My phone suddenly rang.It was my father.
I paused,a little annoyed,before answering.I braced myself for his usual barrage,like he had done in the past. He questioned, how could I just throw Nathan out?How could I end a“perfectly good marriage“?
However,the voice at the other end was hesitant and nervous, as if he was choosing his words carefully. “Laurie…how have you been?If you have time,maybe come home and visit…I’ve tidied up your mom’s room…”
I did not answer for a while and was a bit baffled, “What did you just say?”
“I’m not trying to tell you what to do,” he said, sounding uncharacteristically gentle.“It’s just….the house feels too quiet. You don’t need to keep staying away all the time…”
I didn’t have the patience to keep listening.I gave a soft“Mm“and hung up.
Collins leaned against me with that sly fox grin of his.“Guess he finally realized you’re no longer Nathan’s girl and that none of those sons are really his,huh?”
I froze and suddenly it dawned on me. No wonder,my father,who never once valued me for being a girl,suddenly sounded so meek. No wonder he seemed so pitiful now.
I let out a laugh,not a mocking one,but the kind that comes from finally seeing things clearly.
Just like that,Collins and I began our new life together.
We were designing the logo for the dessert store together and he said, “I’m going to draw a fox tc represent myself,fattened up by you.”
I laughed and said,” Then I’m drawing a cake to represent myself,being spoiled by you.”
The store was quickly decorated,with a pink and white theme and floor–to–ceiling windows filled with sunlight.On the opening day,many friends came.I was wearing an apron,standing behind the cash register and Collins stood beside me,his eyes full of tenderness and pride.
He raised his glass and gave mine a gentle clink.“Here’s to a big sale,boss.”
I smiled brightly,“Yes,investor.”
For the first time in my life,I truly understood what happiness felt like.It was no longer a fantasy,a hope,or a delusion that I was trying to cling to while trying to save my shattered youth with Nathan.
It was in the palm of my hand.It was Collins’unmoving care,his tenderness in taking me to eat cake late at night and his smile of excitement when picking out the oven with me.
Nathan,on the other hand,on the other end,was utterly silent.
He was no longer the Campbell Family’s heir who was well–dressed and high–spirited.
He woke up early,went to bed late and took care of the child himself. When the child cried,he coaxed him and when the child had a fever, he ran to the hospital.
Although the old madam was willing to help with the child, Nathan insisted, “This is my responsibility.”
He would stand outside the dessert store countless times, as he watched Collins and me go
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about our business.
Collins would lean over my shoulder when he was done and hand me cold lemonade.I would take it and smile with an arched eyebrow.
Nathan would just stand there,outside the window,watching…until his world faded to grey.Even breathing felt like a struggle.
He wanted to barge in and ask if I had ever truly loved him.However,he knew he did not have the right.
Nathan understood that Laurie had already gone and would never come back.
He once thought that as long as he waited a little bit longer,I would return and give him a chance.Now, he realized that a real goodbye was not to fight or make a fuss,or not to hate or have a grudge, but rather to have a good life and he did not dare to say“I miss you“.
Later,my mother’s belongings were finally restored.
When Nathan heard the news,he was a little happy. This might be my chance.I want to see her again and hear her talking to me again,even if this is the last time we meet.
That day,he deliberately wore a tie and a black jacket that I had once complimented him on.
