Chapter 10
After leaving Jeremiah, I threw myself entirely into work.
In no time, I helped the company win two international competition trophies.
With the applause came respect, and with respect came financial freedom.
Lilith rewarded me with a villa and generously gave me frequent days off, saying it was to help me “go out and find inspiration.”
With both time and money in my hands, I began flying across the world, visiting all the places I had once longed to see but never could.
Wherever I went, I loved taking photos of scenery, food, curious faces, and lively festivals.
just wanted to show those lurking in the shadows.
Without you, my life only glowed brighter.
That day, as I waited in Sweden to catch the Northern Lights, a call came from Jeremiah.
His speech was slurred. He must’ve been drunk.
‘Diana, come back to me, okay? Even if I have nothing to give you now, I truly love you.” ‘My son and I can’t live without you. Life without you… It’s unbearable, even for a day.” These past few nights, I’ve had the same dream again and again. In the dream, I wasn’t even human.”
You worked so hard to take care of me, yet all I ever did was think about another woman. I even bulled out your oxygen tube…”
I’m worse than an animal. Please… come back. Give me a chance to make things right, will ‘ou?”
kept my eyes fixed on the sky, not daring to blink.
At last, a breathtaking green aurora rippled across the darkness.
The lights are here. I’m hanging up.”
Jeremiah didn’t respond in time. “What-?”
hung up without hesitation.
The Nordic winter bit into my skin, but I twirled in the snow, laughing through the tears that shimmered in my eyes.
Later on, with the help of a lawyer friend, I successfully obtained the divorce certificate.
One evening after work, a scruffy little child suddenly rushed toward me, only to be stopped by he driver.
‘Where did this beggar come from? Get lost.”
‘I’m not a beggar! I’m my mom’s son!”
That was the last time I ever saw my son.
He had grown taller, thinner. I heard he had even learned to cook.
The same boy who once refused to eat without being spoon-fed had learned how to care for
others.
My former mother-in-law had been right, no one is truly indispensable.
I handed him a bank card. “This is the last bit of care you’ll get from me. Don’t waste it.”
He clutched the card tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Then… does that mean I’m a child without a mother now?”
“This was your choice.”
I got into the car and left without looking back.
Years passed. Lilith and I became inseparable friends, sharing everything.
One evening, she invited me to dinner. While sipping her drink, she leaned in with a mysterious
smile.
“President Lawrence from Hirono Group asked me to set him up with you. So, tell me, should I say yes… or should I say yes?”
“Sis, you’re incredible. Are you really not thinking of getting married again?”
“Not considering it.”
I turned toward the thousands of lights twinkling outside the window.
Being alone felt wonderful. Truly wonderful.
