Chapter 23
Actually, there had been such opportunities before, but first, my foreign language was poor, and second, I couldn’t bear to leave Patrick. Patrick and I started getting along well in college, in our sophomore year. Now, it had been two years since graduation, and my life revolved around him.
Over the years, I had centered my life around Patrick, forgetting the ambitious promises I made when I graduated. Sadly, sometimes when I worked late and asked Patrick to pick me up, he would say that were you a child?}
But it was different for Samuel. As long as Samuel called, Patrick would go out in the middle of the night, saying Samuel was afraid of the dark. But he didn’t know that I was also afraid of the dark and a year younger than Samuel.
Thinking about this made me uncomfortable, and I immediately agreed, “Okay, I’ll go this time.“}
Helen, excited, cheered and said, “That’s right! Women must live up to themselves. When you’re strong, you lack nothing.“}
“But, Helen, you know my foreign language skills…” I chuckled awkwardly.
“That’s simple. There’s a month left. Enroll in a training class to improve, and I’m going too. What are you worried about?“>
I acted quickly, signed up, and started practicing. But looking at those English words, I soon felt sleepy and fell asleep.
In the middle of the night, I heard the door open. I rubbed my eyes and saw Patrick, “Oh, you’re back?“}
Patrick looked at me strangely, and I wondered what I had done wrong this time.
“What’s wrong?” I finally asked, unable to stand his weird look.
“Vallerie, what happened to your phone? I sent so many messages, and you didn’t respond.“}
I glanced at my phone. There were indeed a few messages, but it was late by then.}
“Oh, I fell asleep,” I said simply.
“Well, I didn’t mean to not pick you up. Samuel suddenly felt unwell, and I had to…”
“It’s fine. I’m not a child. I can find my way home.”
“Vallerie, please don’t be like this. I know you’re upset…“}
“No, I’m not. I’m quite happy, not angry at all. Maybe I was too tired from the flight and fell asleep,” I said as I got up and went to the bedroom.”
“Vallerie, say what’s on your mind. Don’t be like this. I don’t buy it.” Patrick frowned, clearly unhappy.
“Huh? Oh, you’re overthinking. I’m really just tired.“}
I opened the blanket. “I need to rest. What about you? Are you going to sleep?“}
“Valierie…” Patrick stammered, then slammed the door and left.
I was speechless.
And soon I understood why he was angry. He thought he was giving me face, and I wasn’t appreciating it, which made him feel he was losing face.
But his face meant nothing to me now.
The next day.
I yawned as I went downstairs and saw Patrick at home with a cake on the table.
“Is it your birthday?” I asked.”
이
Patrick’s face darkened. “No, Vallerie, it’s for you, a belated celebration for your birthday and our fifth anniversary.”
“Oh, so you remember it was our anniversary?“}
“Vallerie, I’m sorry about that day. Samuel’s depression acted up, and she wasn’t cooperating with the treatment. Her parents had no choice but to call me.”
