Chapter 11%
Iris” throat tightened. She didn’t want to stay here for even a few more days–her only priority was getting to the post office and finding the letter from her parents.
But she couldn’t reveal her intentions yet. For now, she had no choice but to force herself to nod.
Wendel let out a sigh. “At the end of the day, this was all just a misunderstanding. Esther accidentally tore her own dress. I’m apologizing on her behalf–can we just put this matter behind us?”
A wave of bitterness washed over Ins.
She couldn’t understand why, for as long as she could remember, as long as Esther said “let’s forget it,” the matter was always considered settled
She had never been given the right to argue.
But now, that so–called night no longer mattered to her.
From the moment she decided to leave, all past grievances lost their meaning.”
Wendel picked up the bowl of porridge and coaxed, “Eat something first.“%
In’s had little appetite, but she forced herself to take a few spoonfuls.
After a moment of silence, Wendel hesitated before speaking again. “Iris… I want to ask you something.”
His expression looked uneasy, as if he had been struggling with this question for a while
“When you passed out, did you hear anything?”
Iris frowned. “What do you mean? Why are you asking me this?”
“I mean… did you hear my voice?”
Seeing his tense expression, Iris immediately understood.&
It seemed he regretted the cruel words he had spoken that night. Now, he was trying to figure out how much she had heard. But why did he regret it?!
Iris let out a silent, bitter laugh. Then, with a calm expression, she replied, “I only remember hearing you call my name–nothing else.” At her answer, Wendel visibly relaxed. He forced a smile. “That’s all? Alright, never mind then. Just focus on resting–ni bring you food every day.“S
Iris set down her bowl and crawled under the covers.
Her voice was indifferent. “I’m tired, I want to rest. You should head back.”
Wendel opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing. He simply turned and left the clinic. Even as he walked away, something about Inis unsettled him.
She had always been quiet and reserved, but now, her silence was different
It was as if she had completely stopped caring.8
The moment she saw him leave, Iris immediately sat up, ready to make her escape.
She waited for the nurse to turn away, quickly changed into her clothes, and slipped out
The moment she stepped outside, she broke into a sprint toward the post office, her heart pounding.
As soon as she reached the counter, she breathlessly asked the clerk if any letters had arrived for her.
She had come so many times that the postal worker recognized her instantly.
“Oh, it’s you! Yes, there’s a letter here–from Nashville. Take a look.”
Iris‘ heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
Her biological parents were from Nashville–this had to be from them!!
She was so desperate to read it that she didn’t even step outside. Right there in the post office, she tore open the envelope.
The handwriting was neat and orderly, but the excitement behind the words was unmistakable.
[My dear daughter, we are overjoyed that you are willing to come with us. By the time you read this letter, we will already be on the northbound train. We will take you away, no matter what!!
Our precious child, you have suffered for so many years
Just a few simple sentences, yet tears welled up in Iris‘ eyes.
For the first time, she saw a glimmer of hope.!!
But she quickly wiped away her tears and forced herself to stay calm.
She had to act as if nothing had happened. She had to return to the clinic without arousing any suspicion.
Yet the moment she stepped inside, she heard a familiar voice–one that made her blood run cold
