Chapter 9

The next day, I bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Davies as if nothing had happened.

Mrs. Davies watched the car drive away, and thinking of my calm eyes, a dull ache suddenly gripped her heart.

She clutched her chest, muttering:

"I have a feeling something is going to happen!"

"What could happen? Business is stable, Iris is well married. What else is there to worry about?"

Mr. Davies said indifferently.

"I hope I'm just overthinking."

Mrs. Davies sighed softly, still feeling uneasy.

Back at Julian's villa, my first stop was the bathroom, where I scrubbed myself until my skin was red, almost raw.

I looked at myself in the mirror. My small face was a little sunken, making my dark eyes appear even more lifeless.

I smiled at my reflection and whispered:

"One more day. Goodbye!"

After we returned, Julian was busy arranging a surprise for the next day.

I was found on August 17th, and ever since, that day became my "new birth" celebration.

Every year, Julian and the Davies family would host a grand celebration for me, and donate a lot of money to accumulate good fortune for me.

"Iris, you're really going to love this year's surprise."

On the morning of the seventh day, Julian carefully picked out my outfit. It was a blue dress that shimmered with tiny specks of light.

When I put it on, I looked as gentle as water. On my head was the butterfly accessory Lucas had given me, its upturned wings poised for flight.

"What surprise did you prepare?"

Being pulled out the door, I stood on the street, looking at the quiet road, and asked.

"Just walk straight ahead. You'll see in a bit."

Julian gently pushed me forward, his smile soft and encouraging.

It was the last day, and I wanted to live it well, to keep some beautiful memories.

In my twenty-plus years, there weren't many beautiful or warm memories. I wanted to cling to every single one, no matter how small.

Walking down the street, a five-year-old girl held a brilliant sunflower, smiling brightly at me:

"Happy holiday, big sister! I wish you happiness for the rest of your life."

A sunflower, symbolizing hope and life.

I looked into her innocent eyes, and my smile became a little more genuine.

I took the sunflower and softly said, "Thank you!"

Every kilometer I walked, someone would offer a blessing.

There were friends I knew, and strangers I didn't. Each sunflower represented their well wishes for me.

As I kept walking, crystal tears streamed down my face.

From these strangers I had never met, I felt genuine love and care.

It was as if this world wasn't so terrible after all; there were still people who loved me.

Julian stood at the very front of the path, waiting for me. He looked at me with loving eyes and said softly:

"My princess, it's time for your next stop."

I smiled faintly, took his hand, and got into the car. Both sides of the road were planted with sunflowers, a dazzling golden expanse that was exceptionally beautiful.

I intently admired the scenery, ignoring Julian's constantly vibrating phone.

The car stopped in front of a castle. Julian helped me out, and seeing my surprised eyes, he grinned proudly:

"You once said your childhood dream was to have a castle and be a princess."

"I made your wish come true!"

"My princess, please enter."

Julian made a grand gesture, and I stepped into the castle built just for me.

I reveled in the fun, and my long-gloomy mood brightened considerably.

After visiting the last part, the zoo, I was so tired that sweat beaded on my nose. Julian gently dabbed my forehead with a tissue.

I looked at his handsome face and proactively mentioned:

"Today, your phone rang several times. Is there some urgent project at work?"

"No, just some minor things."

Julian answered reflexively.