Chapter 9
597words
I dug my nails into my palm. "My biggest regret is selling myself for money and enduring his contempt for three years. Let's go!"
Alexander Hart and I were fundamentally incompatible; continuing to force this relationship would only lead to more pain.
Once abroad, I cut off all communication channels to focus entirely on my mother's care.
I read classics to her daily, wheeled her outside for sunshine, and rarely left her side.
Kevin Pierce lacked tact, occasionally dropping bombshells during his visits.
"The Alice reconstruction project is on hold. The first-place winner suspected the scoring was manipulated and withdrew rather than risk his reputation."
"Eastern Dawn Group has been trying to contact the runner-up to take over, but they can't find her anywhere."
Kevin discovered it was Lauren Summers who had given me the failing grade.
She must have overheard my confrontation with Alexander and realized I was the secret wife who had complicated her seven-year relationship.
"My uncle has been searching everywhere for you. He even investigated your birth records and discovered you're actually his long-lost fiancée, Alice."
I scoffed, "Kevin, don't be ridiculous. When I was Alice, I never even met him."
Kevin rested his chin on his hand, his expression nostalgic.
"He attended your thirteenth birthday party. Everyone adored Alice back then. For years, people called Lauren Summers the 'budget version of Alice.'"
"Kevin, I can't figure you out—are you being so kind because you're interested in me romantically, or because you're afraid of losing your aunt-in-law?"
"I'm offering you absolute respect, giving you space to make rational decisions about your future relationships."
I couldn't help laughing—this was Kevin's most absurd line yet.
So this was "absolute respect" in relationships—utterly disappointing.
In the spring of the third year following her surgery, my mother finally woke up.
She had lost many memories, but with them, many sorrows.
Childlike in her demeanor, she regarded Kevin and me as her older siblings.
"Should we continue with cognitive therapy? She could potentially recover about seventy percent of her memories."
I shook my head. "Mom helped build Dad's empire from nothing, but they couldn't sustain their marriage. They divorced years ago but pretended to stay together for my sake.
After Dad died, Mom fell apart. She cried herself to sleep every night—sometimes cursing him, sometimes longing for him. Her accident wasn't really an accident—it was a choice she made.
Her memories only brought her pain; perhaps forgetting is a mercy. Kevin, I want to return to China. Please settle the medical bills, and I'll work to repay you."
"Alice, do you and my uncle always keep such precise accounts with each other?"
I was startled, suddenly aware that I'd never hesitated to spend Alexander's money.
"You and he are different. I at least gave myself to him physically, so I deserved some compensation."
Kevin studied me silently. "I've been waiting for you to give yourself too, but I see that won't happen now. Go back to China, Auntie. My uncle has been waiting for you far too long."
At the airport, I embraced Kevin tightly.
For the first time, I felt genuine gratitude that such an exceptional man had cared for me.
"Alice, if only you'd taught me to waltz back then. No matter how many turns we take, the right partner always finds their way back."
"You'll find your perfect dance partner someday. Take care, Teacher Kivi."
