Linton's entire body went rigid.
His lips trembled, his face was ashen, and a roaring filled his ears, blurring his vision. He swayed on his feet, wanting to refuse, but he couldn't find the courage.
How could he say no?
What right did he have?
After a long, agonizing silence, Linton closed his eyes in pain. When he spoke, his cool voice was hoarse and broken, filled with the desolate grief of a heart that had died. "...Okay."
Liliana looked at him with genuine sincerity. "Linton... thank you."
She hadn't always wanted to cut ties with him completely. She had thought that, as childhood friends, they could part ways without such bitterness. It seemed undignified.
But over the last few days, she had come to a startling realization: she didn't know Linton as well as she thought. He had a dark side, hidden from her all these years, that terrified her.
Her thoughts a tangled mess. *Forget it.*
She gave up trying to figure it out.
This was for the best. They would become strangers, like it had all been a dream, and neither would owe the other anything.
Her turbulent emotions finally began to settle, and her breathing became easier.
But Linton still insisted on taking her to the hospital for a check-up; he wouldn't be at ease otherwise. He would consider it his last time taking care of her.
He silently pulled clothes for her from the closet. Liliana glanced over. The wardrobe was filled to bursting with clothes and accessories, all from the latest high-end luxury brands. They were perfectly suited to her taste; every single item was something she would have chosen for herself.
It was clear Linton had put a great deal of thought into it, all in an attempt to please her.


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