Chapter 23
Chapter 23
The rain had completely stopped when Keira and Stellan returned from the supermarket. They strolled leisurely down the street with bags of fresh groceries, enjoying the calm atmosphere.
But just as they approached the apartment building, a figure that was
all too familiar entered Keira’s sight.
The smile on her lips slowly faltered.
She had never expected that the one person she thought she’d never face again-the one who had once meant everything to her-would
find her here.
Stellan, astute as ever, immediately noticed her change in expression.
He glanced in the direction she was looking and saw Vincent
standing not far away from them.
Without saying a single word, he stepped in front of her protectively.
Before seeing her, Vincent had been filled with anticipation. But his expression instantly turned sour when he spotted the man beside her. And when he took in Stellan’s face, his anger surged. He strode
forward at once.
Stellan, sensing his intent, immediately stepped in to block him. “Who
are you?”
“That’s what I should be asking. Who the hell are you?” Vincent’s
voice was laced with hostility.
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Having his way blocked only made him angrier. Nevertheless, he tried to keep his composure because he didn’t want to upset Keira, who
stood quietly nearby.
Stellan ignored his provocation and turned to look at Keira. “Do you
know this man?”
She nodded calmly in response.
“Do you want me to walk you home now?” Stellan asked, his voice low
and concerned.
“No, it’s fine. Let’s go. Don’t bother with him.” Keira took a step
forward, intent on leaving.
“Can we talk, Keira?” Vincent spoke up.
Her footsteps faltered, and Stellan seemed to understand
immediately. Judging from the tension, he’d more or less guessed the
nature of their past.
“If you don’t talk to him now, he probably won’t let it go. I’ll wait for you up ahead,” he said gently.
“Okay,” Keira replied.
Stellan took the groceries from her and walked to a spot nearby to
wait for her.
Throughout that entire exchange, neither of them even glanced at Vincent. It was as if he were just some random stranger who had
nothing to do with them.
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Keira finally turned to face Vincent. “There’s nothing left for us to talk about. You made your choice when you chose Kimberly. Don’t bring up the past anymore.”
Her voice was cold and detached as she said that. It struck Vincent
like a punch to the chest.
It had been a long time since he’d spoken to her face-to-face. In his
memory, Keira had always been gentle and soft-spoken. He had never
seen her behave this uncaring and distant toward him.
“Keira, I’m sorry for everything. I should’ve realized that you were Kiki
sooner. I should’ve listened. Can you forgive me?
“I know you might still resent me for what happened with Kimberly.
But she’s already paid for everything she did. I found out the truth and
returned it to her tenfold.
“Can we start over, please? I’ve missed you so much.”
Vincent’s voice was full of humility and regret. There was also a slight
involuntary tremble as he spoke.
Ever since he discovered the truth, it felt like something in his heart
had shattered beyond repair. He had waited desperately for days in
hopes of hearing news of her. All he wanted was to get to her and see
her as soon as possible.
His eyes shone with yearning and fervor.
But Keira didn’t answer right away. She simply stared at him. wordlessly.
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The piercing look she gave him made him feel diffident. He averted
his eyes, unable to meet her gaze any longer.
Only after several long minutes did Keira finally speak. “You know, Vincent … I liked you since high school. The time we spent together was one of the most unforgettable parts of my life. It was almost too
beautiful… Too surreal.
“I always hoped you’d recognize me just by instinct, or at the very
least, give me one minute to hear me out. But that never happened. I’ve thought it all through. The past is no more. We should just let it
go.”
Vincent was at a loss. “Keira, I…”
He opened his mouth to speak but had no idea what to say. In the end, that sentence was left hanging.
Keira continued, “Vincent, the moment I decided to let go, I already knew I wouldn’t regret it. I loved you once… but I don’t anymore. It’s
over. Please don’t look for me again.”
With that, Keira turned and walked away without looking back while
Vincent stood frozen as he watched her make her way to Stellan.
A wave of crushing regret washed over him.
Before arriving in Ozalia, he had pictured countless possibilities. As long as she was willing to come back to him, he was ready to do
whatever it took.
But now, she had stood before him and told him plainly that she didn’t
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love him anymore.
His heart sank to his stomach, and he felt inexplicably cold all over.
