"Your injuries..." Phoenix swallowed hard, his brows furrowing as he reached out to touch the bruise on her lip.
It must hurt terribly.
Serena dodged his touch by tilting her head, her voice cool, "These injuries aren't anything, Mr. Lee."
Compared to the pain she'd endured before, using it to keep herself alert, these wounds indeed seemed trivial to Serena.
"Serena, please don't be like this."
Don't treat him with such distant politeness, even if it meant she'd scream at him or slap him across the face.
Her detachment felt as if she was accepting all the bitter consequences as her due, even though they weren't her fault.
Seeing her this way pierced Phoenix's heart.
Serena was slightly taken aback before a faint smile graced her lips, "What do you mean? That I shouldn't address you as Mr. Lee or that I'm ungrateful for your kindness?"
Phoenix retracted his hand, letting it fall naturally, "I failed to protect you this time, and I take responsibility. After we return, you can do as you please. I'll transfer the Nightingale assets back to you. I beg you that you don't misunderstand that I had a hand in this."
Serena's lips curved as if she'd heard a joke, her gaze on Phoenix complex.
Beg her
Was he, Phoenix, actually begging for her understanding?
She was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure, "No, I don't misunderstand. I've read the online statements, and thank you for clarifying on my behalf."
Her expression was too serene, as if she had seen through everything, harboring neither resentment nor... affection.
"Right," Serena remembered something, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "Regarding the statement Lee Corporation issued, there's a part that needs correction. It's about us getting married. While it's true we were childhood sweethearts, now... the Nightingale family has fallen. Mr. Lee, you should look for a suitable match."
"Serena!" Phoenix's eyes reddened, wanting to pull her close but hesitating. He stopped upon touching her arm, "Even if you won't marry me, I won't marry another woman in this lifetime."
Serena's face remained impassive, the darkness concealing Phoenix's expression from her, leaving only his earnest, low voice audible.
She tilted her head slightly, feeling the summer evening breeze, which was less comforting than it should have been, feeling somewhat stifling.
"Serena, the past was my fault, and I won't beg for your forgiveness. In this life, I, Phoenix, have only loved you. It was you in the past, and it will be you in the future. If you don't want to marry, I'll wait. Ten years, twenty years, I'm willing to wait for you."
He vowed she would never suffer again at anyone's hands.
His words were heartfelt, but to Serena, they sounded ridiculous.
"Thank you for your kindness recently, Mr. Lee, but I'm no longer sick, so there's no need to coddle me." Serena interrupted him with a cool tone.
She remembered the memories before her hypnosis and those that followed her mental confusion.
Phoenix felt helpless, a lump in his throat. Leaning against the concrete wall, he bent one knee, "Serena, how can I make you believe that I love you?"
Love?
It was too elusive, something she didn't need. Besides, she couldn't bear Phoenix's love.
"It's late, Phoenix. Let's go back." She ignored his words, bending to enter the house. Phoenix followed, illuminating the stairway with his phone for her.
They descended the stairs slowly, silent, one behind the other, as they had done in the past.
This house held memories of happier times, bought together by Serena and Phoenix. Serena had been impulsive, arguing with her father and fleeing. Loving the countryside and with ample funds, buying a house wasn't necessary. Later, she told Phoenix where she was, and he bought the house from the owner. They lived there for a week, dreaming of a future where they'd raise a family in the countryside.
This house held their most cherished memories.
She later learned her parents hadn't looked for her because Phoenix had discreetly informed them. Buying the house was possible with their help; as children, they couldn't have afforded it otherwise.
Exiting the house, the cold wind chilled Serena in her tattered clothes, causing her to involuntarily huddle.
Phoenix removed his jacket, draping it over her. Serena thanked him coolly, her demeanor distant, and walked towards the parked car.
Phoenix hastened his steps to walk beside her. Opening the passenger door, he intended for her to sit there.
Serena glanced at the car behind, where Julia rested her head on the window, looking exhausted. Removing Phoenix's jacket, she returned it, "I'll sit in the back with Julia. Thanks for picking me up."
She smiled at Phoenix, her smile lacking its former mischief, now mature and distant.
Phoenix didn't stop her, watching as his beloved walked gracefully to the other car. A ghost of her past self, playful and carefree, flashed in his mind, disappearing into the distance, occasionally turning back to smile at him.
He would never see that version of her again.
The Serena who loved him, mischievous and adorable, had been killed by his own actions.
Serena closed the door, and once inside, Lucas startled awake, turning to see her, "Miss Nightingale, y-you're here?"
Serena smiled at him, "Lucas, can't I sit here? If not, Julia and I will get out."
"No, no, that's not what I meant," Lucas hastily waved, then retrieved something from under the seat, "Miss Nightingale, it seems you dropped your phone. This is a new one Mr. Lee bought for you."
Lucas was anxious, expecting Serena to flee like a scared rabbit or emerge trembling, bruised, needing Phoenix to rescue her. The injuries were present, but Serena seemed like a changed person—more composed than when she returned months ago?
"I already have one," Serena declined, taking out her phone and turning it on, "Bought it on the way here. I needed some peace, so I didn't answer your calls. Sorry for worrying you."
"……"Lucas followed Phoenix, "As long as you're okay, Miss Nightingale."
During the drive, Julia chatted with Serena, sensing a transformation. Relieved Serena wouldn't attempt suicide like before, she wondered if further medication was necessary, something to assess later. Overall, this outcome eased Julia's concerns.
"What are your plans now?" Julia asked.
"Haven't decided yet. Once things are settled, we'll travel abroad," Serena glanced at her messages before leaning back lazily.
"And... what about him?" Julia tilted her head, recalling the announcement of their engagement, but Serena's memory has been restored now.
"What does he have to do with me?" Serena closed her eyes, "From now on, we'll go our separate ways."
A permanent goodbye.
Julia leaned back, frowning silently.
The Nightingales' roots were in J City, with the old mansion belonging to Serena and her parents buried there. She couldn't settle abroad. But staying in J City meant encounters with them. This intentional distance might not affect Phoenix, but Serena, ever harsh on herself and others, would keep her promise and keep distance from Phoenix.
Hearing Serena, Lucas almost lost control of the car, causing the two in the back to jostle. Apologizing, he hesitated before speaking, "Miss Nightingale, are you sure you won't interact with Mr. Lee anymore? At least, you could remain friends, right?"
Serena laughed openly, "Do you think we could ever be friends again?"
Julia closed her eyes—this wasn't a matter of suitability, but rather, Serena feared she couldn't control her lingering feelings for Phoenix.
With hatred buried in her heart, love was impossible.
"Miss Nightingale, I know my opinion might not hold much weight, but I must say this," Lucas' eyes reddened, recalling their recent harmony, "Mr. Lee nearly gave up his life for you!"
