Chapter 28
Riley paused: “Do you need something?”
Vivian’s eyes were frighteningly red, as if she’d been crying.
She had composed herself, ready to say goodbye to Riley with a smile. But seeing Riley, tears stubbornly escaped: “Riley, I’m so sorry.”
Ave promised to be best friends forever, promised I’d be your bridesmaid… but I know that’s impossible now.”
Good friendships are no less significant than romantic love.
Riley would never forget those college nights when she and Vivian huddled under one blanket, gossiping and binge–watching
shows.
She would never forget lying on the sports field, gazing at the starry sky, singing best frenemy.
Nor would she forget all the warmth and strength their friendship had given her.
Vivian truly understood her. And they truly could never go back.
Vivian grabbed Riley’s hand and forcefully slapped herself across the face. Her cheek instantly reddened with a handprint.
Meeting Riley’s shocked gaze, she smiled: “This is what I owed you. I’m returning it now. Riley, you’ll always be my best friend. Please… be happy.”
Riley said nothing, merely glancing at Julian: “Let’s go.”
Her seven years needed to turn the page.
And she needed to leave completely.
Back in Paris, Riley received the voluntary gift from the Blackwell siblings–a nine–figure sum–their entire fortune. The transfer message contained Asher’s final words: “I love you.”
Riley felt nothing as she donated the entire amount to foundations in her home country.
She wanted no trace of the Blackwells in her life.
Six months later, with Riley and Julian’s wedding date approaching, she accompanied her mother back to their hometown to distribute wedding candy to her mother’s friends.
At dinner, she unexpectedly heard news of her old acquaintances.
The aunties gossiped animatedly: “That once–mighty Blackwell empire collapsed suddenly! No one knows why!”
“I heard the young Mr. Blackwell had a car accident, but instead of resting properly, he drank constantly. His wounds got infected, leading to sepsis. He’s been rushed to the hospital several times. Though he survived, his bodily functions are severely compromised.”
“Did you know he has an artificial heart? The way he’s abusing his body, he won’t last much longer. He carries a ring with him everywhere–some kind of obsession, I suppose.”
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Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
78.5%
Chapter 28
“Since the Blackwells fell, his sister took him somewhere–maybe back to their hometown…”
After dinner, her mother looked at Riley’s composed expression with concern: “Hearing about them, are you upset? If you want to see them, I can find their address.”
Riley gently shook her head.
Asher and Vivian were just strangers to her now. Whatever happened to them no longer concerned her.
Families separate. People drift apart. Only the courage to leave and determination never to look back would carry her through the years ahead.
Julian waited outside the hotel with her stepfather.
Riley jumped into Julian’s arms. Under the setting sun, she smiled and waved: “Mom, let’s go home!”
Her mother smiled and took her hand: “Yes, let’s go home.”
Back to Riley’s home, to a place with only love, without betrayal or lies.
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