《I Was His Waiting Room》全部章節：第 1 章 - 第 10 章

He said Lina's legs were paralyzed.He said she was severely depressed, so fragile that one wrong word could break her.He said she had no one but him, so we needed to keep our relationship a secret for now.He said he didn't love her anymore. That he was only taking care of her as a friend.I believed him.What I forgot was that two people tangled up in each other's lives for years could never really be just friends.On the drive back, the silence inside the car was suffocating.Sawyer spoke first. "I only played along earlier because I didn't want to upset her. Don't overthink it."I watched the scenery blur past the window. "You don't need to explain."After a brief silence, he pulled over and looked at me. "Are you mad?"He leaned closer, using the same familiar gesture he always used to comfort me."The doctor said Lina's doing better. Once she's stable enough, I'll find the right time to tell her everything."That line again.Three years.I'd heard it so many times

From now on, his world had nothing to do with me.***Early the next morning, noise from the living room woke me up.Sawyer was standing there, eyes bloodshot.He clearly hadn't slept all night.Before, I would've walked over and asked if he was okay.Now, whether he was tired or not wasn't my concern.I walked past him.He suddenly grabbed my wrist.His voice was rough with exhaustion. "Why didn't you answer my messages?""My phone was on silent. I didn't see them.""Do you know how worried I was? I thought something happened to you. I came back as soon as I could."I looked at him quietly.For the first time, I saw something genuine in his eyes.But it was too late.I didn't believe him anymore.I slipped my hand free."I'm fine."He seemed to think I was upset about Lina's post.Lowering his voice, he said, "I only went along with her because I didn't want her getting emotional—""I know." I cut him off. "You were just being a good friend. Nothing more."The wor

This time, I finally took the opportunity.When I first arrived at Nova Corp's Santoria branch, I had to start over from scratch.The cultural differences, the fast pace, the pressure—it was intense.But I didn't back down.I was the first one in and the last one out. Late nights became normal.I threw myself into work like a machine.Because I knew there was no going back.I couldn't be the Joelle who revolved around Sawyer anymore.I had to be better.Market analysis was my strength. I could spot what consumers wanted, and my strategies delivered results again and again.Less than six months later, I led the team through a major project that brought in significant revenue for the Santoria branch.People started recognizing my name.I also learned how to enjoy life again.On weekends, I'd walk along the beach, watching waves crash against the shore while seagulls called overhead. I'd check out local festivals, experience new traditions, hit the gym, and get in shape.Lit

I kept pushing forward in my career.Eventually, I became the general manager of Nova Corp's Santoria branch, leading my team to even bigger successes.Six months later, I got a call from a lawyer in Arlencia.He told me Sawyer was sick.Late-stage stomach cancer.The words hit like stones.I didn't feel satisfaction.I didn't feel pity.Just... stunned.The man who had taken up ten years of my life. The man I'd loved so completely.He'd reached this point."I know this is sudden," the lawyer said when I didn't respond right away. "But Mr. Dwyer's condition is very serious. The doctors said he may..."He paused. "He keeps saying he wants to see you one last time. That's all."I was quiet for a long moment."I understand."That was all I said.After the call ended, I sat at my desk without moving.The traffic outside the window felt distant.Unreal.Memories played through my mind like scenes from an old movie.The seventeen-year-old boy who used to pull me out of cl

Then I locked the door.And I never opened it again.After I returned home, I threw myself back into work and life.Everett wrapped me in his arms. "It's okay. I'll help you forget. Little by little."And he did.He healed me in all the ways that mattered.A year later, Sawyer died.The lawyer mailed an envelope to my office.Inside was his will.And a diary.I opened it.It chronicled everything—from when we were together, to the day I left, to the months after he got sick.Every page was filled with guilt.And longing.For me.[Today, Joelle left. It feels like I've lost my whole world.]...[Lina's lie was exposed. I hate myself. I miss Joelle even more.]...[I've been diagnosed with stomach cancer. I'm not afraid of dying. I'm only afraid I'll never see Joelle again.]...[Joelle, if you ever read this diary, I hope you can forgive me. I really love you.]On the final page, a few shaky words were written with what felt like the last of his strength.[Joelle,