Chapter 8
“I’ll leave! I’ll leave! Just don’t actually die…” Terence’s voice trembled.
I slowly backed away as he carefully steered the car back to solid ground.
“Get out.” Worried he’d go back on his word, I gave the order without hesitation.
Terence gripped the steering wheel tightly. He looked at me with a reluctant gaze, his lips pressed together.
Since he didn’t move, I lunged forward and reached for the wheel again.
“Fine! I’ll get out, alright?” he shouted in a panic.
I watched as he finally lowered his head and exited the car.
克
In an instant, I slid into the driver’s seat and sped off, leaving Terence’s figure shrinking in my rearview mirror. My pounding
heart finally settled.
To be honest, I never imagined Terence would lose it like that.
I expected him to be upset, perhaps a bit depressed. Meanwhile, I’d find a new city and live my own life. We would become two
parallel lines, never intersecting again.
After reaching the mainland, I met up with Cecilia, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time.
The moment she saw me, she threw her arms around me and burst into tears.
“I’m so glad you’re okay! Do you know how scared I was? I just found out I was being investigated, and Terence had known what we did. I was so afraid he’d come after you. Thank goodness you’re safe!”
I gave her a reassuring smile and told her the truth. “No, he really did come for me.”
Cecilia’s eyes widened instantly.
“But I fought back, and I won.”
She immediately exhaled in relief. “Do you think messing with me is funny?”
I chuckled. “Just a little bit.”
Cecilia glanced at her phone and pulled me forward.
“Alright, alright, I won’t argue with you. Let’s go. I bought you a flight ticket to Sulverton City. I also deposited 2,000 dollars into your account. I know what you’re thinking, but just consider it a loan. This is all I have…”
I was stunned. Tears welled up suddenly.
“Thank you…”
1/2
Chapter 8
+25 Bonus
I was used to being poor, to living with practically no money in my pocket. Even the money for the train ticket was something she
lent me.
Cecilia shoved a suitcase into my hands, smiling as she said, “You’re free now, Ariana Brock.”
In a blink, three months flew by. I compiled my past work experience and quickly found a new job here.
The people were kind, and no one tried to exclude me. When I hit number one in sales, the congratulations I received were
genuine and heartfelt.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I was truly alive.
I took a deep breath, and even the air smelled like freedom.
One day, I was lying on my couch eating pasta when Cecilia called to give me an update on Terence.
She told me, “Ariana, Ariana! That bastard has finally been arrested for all the terrible things he’s done! I knew he’d be targeted
after all that commotion last time. His company was found to have problems with its products, and someone took the
opportunity to frame him. He’s in jail now!”
A melodramatic TV show played in the background. I smiled and asked, “Seriously?”
“Dead serious!” Cecilia excitedly sent me a link.
I opened it and saw the news of Terence’s arrest.
“The Bowen family has fallen. He probably won’t have many good days left. His ‘buddies‘ are waiting for him inside!”
I hummed in agreement as I scrolled and saw a picture of Terence with a shaved head.
Wearing a mask, he looked directly into the camera, as if we were looking straight at each other.
This time, I felt no fear and scrolled straight to the bottom.
After closing the page, I asked Cecilia, “Let’s not talk about him. When are you coming to visit me?”
“Let me see… Probably the end of this month. I’m telling you…”
As I listened, the sunlight warmed my skin. I let out a long, contented sigh.
Now this was what life should feel like.
