Bygone Sorrows

On the third meeting with his girlfriend’s parents, Sebastian Haynes, received another text from his childhood friend, Kylie Miller. “I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Tucker. Something came up. I gotta leave now.” Melanie Tucker reached out and grabbed his arm, whispering, “Do you really have to leave right now? My parents spent so much time on dinner. At least eat something before you go.” He placed his phone in front of her. Kylie’s message was a short “It’s getting foggy.” “This is our code,” he said, his tone dead serious, as if Kylie would die if he didn’t show up at once. “Kylie struggles with severe depression. Whenever she’s on the edge, she sends this to me. I promised her that once she sends this line, no matter what I’m doing, I’ll drop everything and go to her. No exceptions.” “Can’t you go after dinner?” Melanie pleaded. “It’ll take two hours at most.” “Melanie, Kylie doesn’t send the code out of whim. It means she’s at her breaking point. I won’t be able to live with the regret if anything happens. I’m sorry.” He looked toward her parents. “Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, I’m so sorry, but I have to go. I’ll make it up to you another day.” He walked out without looking back even once. The front door slammed shut with a heavy bang, startling her parents. “Did something happen? Sebastian left in such a rush.” Melanie forced a faint smile as she stared at the untouched roast beef and dinner spread on the table. Over five years, Kylie had sent Sebastian that same “It’s getting foggy” message hundreds of times. Whenever they were out on movie dates and he got her text, he would leave halfway through. On New Year’s Eve, just as they were waiting for the firework show, he had abandoned her for Kylie’s sake. One time when Melanie was burning with a 104-degree fever, he had left her lying limply in bed and bolted into the night to find Kylie. Chapter 1 Because she loved Sebastian, Melanie had for years put up with it. As it turned out, there were times Kylie was simply upset after being scolded by her boss over a minor mistake at work. Other times, she just felt like crying after hearing a melancholy song. Melanie had been jealous and had lost her temper before. Yet Sebastian would always tell her with total gravity: “Melanie, Kylie and I have known each other for fifteen years. She’s just a very close friend, my best friend I’d say. She has depression and could hurt herself at any moment. Can’t you be a little more tolerant?” But she had already been tolerant enough. This time, she was truly exhausted. “Mom, Dad, I’ll go check on him. You go ahead with dinner.” A heavy shower had begun pouring outside. Melanie hadn’t brought an umbrella, and she didn’t feel like going back inside to grab one. Braving the rain, she hailed a cab home, only to be greeted with a horrendous sight. On the sofa, Sebastian was lying tangled in an embrace with Kylie. His hand was lightly patting her back, lulling, affectionate. The gesture was painfully reminiscent of the way Sebastian used to comfort her. Her body was soaked through by the rain, and a bitter chill seeped through her heart, spreading aross her body to her every limb. Melanie didn’t know how to describe what she was witnessing. She finally understood that among the three of them, she was the outsider who could never squeeze her way in. Since that was the case, it would be best for her to step back. She didn’t know how much time had passed before Kylie noticed her, instantly wriggling out of Sebastian’s arms. Dressed in Melanie’s pajamas, her voice sounded soft and laced with a hint of guilt. “I’m so sorry, Melanie. I only just found out today was the day Sebastian was supposed to meet your parents. I’m sorry, I had another episode. I told Sebastian to go home, but he was worried about leaving me alone, so here we are.” Melanie stood rooted to the spot, calmly asking, “Why are you wearing my pajamas? And what were you two doing just now?” Chapter 2 Kylie looked like she’d been wronged. “I got soaked in the rain... so...” “Come on, stop interrogating Kylie like she’s some kind of criminal.” Sebastian stepped forward and pulled Kylie behind him. “I just managed to calm her down. You have no idea—when I arrived at her place, she was crying her eyes out over a movie—” “Come again?” Melanie froze, a suffocating weight pressing down on her chest. “You left me and my parents and rushed all the way to her house because she was crying over a movie?” Sebastian paused. “Yes, but Melanie, you don’t understand...” “Right, I don’t understand.” Melanie nodded. “I don’t understand a single thing. You two are soulmates, best friends, nothing else! That explains why she’s in my pajamas embracing my boyfriend!” She whipped her head toward Kylie. “Have you ever thought it might make you look like a side chick?” The second the words left her mouth, tears welled up in Kylie’s eyes and spilled over. “Enough, stop! Melanie, why would you say something so terrible? I only view Sebastian as a friend, a soulmate! Am I not even allowed to have a friend I can reach out to for help? Just because you two are dating, am I supposed to cut off all ties with him? “Fine, I’ll leave! Sebastian, I’m never reaching out to you again. As of today, we’re done!” She darted into the room to change back into her clothes, but Sebastian reached out and caught her by the arm. “Don’t leave. It’s so late, and it’s pouring outside. Where could you possibly go?” Kylie sniffled, her voice choked with tears. “Anywhere is fine. I don’t want to stay here and be called names. Just leave me alone. I don’t want to ruin your relationship. Our promise... let’s just forget it.” “Hey, calm down. Let me handle this.” Facing her, Sebastian’s voice now softened to a gentle murmur. Yet when his gaze shifted back to Melanie, his tone turned ice-cold. “Melanie, apologize!” “Apologize for what?” “You called Kylie a side chick. Don’t you think you owe her an apology?” Melanie stared back at him, her face set in stubborn defiance. “I said nothing wrong. I’m not apologizing. “Sebastian, let’s break up.” She turned to go back to her room, but Sebastian grabbed her wrist, his eyes devoid of any warmth. “We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I need you to apologize.” Her wrist ached sharply under his grip. Melanie bit her lip and asked, “What if I refuse?” “Then get out. You’re making it worse for Kylie. What if she gets an episode and hurts herself? Can you live with that?” Outside, the rain was still pouring, accompanied by rolling rumbles of thunder. He knew she was terrified of thunder, and yet, he demanded she get out of the house. They had been dating for five years and living together for three. Melanie still recalled the day they moved in, when he typed the passcode into the lock. “The code is your birthday. This will always be your home. Melanie, I love you, and I’ll love you for the rest of my life.” “Say we get into some heated argument later on. Will you ever tell me to get out?” “Of course not. If anyone’s getting out, it’ll be me.” Tears streaked down her cheeks. Melanie nodded. “Fine. I’ll go.” She walked into the bedroom, swiftly packed her belongings, then pulled her suitcase toward the door. Just as she was about to close the door, she caught Kylie asking in a low voice, “Sebastian, aren’t you overreacting? Melanie’s gonna feel terrible.” “It’s fine. She’ll be just fine. Your emotional state is what matters. How are you feeling right now?” “A little uneasy. My chest feels tight.” “Let me hold you a bit longer. Didn’t you say my hugs always calm you down?” Melanie cast one last glance back. Seeing the two of them wrapped in each other’s arms, the last flicker of love was put out in her heart. Once the door clicked shut, she pulled out her phone and called her boss. “Mr. Ferguson, didn’t you mention an overseas assignment you wanted to send me on? I’ve made up my mind. I’ll take it.” “Really? You’re not worried your boyfriend will miss you too much?” “I broke up with him. I only have one request. I want my family to join me.” “No problem. Get everything ready—you’ll head out in three days.” Chapter 3 Hanging up the phone, Melanie walked through the rain out of the gated apartment zone. Because it was so remote, she tried to hail a cab, but none were available. Dragging her suitcase, she walked a long way down the road before finally flagging down a cab. Once she got in, the driver asked with concern, “It’s really late to be out by yourself. Aren’t you afraid of running into danger? Gotta be careful when you’re out alone.” The emotions she had been bottling up came bursting out at that moment. Melanie covered her face and sobbed uncontrollably. Five years of devotion, and she was nothing next to his childhood friend. “Where to, young lady?” For a moment, she didn’t even know where she could go. She couldn’t return to her parents’ place right now. It would only make them vexed with concern. She thought of her best friend. “To Parkside Residences.” “Alright.” When the cab arrived at the gate, Olivia Ross held an umbrella as she came out to meet Melanie. Seeing Melanie soaked to the bone and dragging a suitcase behind her, she couldn’t help but frown. “What happened? How did you end up like this?” “I broke up with Sebastian.” “What?” Olivia froze for a second. “That serious? You two have been together for five years. What’s the trigger?” “Let’s talk inside.” After Melanie showered, Olivia brought over a glass of warm water. “Drink it. You don’t wanna catch a cold.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Melanie hugged her. “Thank you, babe. What would I do without you?” “No problem, bestie. Honestly, Sebastian is pretty good to you. He and that girl are probably just friends.” Melanie shook her head. “You don’t get it.” “Yeah, I don’t, but count me on your side. It’s late, get some rest.” Melanie lay in bed for a long time. Her head throbbed, and her entire body felt miserable. In a daze, she heard voices whispering near her ear. “You’re here? Sebastian, honestly, how could you let Melanie catch you two hugging? You know how to spell ‘discreet’? She was bound to find out sooner or later.” It was Olivia’s voice. What was she talking about? Find out sooner or later? Find out what? Sebastian sighed. “I was too impatient. Kylie was in a bad place, and I only cared about comforting her. I didn’t expect Melanie to come home.” Kylie lowered her head. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. Sebastian, why don’t we call it off? I really don’t wanna be the other woman, or cause anyone any pain.” “Kylie, how can you think like that?” Olivia said softly. “You’re sick, you can’t control yourself. Besides, you and Sebastian have already been together for over a year. Breaking up now, can you really bear to let go?” Melanie’s body stiffened. She couldn’t believe her own ears. Sebastian and Kylie had been together? For over a year? Olivia knew, and yet she helped them keep her in the dark? They had known each other for nearly twenty years. Olivia was her best friend, the very first person she turned to whenever something troubled her. Yet she had been lying to her all along! Melanie slowly opened her eyes, her eyelashes heavy with pooled tears. “Olivia... not you too.” “Melanie, I can explain...” Seeing her awake, Olivia panicked. “We hid it from you because we were afraid you wouldn’t be able to accept it. And you know about Kylie’s depression—she can’t handle any distress. Since you had no idea for over a year anyway, why not just pretend you saw nothing?” Melanie let out a laugh, though her tears came rushing now. “Kylie, you disgust me. All of this, and you shrank at me calling you a side chick? “Sebastian, you’re no better. You knew full well you two were at fault, and had the nerve to ask me to apologize!” “Melanie.” Seeing her cry, Sebastian felt a sharp pang of heartache. “I didn’t mean to deceive you. Kylie told me she had loved me for a long time. She has no other wish except to stay by my side. She’s ill, and I can’t just abandon her, you know?” “Rest assured, you’re the woman I’m in love with. We’re getting married next month. As long as you’re willing, the wedding will go on as scheduled. You will always be my wife, Mrs. Haynes.” Melanie raised her hand to point a finger at Kylie. “Getting married? Only if you swear never to see her again.” Chapter 4 Sebastian fell silent. After a long while, he asked, “Can’t you name a different condition?” “We’re done.” She climbed out of bed, ready to leave. Olivia called after her, “Where are you going? You’re running a fever. You’re in no state to go out now.” “Where I go is none of your business. Olivia, starting today, we’re no longer friends.” “Melanie, please! I’m sorry, okay? Just give me some time. Once Kylie gets better, I’ll end things with her.” Hearing Sebastian mention ending things, Kylie instantly fell apart. “It’s my fault. I should just die! I’m sick, I shouldn’t be holding on to my pathetic life while ruining others’. Melanie, please, don’t break up with Sebastian. I’ll just kill myself, okay? Once I’m gone, all of you will be set free.” With that, she sprinted toward the balcony. “No! Kylie!” Sebastian frowned and bolted after her. Still, he was too slow. Kylie had thrown herself over the balcony. With a dull thud, she crashed onto the ground below, a pool of crimson blood spreading from under her. Sebastian raced downstairs in a panic. “Kylie!” “Oh, my god!” Olivia covered her mouth, her face pale with disbelief. Melanie too froze, never expecting Kylie to actually make the attemp. Stumbling, she followed them down and saw Sebastian scooping up the bleeding Kylie into his arms. “It’s okay. I’m taking you to the hospital right now.” Kylie raised a weak hand, her blood-stained fingers grazing Sebastian’s cheek. “Sebastian, I forgot to tell you... I’m pregnant, with your baby. “I kept wondering if I should tell you. I kept wondering if I should keep the child... It’s fine now. The baby’s probably gone, and everything is resolved. “I’m sorry.” “Stop talking!” Sebastian roared at her, entirely out of control. “I won’t let anything happen to you, or our child! We’re going to the hospital, right now!” He left, and Olivia quickly changed her clothes to follow them. Before stepping out, she cast a cold glance at Melanie. “Melanie, are you happy now that things have come to this? “Do you see now why we kept it from you? Because of how petty you are, always making a mountain out of a molehill. Why should any man date you? Why should anyone befriend you?” Finished, she swiftly left. In the empty apartment, only Melanie remained. She stared at the puddle of blood, replaying Olivia’s harsh words in her mind. Turned out it was petty to be mad upon discovering that her boyfriend was seeing another woman. In the eyes of her best friend, she was too petty to deserve any friends. Since that was the case, she didn’t want such a friend anymore. The city was a blur behind the torrential downpour as Melanie dragged her suitcase and walked out of Olivia’s building. Along the way, her phone kept ringing nonstop. Sebastian called her over and over, but she ignored every call. Olivia was calling too. Having completely given up on them, Melanie naturally refused to pick up their calls. She walked aimlessly until she looked up and realized she had made it to her parents’ place. Though she hadn’t wanted to concern them, she truly had nowhere else to go now. She pressed the doorbell, but no one answered. Assuming her parents were already asleep, she pulled out her key and let herself in. Drifting into a heavy, feverish sleep, she was jolted awake once more by her ringing phone. This time, it was a call from her mother. Blinking away the fog in her head, Melanie answered immediately. “Mom?” “Melanie? Get to the hospital! They’re trying to force your dad to give his blood!” Chapter 5 Her mother’s weeping sounded through the receiver, and Melanie sat bolt upright in bed. “Mom, what are you talking about? Who’s forcing Dad to give his blood?” “It’s Sebastian! After you left yesterday, I was worried about you two, so I went out after you. I called Sebastian, and he told your dad and me to meet him at the hospital. But the second we arrived, he started demanding blood from your dad to save some woman! “We want to help, we really do, but your dad’s no young man anymore. He really can’t do this!” Her heart shuddered violently as Melanie’s mind descended into a blank. Sebastian was forcing her father to give blood to Kylie? The man was out of his mind! Her father was sixty-two, well past the age for donating blood. On top of that, he was in poor health. Doctors had explicitly stated he could never donate blood under any circumstances. Without a second thought, Melanie immediately drove to the hospital. Still burning with a fever, she couldn’t care about anything else. She sped through the streets, running three red lights, and finally pulled up to the hospital after ten minutes. When she arrived, her mother was kneeling in the corridor, clutching the hem of Sebastian’s pants, sobbing hysterically. “Sebastian, please, for the sake of Melanie, stop this! He’s so old, his body can’t take it!” “Mrs. Tucker, I really don’t wanna do this. But you have Melanie to blame for this. She caused Kylie to lose her baby and suffer a massive hemorrhage. I called her so many times, but she refused to answer. I know Mr. Tucker has Rh-negative blood. Don’t worry, I won’t make him give too much. 2 pints will do.” When Sebastian finished speaking, her mother nearly passed out on the spot. “2 pints? His health can’t handle that—” No matter how pitifully her mother begged, Sebastian remained entirely unmoved. Now it dawned on Melanie. Their endless stream of phone calls last night hadn’t been because they realized their mistake, nor were they trying to apologize or ask her to stay. They had wanted her to come and give her blood to Kylie. “Mom! Get up, stop begging him!” Melanie rushed forward, yanking her mother up from the cold floor. “Melanie, quick, tell Sebastian! Tell him, please!” Her mother’s eyes were swollen red from crying. Biting her lip, Melanie turned her red-rimmed eyes toward Sebastian. “Where is my dad?” Catching sight of her, Sebastian’s gaze turned frigid, frosted over. “In there, getting his blood taken.” “In there?” Melanie stepped up to the door and began frantically pounding against it. “Open the door! Open this door right now! My dad isn’t giving blood voluntarily! He’s sixty-two—he can’t donate blood! You’re killing him! Open the door!” She pounded with everything she had, squeezing out every ounce of her remaining strength. Unable to watch any longer, Olivia stepped over to restrain her. “Melanie, stop it right now! Kylie is receiving emergency treatment in there. You’re making a scene! Don’t you realize you’re putting Kylie’s life in danger?” “Her life, in danger? What about my dad’s life? Do you even know what 2 pints means for an elderly person? Olivia, my dad treated you like a daughter. Have you forgotten that? Why are you siding with them?” Melanie could barely bring herself to finish the sentence. She kept slamming her fist against the door. “Open the door! Open the door right now, or I’ll call the police! I’ll make sure this hospital gets shut down!” “Enough!” Sebastian strode over and grabbed her arm with a ruthless grip. “Haven’t you thrown enough of a tantrum? If not for you, would Kylie have jumped from the balcony? If not for you, would we have lost our baby? Kylie wouldn’t need a blood donor right now, if not for you! Even now, instead of finding a way to make amends, you’re trying to stop your dad from saving her life. How vile can you be?” She was already frail from her fever. Under his violent shove, she stumbled back a few paces and fell hard onto the floor. Witnessing the scene, Melanie’s mother sobbed even harder. “Stop, Sebastian, don’t lay a hand on her! Remember that day at our place, how you promised to treat her well for the rest of your life? What changed? Why are you doing this? Who is that woman inside?” “Mom, stop asking!” Melanie gritted her teeth, pulling out her phone to call the authority. “I’m calling the police. I’ll make every single one of you pay for this!” Chapter 6 Before she could even pull up the phone, Sebastian snatched it from her hands and slammed it violently onto the floor. With a shattering crunch, the phone split apart, its screen fading into darkness. Melanie froze. That phone had been a gift from Sebastian for their third anniversary. Engraved on the back in his own handwriting were the words: “From Sebastian, with love.” Yet just now, he had crushed it with his own hands. “Have you calmed down now?” Seeing her go completely still, Sebastian’s tone cooled. “I know your father is too old to give blood, but to save a life, I had no choice. Once Kylie recovers, I’ll compensate him handsomely. He can name any number. “As for the phone, I’ll buy you a new one. Haven’t you been wanting the latest model? I’ll get it for you.” Melanie slowly lifted her gaze to look at him, her eyes brimming with pure hatred. “Sebastian Haynes, you disgust me!” Meeting her stare, Sebastian’s frame trembled violently. He opened his mouth to say something, but the doors to the operating room were suddenly pushed open. A doctor hurried out. “The patient has lost too much blood! 2 pints still isn’t enough!” Sebastian frowned. “What are you waiting for? Keep drawing!” “But Mr. Tucker is elderly. If we draw any more, he might—” “I’m telling you one more time, keep drawing! You gotta save Kylie!” For Kylie’s sake, Sebastian had truly lost his mind. Melanie crawled across the floor, weakly grabbing the hem of his trousers. “Take mine. “Don’t draw any more from my dad. Take mine.” Sebastian looked down and saw tears streaking down her face. Failing to suppress a pang of pity, he knelt down, taking her chin into his hand and whispering gently, “That’s better. Wouldn’t it have been better if you’d just agreed earlier? Melanie, after all, you’re the one who caused this mess. You should do your best to make amends, no?” Melanie nodded. “Yes. Please, let my dad out. Let him get some rest. “Take my blood, as much as you want.” “How could I bear to take too much?” Sebastian pulled her up from the ground, raising his hand to tenderly wipe away the tears at the corners of her eyes. “Don’t worry, it will only be a little. “Doctor, bring her in. “As for the man, move him to a VIP room. Use every available resource to ensure he recovers as quickly as possible. Whatever you do, make sure there are no lasting ill effects. He’s my future father-in-law, got it?” “Got it, Mr. Haynes!” Future father-in-law? At those words, Melanie felt nothing but sheer disgust. She would rather die than take this man for her husband. She was then pushed into the donation room, and the nurse began drawing her blood. Watching the bright red liquid drain away drop by drop, Melanie closed her eyes, thinking to herself: “Take it. Take as much as you want.” There was only one day left before she would take her parents and leave this place for good. When she woke up, Melanie found herself lying in a hospital bed. Her mother sat nearby, weeping softly. “That bastard... he took 4 pints. My poor girl, pale as a sheet. “And her dad, still unconscious. God knows when he’ll wake up. What terrible sin did we commit to cross paths with that psychopath?” Listening to her mother’s weeping, Melanie felt a sharp, agonizing ache in her heart. She glanced toward her father in the adjoining bed. His face looked even ghastlier. He still hadn’t woken up. Could something have gone wrong? “Mom—” She parted her lips to call out to her mother when the machine beside her father’s bed suddenly emitted a deafening, continuous beep. Panicking, Melanie frantically hit the call button above her bed. Her mother hurried over in a panic. “What’s happening? Why is your dad’s monitor blaring like that?” Melanie tried to reassure her: “Mom, it’s going to be fine. Don’t worry, it’s going to be okay.” “Quick! Check on that man! That’s Mr. Haynes’s father-in-law!” “The patient experienced massive blood loss in a short period. His heart and kidneys have succumbed to overexertion and organ failure. I’m afraid—” “Afraid of what?” Melanie’s mother shook her head, grabbing the doctor’s hands tightly. “Afraid of what? Spit it out! What happened to my husband? What’s wrong with him?” The second the words left her mouth, the heart monitor flatlined. Melanie stared at her father lying motionless on the bed—the same man who, just two days ago, had sat at the dinner table with her, excited over her new life with Sebastian—now gone, for good. Agonizing, burning tears burst from her eyes. “We’re so sorry. We did everything we could. “Please accept our condolences.” Chapter 7 Her mother erupted into a wail of utter despair before collapsing unconscious onto the floor. “Mom!” Melanie held her tightly, her entire body shaking violently. “Dad! Mom! No!” Her father was gone. Her mother had passed out from extreme emotional distress. Melanie stared blankly at the room around her, feeling as though all hope had vanished from her life. The doctor asked her to fill in the paperwork for her father’s affairs. As she dragged her feet forward along the corridor, she accidentally bumped into someone. Without lifting her head, she tried to step around them, but the person called out to her, “Melanie.” Hearing the voice, Melanie froze. She slowly looked up, her red and swollen eyes finally coming into focus. “I heard you and your dad gave a lot of blood for me? Thank you so much. But honestly, it was mine by right. After all, I lost my baby because of you.” Melanie glared at Kylie, overwhelmed with hatred. Kylie remained completely unbothered, her expression turning even more triumphant. “Melanie, do you hate me that much? Actually, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you.” Kylie took a step forward, leaning into her ear, and uttered the words with deliberate malice: “I’ll tell you a secret—I don’t have depression at all. I made it up to fool Sebastian. I really didn’t expect it to ruin your relationship. “Seriously though, haven’t you realized it by now? Can’t you see? I’ll always be the most important person to Sebastian.” A wave of irrepressible fury surged in her chest. Unable to hold back any longer, Melanie raised her hands and grabbed Kylie’s throat. “Shut up! Shut your mouth!” “Stop it! Melanie, what are you doing?” Sebastian appeared at just the right moment, rushing over to shove Melanie away with brute force. Her back slammed hard against the wall, yet she felt no pain at all. “Sebastian, thank God you’re here. I just wanted to thank Melanie and her dad for saving my life, but she suddenly got so aggressive and tried to strangle me.” Kylie shrank into his arms, and he gently patted her back. “It’s okay now. “Melanie, didn’t I say I’d make it up to your father? Once Kylie is discharged, I’ll visit him in person and get him the best rehabilitation specialists. “Didn’t your parents always want us to get married? I’ll move the schedule up as soon as possible. “Kylie is still very weak right now. Can you stop making a scene?” “Me? Making a scene?” Melanie burst into laughter, a laugh filled with immense bitterness and agony. “Don’t worry, I won’t come near her ever again.” She turned and continued dragging her feet toward the morgue. She was so exhausted. She no longer wanted to have anything to do with Sebastian or Kylie. When her mother woke up, her mental state had fractured, completely forgetting that her husband had passed away. Melanie handled her father’s cremation all by herself. She held no funeral service, simply carrying her father’s ashes back home in silence. Her mother, now showing signs of dementia, asked if the container she brought back held flour. Melanie said nothing, pulled out three plane tickets and held them up in front of her mother. “Mom, how about I take you on a trip tomorrow?” “No, your dad will be looking for us.” “We’ll bring Dad along too. The three of us will never be apart again.” Early the next morning, Melanie boarded an international flight with her mother. Before the plane took off, Sebastian called her. She didn’t answer. Then another call came from an unfamiliar number, and she picked it up. “Ms. Tucker, I’ve found everything. Are you sure you want me to deliver this file to Sebastian Haynes three days from now?” “Yes, please.” After transferring the payment, Melanie pulled out her SIM card and tossed it into the trash can. The plane finally lifted into the sky. Looking at the city shrinking beneath her, Melanie draped a blanket over her mother, pulled her father’s ashes into her arms, and closed her eyes. “Goodbye, Sebastian. “May we never meet again in this lifetime. “I hope that once you learn the truth, you won’t regret what you’ve done.”