Chapter 13

The day after I left, Luke bombarded me with phone calls, and I eventually decided to change my number. Since I couldn't give him a future, I couldn't stop him from pursuing his own.

I have no idea how Luke spent those days, but I could keenly sense his heartache. During that time, I locked myself in my room, clutching our photos, crying until I felt numb, tears leaving my eyes vacant.

My mom had to visit me every two hours, fearing I might do something drastic. I lay on my bed, repeatedly scrolling through our chat logs from over nine years. Each time, my heart ached afresh.

A month later, word on the street had it that Luke had returned to the country and officially set a wedding date with Julie Blanchet. You see, in the end, there's always compromise. He compromised, and it was time for me to do the same.

Before long, I received unexpected news from the international director I had previously worked with. He said the funding was in place and wanted me to return for the film. I n