Chapter 10

One year later, I've made a name for myself as a designer, and my career is on the rise.

More importantly, I finally live exactly the way I want.

I cut my hair short because I like it, even though Felix always hated it. I paint my nails black because I want to.

Every morning, I grab breakfast at the café downstairs. In the evenings, I walk my landlady's dog. On weekends, Enora and I try whatever new adventure sport catches our attention.

Then one day, I happened to see a news report from back home.

Grant Group had changed hands.

The board had forced Felix out and made him sell all his shares.

After that, he vanished from the public eye.

But every so often, a postcard showed up in my mailbox.

It always came in a sealed white envelope with the same familiar handwriting on the front.

And every postcard showed the Maldives.

"The Maldives really is beautiful."

"Can I still see the moon that once belonged to me?"

"The sea is vast, but only now do I realize your eyes were deeper still."

The postcards brought back an old memory.

"Lixi, let's get married in the Maldives someday! Look how beautiful it is!"

Back then, I'd been so full of hope.

But Felix had been busy comforting Gracie because she couldn't sleep.

His answer had been impatient.

"Marriage is years away. What's the rush?"

I heard the impatience in his voice and never brought it up again.

I had always thought he simply didn't remember little things like that.

Now I knew the truth. He remembered. He just hadn't cared enough to listen.

Love that comes too late is worthless.

From then on, I belonged only to myself.

I threw every postcard away.

A few days later, I moved to a new place.

Maybe he kept sending them. Maybe he wrote more.

I didn't care enough to find out.

Now, standing on the Millennium Bridge, I spread my arms and let the wind slip through my fingers.

Sunlight warms my skin beneath the clear blue sky.

I'm glad I chose myself.

One bad chapter doesn't have to ruin the whole story. Sometimes, something better is waiting just around the corner.

"Hi, I didn't get a chance to ask at the airport. What's your name?"

I turn around.

A familiar pair of beautiful blue eyes meets mine.

"It's you."

He's wearing a plaid shirt. He gives me a slight nod and a warm smile.

"Julian Reed."

I blink, then realize he's introducing himself.

"Eunice."

"Nice to meet you."

My reflection shines in his blue eyes.

The wind catches the hem of my dress.