Plot Twist, The 'Dead' Ex is Thriving

Chapter 23

Before the anniversary of my mother's passing, I had already flown back home.

On the day of the memorial, Daniel Harrison was waiting in the hotel lobby early to take me to my mother's grave. The car stopped outside the cemetery, and we walked the rest of the way together.

He had bought a lot of offerings, as if trying to make up for everything that had been missing that year. On the tombstone, my mother's smile remained as kind and gentle as ever. The wind lifted the hem of my dress as I held the trophy in my hand, murmuring quietly to her. Daniel stood to the side, silent the entire time.

When it was time to leave, I couldn't hold back my tears.

Daniel's eyes were red as he asked, "Little sister, is there nothing Vincent and I can do to earn your forgiveness?"

I wiped my tears and answered calmly, "I can forgive you."

"As long as you both stay out of my life forever."

The pain of those days was something I would never forget. And I could never go back to the way things were before. The wound might have healed, but the scar remained.

I didn't want to waste my life on hatred. So, I chose to move forward.

The last flicker of light in Daniel's eyes dimmed. He let out a bitter laugh. "I understand. I'll let Vincent know."

His voice cracked slightly. "I'll… move out of the apartment next to yours. I won't bother you anymore."

"Good."

"Will you ever come back?" he asked.

"Who knows about the future? But for now, I have no plans to return."

There was no one left in this city worth missing—except for my mother. Whether I came back or not didn't matter anymore.

The next morning at ten, I checked out of the hotel and saw Vincent Montgomery in the lobby.

He was in a wheelchair, his left cheek bandaged. The wound—inflicted by Emily Carter—wasn't life-threatening, but it would likely leave a scar.

"Lauren."

He wore a coat over his hospital gown, looking gaunt and exhausted. I didn't stop walking.

Vincent had someone push his wheelchair after me, blocking my path. "Lauren, I need to talk to you. I promise, after this, I'll never bother you again."

I paused and nodded. "You'd better keep your word."

"Daniel spoke to me yesterday." His voice was rough. "Lauren… is there really no chance for me anymore?"

"No." My answer was immediate. "If possible, I'd prefer never to see you again."

Vincent stared at me for a long moment before giving a hollow laugh. "I understand. I swear I won't disturb you again."

"But before we part… could I just hold you one last time—"

"No." My voice was cold. "This is it, Vincent. I hope we never meet again."

I turned and walked away.

The wind carried a fallen leaf from the trees—odd for spring. It spiraled to the ground, only to be crushed underfoot with a faint, brittle sound.

No one noticed. No one cared.