When Love Runs Out

"Hey, driver. Ms. Richmond wants you over there."I was waiting in the car for Faith when someone suddenly called out to me.She had come to the set to accompany Bridger. When I arrived, they were filming a scene where the male lead had to fall into the water.It was late autumn, and the water was bitterly cold. Bridger stood by the pool with his arm around Faith, his voice soft and affected."Faith, I've always been weak since I was a kid—"Faith immediately took his hand. "Don't worry. That's why I found you a stand-in."Her eyes fell on me, and the staff turned to look as well. They all sneered without saying a word.Only the director dared to speak up, "Ms. Richmond, I know you're worried about Bridger, but this scene is important. We can't afford to be careless. How can we just grab some help to fill in?"We'd be better off having the older production assistant do it."I looked down at the clothes I was wearing, washed so many times they had faded white, and had nothing t

It was all because Faith didn't want me to have any time to myself. She couldn't stand the thought of seeing even the slightest trace of happiness or ease on my face."Ah..." I let out a long breath and quickened my pace, pushing my suitcase as I left.At last, I was going to be free."Where are you going? Playing the victim didn't work, so now you're pulling this running-away-from-home act?"I'd been a step too slow, and Faith blocked me in the courtyard.That suffocating feeling came rushing back. I couldn't be bothered to say another word. I tried to walk around her and leave.She grabbed my arm."Don't touch me!" I violently shook her off and turned to glare at her. "I told you. I've paid back everything I owed you. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other.""Heh." Faith let out a soft laugh. "August, I've seen this little 'retreat to advance' trick countless times in business. You think I'm still that naive girl I was back then? That easy to fool?"I'd heard var

"I really don't know what you're being so stubborn about. You've settled things with Faith, fine. But what have I ever done to you? You have to work to pay me back even for a few bottles of medicine. Do you really think I care about that little bit of money?"As Isabel Newton spoke, she returned the money I'd given her. She wouldn't accept a bank transfer, and she wouldn't take cash either.I had no choice but to admit the truth: "I just want to leave this world with a clean slate. I don't want to owe anyone anything..."Isabel knew about everything between Faith and me. She sighed and reluctantly took the money back. "Tomorrow is your dad's anniversary. Let's go see him together."I nodded.Then Isabel asked, "Is Faith still contacting you?"I lowered my head. A new message had just come through on my phone.[August, I was wrong. I really know I was wrong. You can hit me, curse at me, hate me, and I'll accept it all. I just beg you, don't abandon me like you did before, okay?]

"August, I'm sorry. I really am."You shouldn't have kept the truth from me. You should have told me everything. You were afraid I couldn't handle losing you, but do you know what it did to me, knowing you were alive but not by my side? That hurt even more."I don't dare ask for your forgiveness. I'm only asking you to let me stay by your side and walk with you through the final journey of your life. Please don't let Isabel keep me away anymore. I'll transfer all my money into your name..."August, I didn't refuse to give you money all these years just because I wanted revenge. More than anything, I was afraid that if you had money of your own, you'd leave me again. I couldn't bear living without you. I really couldn't."Faith's tears were already streaming down her face.Ever since Isabel had left and Faith was finally allowed into my hospital room, she'd been crying nonstop. The guilt and pain in her eyes were almost tangible, crushing her beneath their weight.I couldn't help