Chapter 9

When Sinead saw Nelson accuse her without even trying to tell right from wrong, the hurt and grievance in her chest peaked.

Even so, she forced herself to stay calm and tried to explain what had happened. "She was the one who got someone to try to rape me first! That fall down the stairs was her own act! If you don't believe me, go to the private room! That beggar is still..."

Hearing this, Irene panicked too. She started crying as she tried to explain. "That's not true, Nelson. She cursed me and called me a homewrecker, saying I was getting between you and your childhood sweetheart! That's why… That's why she pushed me down the stairs. I didn't do anything! Why is she smearing my reputation like this?!"

Between the two of them, Nelson believed Irene without question.

He pulled her into his arms, and all his anger turned on Sinead, his voice cold as ice. "How could Irene possibly do anything like that? You're the one who was being completely unreasonable and pushed her down the stairs! How could you twist the truth and accuse her?! You've been clinging to me since you were just a kid, and I only stayed with you for the sake of our families. Since you don't know your place, then get out."

Sinead's heart went completely cold in those few sentences.

She stared straight at him and spoke each word clearly and with conviction. "Fine. I'll do what you want. We're done!"

That mercilessly cold tone only made the anger in Nelson's chest burn even hotter. He refused to back down and threw out a harsh line in return as he watched her staggering as she left. "Don't ever let me see you again."

From that moment on, Sinead knew it was good riddance forever. So, she did not slow down for even a moment, and she left without looking back.

-

After a night's rest, Sinead got up and tore off the calendar's last page.

She was about to head to the garage with her suitcase when she heard Jackson and Liana call out to her. "Sinead, Kenny and Opal invited our whole family to have one last lunch together. Put your things away and come over now."

Although Sinead really did not want to go, she knew that no matter how badly things had blown up between her and Nelson, it had nothing to do with her parents or Nelson's parents. After hesitating for a few seconds, she agreed.

Fortunately, Nelson was not at home for the gathering that day.

Kenny and Opal kept calling him, wanting him to come back, but even after calling more than a dozen times in a row, no one answered.

Seeing that all the dishes were already on the table, Sinead thought for a moment, then said softly, "He's probably with Irene right now. It's just a meal, so it's not a big deal if he misses it. Let's not disturb their date."

They still had a plane to catch, and they really couldn't wait any longer. Only then did Kenny and Opal put down their phones and have everyone sit at the table.

They ate that meal with heavy hearts as the two families talked about the past the whole time. Sinead listened quietly, keeping her head down as she ate, speaking very little.

After they finished eating, everyone went out to the yard and took a big group photo as a keepsake.

At one in the afternoon, the Green family departed with their luggage while Kenny and Opal went along to see them off. When they reached the airport, Kenny and Opal made several more calls to Nelson, but there was still no response.

The couple sighed and looked at their old friends with regret on their faces, their tone full of apology. "Nelson has been busy with his engagement these days and still doesn't know you're moving away permanently. When he comes back later and sees the house empty, he's going to be devastated."

Sinead shook her head lightly, her voice flat. "He won't."

The other four looked over when they heard this, their faces full of surprise. "Why?"

Just then, the boarding announcement started playing over the loudspeakers. Sinead did not answer as she simply said goodbye to Kenny and Opal politely.

Jackson and Liana also reached into their bag, took out a gift, and handed it to them. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to attend the two kids' wedding. Kenny, remember to pass on a message for us, that we wish them a happy marriage."

The families were quite emotional when it was time to separate.

Sinead stood off to the side alone as she pulled out her phone. Then, she blocked and deleted all of Nelson's contacts.

After she was done, she waved to Kenny and Opal before holding her parents by their arms and turning to walk toward the departure gate.

She did not look back again.