An hour later, she deleted all of Dominic’s contact information and left the black card in the nightstand drawer in the hospital room.
As the plane took off, the clouds outside the window were painted a dazzling golden-red by the
sunset.
Elara gazed at the brilliant sky, closing her eyes with a smile.
In this life, she would never again compromise for anyone.
Let those days of humble love vanish forever with this plane, far into the clouds.
A brand new future awaited her, one that belonged only to herself.
Elara arrived in Havenwood. The city, though unfamiliar, somehow gave her a sense of security.
She spent half a month thoroughly researching, then opened an old bookstore named “Elara’s Haven” on a quiet street in the old district.
3:48 pm
<
The shop wasn’t large, but it boasted excellent natural light.
She spent three months renovating, transforming the dilapidated storefront into a cozy reading
space.
Havenwood’s rainy season was long. Elara stood by the bookstore’s glass door, gazing blankly at the drizzling rain outside.
The wind chimes by the door suddenly jingled crisply.
“Welcome,” she instinctively turned, but paused slightly when she saw who stood there.
The man in the doorway was tall and slender, holding a black long-handled umbrella. Rainwater dripped from the umbrella onto the floor.
He held a little girl, about five or six years old, in his arms. The girl had two pigtails and was timidly shrinking into his embrace.
“Excuse me, do you have any picture books suitable for this age group?” the man asked, folding his
umbrella, his voice gentle.
Elara then saw his face clearly-
Well-defined features, eyes like a painting, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, his eyes behind the lenses held a faint smile.
She froze.
“Julian Vance?”
The man was clearly surprised too. He studied her for a moment, then suddenly realized. “Elara Hayes?”
Memories flooded back.
Julian Vance, a prominent figure in the medical school, two years ahead of her. He was known as a genius back in school, not only for his excellent grades but also for his skill at playing the piano, the dream of countless girls,
“What a coincidence,” she smiled, pointing at the little girl in his arms. “This is…?”
3:48 pm
<
“My niece, Lily.” Julian gently patted the little girl’s back.
“Lily, say hello to your auntie.”
