Chapter 11

Ever since he discovered that my father had invested in his business, Ray would space out frequently. Sometimes, it was during meetings. Other times, it was when he was with Nadia.Ray's health had also started to deteriorate, so Nadia dragged him to the hospital. The doctor also checked on his spine while he was there. It had been injured from when Dad had beaten him."Your spine is healing well. You'll be fine as long as you continue to avoid hard labor," the doctor said. Then, he asked, "By the way, where's your wife? Why didn't she tag along for a follow-up checkup, too?" I had always had to coax Ray into going to the hospital to get his spinal injury checked. Then, after he was done, I would secretly have mine checked as well.Naturally, Nadia turned to Ray upon hearing the doctor's words."What's wrong with her? Does she have the same injury as you? Did you both used to come for checkups together?" she inquired.Ray remained silent as he left the hospital with Nadia. After

Chapter 12

Nadia broke down crying when Ray brought up getting divorced. When she asked him for a reason, all he could say was, "I'm sorry…""I know you have feelings for me, and you clearly treat me well. You also helped me pay off my debts and even divorced Claire so you could be with me. So I don't believe you don't love me at all," Nadia argued.She listed all the moments they had shared, only to be met with his repeated apologies."Claire was drinking a long black coffee when I first met her. She was frowning from how bitter it was, yet she still pretended to be all nonchalant…" Ray explained.Realization dawned on Nadia upon hearing this. Yet, she still said, "I—I don't mind, Ray. I can even act like her if you wish…"Ray's gaze was almost pitiful as he looked at Nadia. Gently tucking her hair behind her ear, he replied, "Don't be like this, Nadia. It's my fault."Ray then left the house empty-handed and returned to his hometown alone. He then asked, "Mom, did Claire tell you where sh

Chapter 13

Ray locked himself in the house when Agnes passed. He refused to eat or drink.I had her buried next to my mother's grave. It was a beautiful and serene place with a picturesque view. I thought Mom would surely enjoy Agnes' company.Ray appeared before me as Agnes was laid to rest. He stated, "I don't have a mother anymore, Claire."I stared at him for a long time, and then I merely said, "Condolences."Then, I turned to leave, but Ray grabbed my wrist. He apologized, "I'm sorry… I really had no idea how much you've suffered because of me…" I sighed—did it matter now? The rift between us had never been because of the sufferings I had kept from him."I've divorced Nadia," Ray added."That's your business—you don't need to report it to me," I said plainly. Then, I pulled my hand out of his grasp and walked resolutely away.Perhaps we should never have gotten together from the very beginning.Edward was waiting for me not far away."What's the matter? Feeling sorry for him?" he

Chapter 14

I stayed a little longer in the capital now that I was back.Ray had bought our previous house and then handed the property deed to me. He had put my name on it in an attempt to win me back."What are you trying to do here, Ray?" I asked coldly.Then, I walked around him and headed outside. However, he chased after me and blocked my way."I… I'm sorry about the child," Ray apologized."I don't blame you for it," I stated.Still, he blocked my path."What exactly do you want?" I questioned."Can we start over?" Ray blurted.Sometimes, I wondered if Agnes had adopted Ray because they were nothing alike."Forget it—just let it go," I said apathetically.I had once heard someone say, "Allowing people to get close to you increases your chances of getting hurt. That being said, alienating yourself also makes it harder for you to find happiness."Looking back now, I realized that person was spot on. I would be lying if I said I was truly over our relationship. I had loved Ray for

Chapter 15

I thought I would be happy to see Ray like this.It was the outcome I had wanted. He had finally realized how outrageous his mistakes were. However, I felt my heart crumble when he uttered those four words.Those seven years were the best years of my life. I broke down crying when I reached the hospital's entrance.Edward quietly observed me."It's okay, let it out. Rotten flesh needs to be removed in order for healthy new flesh to grow," he eventually said.I had loved Ray so deeply once, and now it hurt terribly to let him go. I visited the coffee shop before returning to Aztalia. Nadia had taken over it and was teaching a younger girl how to pour latte art when I walked in."Welcome," Nadia greeted. It was the same familiar greeting, but her voice wasn't as cheerful as before. She froze when she saw me."Don't mind me. I'm just here to have a cup of coffee," I said.She silently made me a long black and added sugar and milk to it. This time, I didn't just take a sip. Instead

Chapter 16

The next time I saw Ray was many years later, in front of Agnes' grave."You…" He started to say as he looked at me, but stopped. In the end, he asked, "Would you like to come to my place and sit for a while?I didn't refuse.Ray had built a small house nearby. He was living there now that he worked as a gravekeeper."I'm surprised you can live here," I commented.He chuckled as he made me a cup of coffee. It was bitter at first, but it had an aromatic aftertaste."A friend gave it to me. He said the beans were from Aztalia. I thought you might like it," Ray explained.Then, he said, "I still remember how you tried to drink long black coffee like those people on TV back in college. It was so bitter that your face had scrunched up and—"He burst out laughing before he could finish. I wasn't sure what thought had made him do so."Yeah, I genuinely didn't understand it back then. How could anyone drink something so bitter?" I said. We were both silent for a long time after that.