Chapter 12
After experiencing this free and easy life, I finally understood how precious it was.
Looking back at my past infatuation, I now found it naive and almost laughable.
Perhaps seeing that I had moved on, Peter seemed to want to say something but ultimately remained silent.
Before we parted, he went to his study, saying he had something to give me.
Outside the study, I accidentally overheard his wife asking, “Mr. Foster? Wasn’t he reported missing after that business competition, likely to
have failed?”
“Shh!” Peter hushed her.
He came out of the study and handed me a wooden box.
I opened it to find a dried lingzhi mushroom inside.
Though withered, its patterns were still clear, and it seemed to emit a faint fragrance.
I clutched the box tightly as I left.
I tried hard to push away my thoughts, but the wooden box in my hand felt unusually heavy.
After starting my return journey, I rushed as fast as I could, barely making it back for the baby’s hundred–day celebration.
Seeing the maternal tenderness on Sophia’s face, I felt a sense of unreality.
That little girl who used to cry so easily was now a mother herself.
Back in my courtyard, everything was still neat and clean.
I opened the red wooden chest and took out the yellowed envelope from the very bottom.
I sat down by the window, poured myself a glass of wine, and took a small sip.
After a moment’s hesitation, I tore open the letter.
The handwriting was strong and forceful.
12:19 PM
<
The handwriting was strong and forceful.
“Chloe,”
“I know this marriage wasn’t your true intention, so I’ve been trying every way to make amends. However, I still have my own selfish reasons”
“I know my past actions have hurt you deeply, but there were hidden circumstances.”
“Ever since father adopted you, mother has been very dissatisfied, believing he had ulterior motives for caring so much about an orphan girl.
“I also misunderstood because of this, thinking you and I had a blood relation.”
“Therefore, when faced with your feelings, I didn’t know how to explain. And selfishly, I didn’t want to clarify everything, as I wanted to selfishly enjoy your affection alone.”
“I never intended to lead anyone on. I only discussed with her, hoping to use this to make you give up.”
“It wasn’t until that day when I learned of your marriage that I wanted to confront mother, only to accidentally overhear that the blood relation between us was just a jealous rumor.”
“By then, wanting to make amends was too late.”
“For all my mistakes, I only wish to make up for them.”
“I hope you are well, my dear Chloe.”
Teardrops wet the paper.
I raised my head, my fingers loosening.
A gust of wind blew in through the window, catching the light paper and carrying it out to sea.
I reached out in surprise, but watched as the yellowed letter drifted with the waves, gradually sinking.
I didn’t feel regret for missing this chance.
Perhaps it was just meant to be, but not meant to last.
Yet, a thread of thought seemed to drift away with the letter, carried by the water.
Having just finished my travels, and with Sophia’s persuasion, I stayed in the courtyard to organize my manuscripts.
Sophia was very happy about this.
She occasionally brought her child to keep me company.
On this day, Sophia had just sat down, and I was playing with the baby using a toy, when we heard a commotion outside.
Listening closely, it was the sound of children laughing.
I was puzzled, “Why is it so lively today?”
A moment later, there was a knock at the door.
I handed the chubby baby back to Sophia, “Your husband must be here to take you home.”
Sophia was a bit confused, “Didn’t he say he had a meeting in the south of the city today? Why is he back so early?”
The three of us walked to the courtyard gate.
We opened the door.
A familiar tall figure stood at the entrance. The man’s starry eyes were filled with a smile,
“Chloe,
“I know this marriage wasn’t your true intention, so I’ve been trying every way to make amends. However, I still have my own selfish reasons.
“I know my past actions have hurt you deeply, but there were hidden circumstances.”
“Ever since father adopted you, mother has been very dissatisfied, believing he had ulterior motives for caring so much about an orphan girl.”
“I also misunderstood because of this, thinking you and I had a blood relation.”
“Therefore, when faced with your feelings, I didn’t know how to explain. And selfishly, I didn’t want to clarify everything, as I wanted to selfishly enjoy your affection alone.”
“I never intended to lead anyone on. I only discussed with her, hoping to use this to make you give up.”
“It wasn’t until that day when I learned of your marriage that I wanted to confront mother, only to accidentally overhear that the blood relation between us was just a jealous rumor.”
“By then, wanting to make amends was too late.”
“For all my mistakes, I only wish to make up for them.”
“I hope you are well, my dear Chloe.”
Teardrops wet the paper.
I raised my head, my fingers loosening.
A gust of wind blew in through the window, catching the light paper and carrying it out to sea.
I reached out in surprise, but watched as the yellowed letter drifted with the waves, gradually sinking.
I didn’t feel regret for missing this chance.
Perhaps it was just meant to be, but not meant to last.
Yet, a thread of thought seemed to drift away with the letter, carried by the water.
Having just finished my travels, and with Sophia’s persuasion, I stayed in the courtyard to organize my manuscripts.
Sophia was very happy about this.
She occasionally brought her child to keep me company.
On this day, Sophia had just sat down, and I was playing with the baby using a toy, when we heard a commotion outside.
Listening closely, it was the sound of children laughing.
I was puzzled, “Why is it so lively today?”
A moment later, there was a knock at the door.
I handed the chubby baby back to Sophia, “Your husband must be here to take you home.”
Sophia was a bit confused, “Didn’t he say he had a meeting in the south of the city today? Why is he back so early?”
The three of us walked to the courtyard gate.
We opened the door.
A familiar tall figure stood at the entrance. The man’s starry eyes were filled with a smile,
“Even after crossing thousands of mountains and rivers, I’ve finally found you.”
