Too Late to Want Me Now

Randy's choked voice and the steady thrum of his heartbeat filled my ears at once."Zoey, let's get married. I'll… try to love you."I thought my devotion had finally melted his heart. But later, I realized it had all been wishful thinking on my part.Not long ago, Jeanne's marriage collapsed, and she returned home in disgrace. To ensure he could see her the moment she landed, Randy sped to the airport and ended up in a car accident.I stayed by his side for three days and nights without sleep, yet on that hospital bed, he called Jeanne's name a thousand times.Five years of giving him everything still couldn't compare to a single tear from his precious Jeanne.I knew then, my mission from five years ago would never be fulfilled.Now, with Jeanne divorced and my contract with him at its end, everything fell into place with a cruel kind of inevitability.After years of waiting, Randy finally had his beloved turn back to him, and the lock on my cage fell away.I had been waiting

At Jeanne's words, Randy's brows tightened for a brief moment before smoothing out again. He kept his eyes on the road, giving me no further glance.The amusement park was bustling, packed with visitors coming and going.While riding the carousel, the machine suddenly malfunctioned, spinning violently out of control.By that point, all the other riders had fled the platform. Only Jeanne and I remained.I clung to the handle with all my strength, refusing to let myself be thrown off. But the carousel's speed was dizzying, my head swam, and in the next instant, my grip slipped. I fell hard from the machine.At the same time, Jeanne was flung off as well. She screamed in panic.In that split second, Randy lunged forward, catching Jeanne in his arms.I wasn't so lucky. After hitting the ground, I barely had time to react before one of the wooden horses crashed straight toward me.A sharp, sickening crack split the air from my lower leg. Splinters flew into my eyes. Pain ripped throu

After landing, I immediately bought a ticket to Nerovia.The country I was in now had been arranged by Anne, and there was no guarantee she wouldn't leak my whereabouts to Randy. Since I had already decided to sever all ties with the past, I might as well make a clean break.Once in Nerovia, I moved into the apartment the school had arranged for me.Not long after, Fiona Briggs called. She was my "orphanage mom." I had grown up in an orphanage, and even after becoming an adult, I had stayed in close contact with her.The moment I answered, Fiona's cheerful voice burst through the receiver."Zoey, after you left, Randy came looking for me. He asked where you'd gone. From the look on his face, I'd say he already knows your marriage to him was because of that contract. You didn't see how anxious he was. He looked like he wished you could appear right in front of him that instant."I could only give a quiet laugh.What else was there to say?For five years, all my efforts had gone

The social circle was small. Sooner or later, we were bound to meet. Since avoidance was impossible, there was no need to run.At the photography exhibition, I introduced my works to the distinguished guests in attendance.One piece in particular drew their attention: a landscape of distant mountains, which I had titled Escape.Smiling faintly, I spoke about the piece, but as I turned, I collided head-on with a solid chest. The clean, crisp scent of cedar filled my senses—an aroma I knew all too well.Randy held me tightly. "Zoey, it's been three years… you've finally come back."Tears shone in his reddened eyes, the corners tinged with pink.I shoved him hard, but his grip only tightened, keeping me trapped.It wasn't until Tom rushed over that he was dragged away."Zoey, are you hurt?" Tom asked.Anastasia's face was clouded with worry as her gaze swept over me, checking me from head to toe. Then, she spun toward Randy, fury igniting her voice."Randy, do you have no shame a

A scene from three years ago played out in my mind. Now, behind me stood an identical towering cake display.I fixed my gaze on Patricia, who was charging straight toward me. Just as she was about to shove me, I stepped nimbly aside.In an instant, she plunged headfirst into the hundred-tier cake, cream smearing her from head to toe. Her arms and chest were scratched by the supporting rods hidden within the layers.The commotion was loud enough to draw the attention of the guests, who quickly gathered around.Anastasia, seeing me under attack, rushed over in a fury. When she confirmed I was unharmed, she lashed out with a swift kick to Patricia."If you can't cure your rabies, then stop coming out to bite people!" she snapped. "If I remember correctly, three years ago you were the one who pushed Zoey, weren't you? Now you're trying the same trick again? Do you really think Zoey is that easy to bully?!"But Patricia ignored every word. She scrambled to her feet and glared at me wi