Chapter 6

The hand holding the tissue trembled a few times, and something in my chest clenched tight. The next second, my dad pushed the door open. Seeing my wound bleeding again, he rushed off to call the nurse.

My mom’s heart was breaking, but she still managed to smile as she took the soup away, explaining to Amelie, “Amelie, Serena’s allergic to seafood. She can’t have fish soup. But we appreciate your kindness, really.”

He froze in place, looking embarrassed. “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?”

I stared at the gauze turning red with fresh blood, my throat burning bitterly. He’d always remembered my food allergens before. Every time we went out to eat, he’d repeat the same instructions to the servers over and over: no seafood, no scallions, no cilantro. But now that he had her, his entire mind and heart were filled with this other woman. How could he possibly remember “small things” like that anymore?

A person’s heart is only big enough to hold one person—the one they love the most.

After a long silence, I finally lifted my eyes and forced a smile. “You never gave me the chance to say anything.”

The ward fell silent. Amelie was on the verge of tears from guilt. He couldn’t stand seeing her upset, so he said nothing, just hurried her out of the room.

Because of the infection, I had to stay in the hospital for another three days before I was discharged.

The departure date for our immigration drew closer and closer. Everyone at home was busy packing. My parents couldn’t get away, so they prepared a generous gift and asked me to deliver it to Gabriel on their behalf.

When I walked in, I ran right into Mr. Baxter. He had me sit down on the sofa across from him.

“Serena, I know what’s been going on between you and Gabriel. This alliance marriage concerns the supply routes and the ceasefire. We can’t afford to lose. The car crash was an accident. Once the situation stabilizes, I’ll make sure you get an explanation. For now, let’s call it water under the bridge.”

I shook my head with a faint smile. “Amelie is his girlfriend. He should protect her. I would never do anything to hurt the family over this. It’s just…”

I paused, then decided to be blunt. “I’m emigrating.”

Mr. Baxter was clearly taken aback. “So suddenly?”

I gave him a bitter little smile. “You know how I feel about Gabriel. I can’t keep standing here watching him be in love with someone else.”

He didn’t press further, his voice dropping low. “I understand what you mean to this family. You can leave, but you must follow the rules. Return your signet ring, keys, and all communication devices. Sign the non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements. From that moment on, your name disappears from our books. If you leak any information, steal personnel, or touch our supply routes, you’ll be punished by the family.”

“Don’t worry. Once I leave this time, I won’t be coming back.” My voice sounded unusually clear in the quiet living room.

The door swung open with a soft click.

Gabriel stood in the doorway; brows furrowed as he looked over. “Who’s not coming back?”