Chapter 8

"Alright, you should go back. Julian's birthday party has just begun. I have something to do, so I'll be leaving first."

I said calmly.

"No, Julian's actions were a bit too much today. I don't want to go back. I'll go home with you."

Hearing her say that so unexpectedly.

I paused for a moment.

"Alright."

We both walked out.

Maya suddenly said,

"That figurine you said you wanted a while ago? I just checked, and it's back in stock. I ordered it for you."

"No need, cancel it. I already bought one."

I was indeed interested in that figurine.

When it was my birthday before, Maya asked what gift I wanted.

I told her I wanted that figurine.

I had hoped to receive it on my birthday.

But that hope was ultimately dashed.

That day, not only did I not receive a gift, Maya didn't even celebrate my birthday with me.

"Oh, really? Well, next time you see a figurine you like, let me know, and I'll buy it for you."

"Yeah, okay."

I replied.

Maya stepped forward and linked her arm through mine.

I subconsciously tried to pull my hand away, but Maya held it tightly.

Maya felt my attempt to "pull away," and her heart raced for a moment.

A sense of unease welled up inside her.

It wasn't until I stopped resisting and let her hold me that Maya felt a little relieved.

This way, she could feel like I was still under her "control."

We walked out of the lobby and got into the car.

Maya's phone rang. She answered it, and her expression immediately changed.

"Ah, what did you say? What happened to Julian?"

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Maya hung up the phone and said to me anxiously,

"Julian fell down the stairs, I need to go check on him."

"Alright, go. Here are the car keys, it'll be easier to take him to the hospital later."

Maya took the car keys from my hand, a look of hurried determination on her face, and ran back towards the private room.

I stared at her disappearing back for a moment, lost in thought.

Then I came to my senses and called Sam Peterson.

I arranged a farewell dinner with my friends.

After a few rounds of drinks, I returned home.

I slept until the sun was high in the sky.

When I woke up, I felt incredibly relaxed.

During the days I waited for my visa, I intensified my workouts, updated my resume, and gathered my portfolio to directly liaison with C Group.

Maya hadn't returned during this time; she was at the hospital taking care of Julian.

She called me once, saying Julian had fallen down the stairs.

He was quite badly injured and might need to be hospitalized for ten days to half a month.

She wouldn't be coming home during that time.

I said nothing to this, simply telling Maya to take good care of Julian at the hospital.

Finally, my visa was approved.

Some more time passed.

The thirty-day waiting period was almost over.

I packed my belongings, left the divorce papers, and headed to the airport with my suitcase.

As I walked downstairs, I happened to see Maya pushing Julian's wheelchair into the apartment complex.

Maya's attention was entirely on Julian.

They were laughing and chatting, incredibly sweet.

They didn't even notice me leaving the building.

I looked at their "intertwined" backs and suddenly smiled.

My smile was light, as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

From now on, I would start my own life, live my own way.

Goodbye, Maya Rodriguez!

Never to see Maya Rodriguez again.

I looked up at the setting sun, picked up my suitcase, and strode towards the light in my heart.

This time, as I left, I didn't look back.