Chapter 7
Late at night, I stood on the balcony, gazing at New York’s dazzling skyline.
The brilliantly lit city seemed like a completely different world from the declining textile factory back in my hometown.
Occasionally, I’d think about my past life, remembering myself lying in that hospital bed waiting for death.
But now, those memories truly belonged to another lifetime.
My phone suddenly rang—an unknown number.
I answered, and a familiar yet strange voice came through: “Phoebe, it’s me…”
I didn’t speak, just quietly listened to the breathing on the other end.
He said, “Can I come to New York to see you?”
The night breeze swept past as I hung up and turned to walk into the brightly lit villa.
I thought silence was the clearest rejection, but Walter was surprisingly persistent and actually tracked me down here.
His arrival forced me to interrupt my meeting.
1/6
1
08:52
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As I rode the elevator down, I saw my furrowed brow reflected in the polished metal walls.
In the lobby lounge, Walter sat stiffly on the leather sofa while
Austin, who had grown quite a bit taller, stared longingly at the candy on the receptionist’s desk.
Walter immediately stood up when he saw
- ne.
He looked much more haggard than I remembered, with fine lines around his eyes, wearing an old suit that was at least three years out of style.
I gestured for Gracie to take Austin to the employee cafeteria for a meal, then led Walter into the conference room.
I asked, “Why did you come?”
Walter accepted the water glass I offered with both hands, his lips trembling slightly: “Ana and I got divorced.”
When I didn’t respond, he looked up at me with tears in his eyes: “Phoebe, I know I was wrong. I was terrible back then, I…”
“Don’t say it. It’s all in the past.” I cut him off, sitting down on the sofa across from him. “You came all this way to find me–what do you really want?”
Walter said, “It’s Austin. He’s been wanting to see you.”
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“Me too!” he choked up. “These past three years, I’ve regretted it every single day. I wanted to slap myself for being so foolish back then…”
Looking at his carefully groomed but exhausted face, I suddenly remembered how he’d stood by my hospital bed in my previous life, discussing marriage arrangements.
Ignoring his emotional outburst, I asked calmly, “After Ana’s father
E
fell from power, her family hasn’t been doing well, have they?”
Walter’s face went pale instantly: “How do you know?”
I said, “Lucky guess.”
Learning that Walter was struggling didn’t bring me any satisfaction.
Even seeing his downfall firsthand left me completely unmoved–I simply didn’t want any further entanglement with him.
I stood up and said, “I’ll have my driver take you to a hotel. You should book tickets for tomorrow and head back.”
“No!” As I rose, he lunged forward and grabbed my hand. “Phoebe, please give me another chance! I’ll treasure it this time, I swear!”
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I gently pulled my hand free: “There’s no need. Walter, we ended long ago.”
Walter said, “Is it because of Austin? He’s more mature now, really! He tells me every day that he misses you.”
I shook my head and pressed the intercom without hesitation, asking Gracie to arrange transportation for them.
I said, “It has nothing to do with anyone else. I just don’t want to continue.”
Tears finally rolled down Walter’s cheeks: “Phoebe, do you hate me that much?”
Care
“I don’t hate you.” I shook my head. “I just don’t about you anymore.”
Gracie returned with Austin, who was well–fed and content.
His eyes lit up the moment he saw me: “Ms. Collins! Your company is huge! Dad said you’re going to let me live in a big house, right?”
Walter frantically tried to cover his mouth.
I crouched down to Austin’s eye level: “I’ve ordered ice cream for you at the hotel. Would you like Gracie to take
you there?”
Austin exclaimed excitedly, “Yes!”
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Watching Austin, who had indeed matured considerably, being led away by Gracie, I turned to Walter: “Stop using the child.”
He broke down completely, sobbing as he fell to his knees: “Phoebe, I really know I was wrong. I have nothing left now. Please, just take pity on me.”
I watched coldly: “You didn’t take pity on me back then.”
Fortunately, Walter retained some dignity and didn’t completely cling to me.
After seeing them off, my phone buzzed on the desk.
It was a text from Isabel: [Phoebe, I heard Walter came to see you? Don’t go soft on him!]
I smiled and replied: [Don’t worry, I’ve moved on long ago.]
Outside the window, New York’s prosperity stretched endlessly before me.
- 1.
I picked up the project proposal from my desk and threw myself back
into work.
Let the past stay in the past forever.
Rather than dwelling on yesterday’s pain, I care more about the tomorrow that’s yet to come.
