I smiled bitterly, and the last trace of hesitation in my heart vanished completely. So this was what he meant by, ‘I’ll treat you well from now on.’ 

The driver took me to the hospital. After a thorough examination, I learned it was fortunately just external injuries and minor internal displacement. I lay in the hospital bed, aching all over, yet my heart felt strangely calm. 

Late into the night, Sebastian walked in with a weary face. Seeing that I was awake, panic flashed across his features. 

“Rachel, how are you feeling? Any better?” 

I looked at him coldly without speaking. He rubbed his hands together, explaining uneasily, “Viv was a bit traumatized by the shock. I’ve been staying with her, so…” 

He awkwardly fell silent under my stare. 

“Rachel, listen to me. The situation was so urgent, and Viv was closer to me. I instinctively… I didn’t know you would get hit.” 

He paused, seemingly searching for the right words. 

I interrupted him, “When are you leaving for the capital?” 

He answered cautiously, “Tomorrow.” 

“I see. I want to rest now. Please leave.” 

I closed my eyes, dismissing him. Sebastian wanted to say more, but he ultimately had the sense to leave. 

Our mom, Penelope, came to visit the next day. She carried a thermos with her, her face beaming with a smile. “Rachel, dear, Sebastian asked me to take care of you. Are you feeling better?” 

“Much better. Thank you, Mom.” 

While ladling soup for me, she chattered on, “Sebastian is so clumsy. I don’t know if he can take proper care of Viv…” 

Halfway through, she seemed to suddenly realize something and awkwardly closed her mouth. 

“Mom, Vivian’s name is on the marriage license to Sebastian.” 

Penelope froze, taking a long moment to process this. “W-what did you say?” 

“The marriage application I submitted had Vivian’s name on it. Of course the marriage license belongs to them.” 

Penelope’s face revealed shock before it transformed into pure joy. 

“Rachel, you’re such a good girl! I knew you were the most sensible one!” 

She excitedly gripped my hand. “Rachel, thank you! Thank you for making their happiness possible!” 

I smiled faintly without responding. Making their happiness possible? I was only securing my own freedom. 

She had always favored Vivian anyway. In my previous life, despite all my devoted care for her, she still left her entire inheritance to Vivian in her old age. 

“Mom, don’t tell Sebastian and Viv about this yet.” 

Penelope beamed. “Of course, of course! I understand!” 

“So… what are your plans now?” 

“I’m leaving in a few days too.” I did not reveal my specific destination. 

Penelope wanted to ask more, but her mind was completely occupied with their wedding. I simply closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. 

On the day I was discharged, I did not notify anyone. Before leaving, I wrote a letter to Sebastian: 

[Sebastian, by the time you read this letter, I’ll already be on a train heading south. I know you’ve always loved Viv, so I’m making your wishes come true. Our fate together has run its course. I wish you both happiness.] 

I sealed the letter together with the train ticket to the capital and the marriage certificate in an envelope, then mailed it to his address in the capital. 

Dragging my suitcase, I headed straight for the train station.