Chapter 7
When I woke up, Lucas slapped three plane tickets onto the nightstand. “Flight MC672 to Blue Ridge City, departing this afternoon. You’ve been causing nothing but trouble lately-first bullying Lillian, then hurting Grandma. I don’t want to see you for a while. Take your parents abroad and cool off. When you’ve truly repented, I’ll bring you back.”
Staring at the flimsy slip of paper, I suddenly wanted to laugh.
In my past life, he had burned himself to death for me.
In this life, he couldn’t wait to exile me to the ends of the earth.
Seeing me silently take the ticket, he frowned. “You’re just accepting it? Nothing to say?”
I had so much to say.
2
I wanted to tell him he was wrong about Lillian. That he had betrayed my love. That Margaret’s condition was her doing.
But in the end, I just shook my head.
A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes. “To make sure you don’t run, I’ll personally escort you to the
airport.”
On the way, I quietly texted my parents, “Mom, Dad, bring my divorce papers. Meet me at the airport. We’re leaving
immediately.”
The terminal was crowded. He had been about to watch me pass through security when Lillian’s call came through.
The moment he answered, his voice softened instantly, “Lillian, don’t be afraid. I’ll come back right away.”
Only when his figure disappeared into the crowd did I finally approach my parents.
I tore the Blue Ridge City tickets he had given us to shreds and tossed them into the trash.
Then, I bought three new ones-to Arcadia State. “Dad, Mom, let’s go.”
Under the fading sunset, the three of us walked toward the boarding gate, our backs resolute.
Meanwhile, as Lucas sped toward the hospital, the car radio suddenly cut to breaking news, “Emergency update: Flight MC672 from Emerald Bay City to Blue Ridge City has crashed. All 126 passengers and crew confirmed dead-no
* survivors…”
The car screeched to a halt.
MC672?
Wasn’t that-
The flight he had booked for Emily?!
Chapter 7
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