However, when he touched my left hand, he froze in place, and almost instantly, he broke down crying. He held me and apologized, “Isadora, I’m truly sorry.”
Even after 20 years, the skin on my hand still hadn’t healed quite right. It was no longer smooth and delicate. Two decades ago, when my left hand was destroyed, I thought it would end my scientific career.
In that moment of utter despair, my only thought was to punish the person who had harmed me. Yet, Andreas had told me, “Isadora, Elaine is innocent.”
1/2
Chapter 9
+25 BONUS
In such a desperate situation, I turned around, expecting someone–anyone–to stand with me. Yet, there was absolutely no one behind me. But after 20 years, I no longer cared about this matter.
3
I told him Andreas didn’t need to feel sorry, because if the sulfuric acid incident hadn’t happened, perhaps I wouldn’t have made up my mind to leave him, and I couldn’t have achieved what I had today.
Besides, after two decades, the only thing I truly cared about was my country.
Romance? I had long forgotten about it.
Before leaving, Andreas put the ring Samuel had given him back on my finger. Even after 20 years, it was still the same as when I left.
Yet, I didn’t hesitate. I took it off right in front of Andreas and threw it in the trash. Then, I turned and left, never looking back again.
2/2