Chapter 13
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The non–stop flight to Holland finally took off from the airport at dawn the next day after weather delays.
Shirley sat by the window, watching the distant cityscape fade from view. Familiar landmarks shrank until they van- ished completely.
All she could see now were endless mountains and clouds.
Only as the plane climbed higher did Shirley truly feel she’d left everything behind.
This was her first solo journey to a foreign country–something she’d never imagined for herself, lacking the courage until now.
Shirley had often wondered: without this amnesia, she’d probably still be trapped in the cage she’d built for herself.
Shirley realized that change might be the only way to discover letting go wasn’t so painful after all.
After learning those who claimed to love her never truly did, she chose to walk away quietly.
Whether it was Timothy or her own parents, Shirley held no more expectations.
Expectations bred disappointment, so she simply stopped hoping.
Surprisingly, this choice brought her no pain or regret–only relief remained. Along with a quiet anticipation that grew steadily stronger.
This mindset lifted the dark clouds in Shirley’s heart.
She pulled out her phone, scrolling through saved travel destinations. Time to plan where this journey would begin.
Unknowingly, the plane landed on the ground.
The cabin door slowly opened. Shirley took a deep breath and dragged her suitcase towards the baggage claim to get her luggage.
The long flight made her a bit tired, causing her to lose her balance, and her suitcase slammed into the leg of a man beside her.
“Sorry!”
Shirley hurriedly looked up to apologize, and the moment she saw the man’s face, her breath caught for a moment.
She saw a man with a tall and straight figure, deep–set eyes, a gentle smile on his lips, exuding an elegant and com- posed aura.
He was really handsome, so handsome that it was unforgettable at first sight.
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Chapter 13
“It’s alright.”
The man bent down gentlemanly and helped her straighten her suitcase.
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Shirley thanked him and hurriedly grabbed her luggage to leave. Stepping out of the airport, a gust of hot wind hit her face, snapping her back to reality.
She had truly left everything behind now, and a wave of relief washed over her.
Her phone rang right then–it was Barbara Brown calling.
“Shirley, why did you suddenly go abroad? Did something happen?”
Her friend’s anxious voice came through the receiver.
“I saw your location on Social Media Feed overseas and got scared!”
Gazing at the distant stream of traffic, Shirley replied softly, “I got divorced. I came here to put distance between Timothy and me.”
A brief silence hung on the line before Barbara’s disbelieving voice responded.
“But weren’t you crazy about him? How could this—”
“That’s all in the past.”
Shirley smiled bitterly as Timothy’s gentle gaze toward Patricia flashed through her mind.
“I’ve realized the person he loves is Patricia. I won’t force this meaningless marriage anymore. After all these years, I finally understand–I deserve to live for myself.”
“When I saw Timothy for the last time, I felt nothing inside. No love, no hatred. I’ve learned to let go. He never loved me–that’s the truth. His heart belongs to someone else, and I wish them well. I accept this imperfect ending and re- lease the stubborn version of myself.”
Barbara sighed.
“I always knew Timothy didn’t appreciate you. But it’s for the best–only by leaving the wrong person can you find the right one.”
“Remember our old promise? Come help me with my company. I’ve started one here and desperately need a reliable CEO. With your skills, you’d steer it perfectly.”
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