Chapter 15
Part 15
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Adrian agreed to the divorce. I continued with my training, but to my surprise, he reappeared at my dormitory one day.
“Madeline,” he said, his voice laced with humility, “I just want to know you’re okay. I promise I won’t disturb you.” “Do whatever you want,” I replied without much thinking. He was free to do what he wanted, I could not decide that for him.
After my training, I had an opportunity for a promotion and a significant career advancement. However, I ultimately decided to go back home and spent more time with my mom. I learnt about the new hospital in my mom’s hometown and started working there. Thanks to my solid resume, I was satisfied with both the position and the salary.
Tyler remained a professional confidante. Our occasional conversations, filled with work–related advice and unspoken curiosity about each other’s lives, always ended with a lingering silence, a space filled with unspoken possibilities. Then, on New Year’s Eve, he suddenly called. His speech was a little slurred and he said, “Happy New Year!” He must have been drunk.
Perhaps it was the holiday spirit, or maybe the unexpectedness of the call, but something flickered within me. “Happy New Year,” I replied, my voice softer than the usual.
Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words and questions. I waited for a while, but just as I was about to end the call, he suddenly called me in a low voice, “Madeline….”
My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat in the sudden stillness, but I did not know how to respond. In the end, I never answered and he finally hung up after a long pause.
After I returned to my hometown, Adrian visited a few more times. I kept him outside and never let him into the house.
The man looked much more haggard than before. I heard that after Sophie remarried her ex–husband, she continued to stay in touch with him and frequently caused him trouble.
He was now jobless, constantly facing threats and living in fear. But that was his life. It had nothing to do with me.
(End)
