Chapter 29
Despite everything they had been through together, despite the heart–wrenching pain of separation, despite his love being genuine and unshakable–he had still chosen betrayal.
He had chosen to hide it, believing his lies to be flawless.
In the pouring rain, Ivan slowly raised his hand and slapped himself hard across the face.
The fleeting clarity from the pain didn’t stop him. Instead, he continued, punishing himself
with more blows, as if in a frenzy of self–loathing.
Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, only to be washed away by the rain.
His body swayed unsteadily before he collapsed heavily onto the ground.
Elsewhere.
Linda leaned against the window, listening to the pitter–patter of the rain. Her gaze was heavy, and the corners of her lips turned slightly downward.
Rachel looked at her but said nothing, simply placing a cup of warm milk by her side.
Linda picked it up with both hands, the warmth seeping through her palms into her cold body. She shivered involuntarily.
Staring out into the pitch–black night, she spoke softly, “Rachel, it feels like my whole life
has been about losing.”
“Losing my parents, my grandmother, my child… and my
love.”
“If I really am the heroine of a novel, then how much must the author hate me to write a story so cruel, taking everything away from me?”
Rachel sat down beside her letting out a quiet sigh before pulling her into a comforting
embrace.
“Linda, you still have your dreams, your friends, and your freedom. We may not always keep the same things, but there are always things we can keep.”
Forsaking the Years of Longing
38.0%
Chapter 29
“No one can stay by your side forever, but someone will always be there for you.”
“And in my case, I had to lose everything just to gain the freedom I wanted.”
Ivan opened his eyes again, finding himself in a hospital.
He had passed out at the entrance of the nursing home the previous night, discovered by the night security guard, who had brought him here.
The sharp scent of disinfectant filled his lungs.
Frowning, he took in his surroundings and, after realizing where he was, struggled to sit up, yanking the IV needle out of his hand.
The medical staff tried to communicate with him, but he seemed deaf to their words. Clutching his still–bleeding hand, he stumbled out of the hospital.
The post–rain sun was warm yet blinding.
Its brightness left him momentarily dazed. He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind, but his weakened body only made him feel more disoriented.
Hailing a taxi with an unsteady wave, he rushed back to the nursing home.
Nursing Home.
“I’d like to check in at the nursing home,” Ivan said, his voice hoarse.
