only caused the rage burning in Caroline to grow hotter.

Watching his back as he staggered down the stairs, she refused to show weakness and retorted fiercely, "Don't ever let me see you again!"

Sheldon, knowing that they would indeed never see each other again, didn't even pause or look back.

…

The next morning, Sheldon got out of bed and crossed out the last day on his calendar.

As he headed toward the garage with his suitcase, his parents called out to him.

"Sheldon, Edmund and Helen invited us over for one last lunch together. Hurry on over after you've put your things in the car, alright?"

Although Sheldon was incredibly reluctant, he knew that whatever happened between him and Caroline had nothing to do with their parents. Hence, after hesitating for several seconds, he still agreed to go.

Thankfully, Caroline wasn't home for the gathering that day.

Her parents kept calling her, wanting to tell her to come back home.

Yet, even after over a dozen tries, nobody answered the phone.

With the food getting cold, Sheldon thought it over briefly before speaking softly.

"She's most likely spending time with her boyfriend right now. It's just a meal, so it's fine even if she doesn't come. Let's not disturb their date."

Besides, they were flying that very day, so they genuinely couldn't wait any longer.

Only then did Edmund and Helen set down their phones and invite everyone to the table.

The meal was a somber affair, with both families constantly talking about the past. Sheldon listened to it all, hardly saying a word as he kept his head lowered and focused on eating.

After the meal, they gathered in the yard for a group photo as a keepsake.

At one in the afternoon, the Grahams departed with their luggage. Edmund and Helen went along as well to see them off.

Upon arriving at the airport, Edmund and Helen tried calling Caroline several times, but she still refused to pick up.

Sighing, they could only shoot their long-time friends a regretful look and say apologetically, "Caroline has been busy with the wedding lately, so she doesn't even know that you guys are moving away. When she returns later and realizes that the house is empty, she'll definitely be very sad."

Sheldon shook his head and replied indifferently, "No, she won't."

Hearing that, all four older adults turned to look at Sheldon in confusion.

"Why not?"

At that moment, the airport PA system rang out, reminding passengers it was time to board.

Instead of answering the question, all Sheldon did was politely bid the Reeds goodbye.

Lewis pulled an envelope filled with money from his pocket and handed it to Edmund.

"This is a token of our blessings and well wishes since we won't be able to attend Caroline's wedding. Edmund, help us pass on a message, will you? Tell Caroline and Oliver that we wish them congratulations and a happy, blissful marriage."

As it came time to say goodbye, both sets of parents were filled with emotions.

Meanwhile, Sheldon stood off to the side alone. Taking out his phone, he either blocked or deleted all of Caroline's contact methods.

After he was done, he threw his arms over his parents' shoulders, waved one last time at Edmund and Helen, then turned and headed for the boarding gate.

Not once did he ever look back again.