Chapter 8
“The moment I leave, you’re already with someone else? Were you cheating on me the whole time? Otherwise, how could you move so quickly?” Hugo snapped.
“That’s none of your business,” I replied calmly.
“But remember this–I’ll be with anyone, just never with you.”
With that, I hung up, leaving Hugo screaming hysterically on the other end.
Maybe that post really did cut deep.
For a long time, he disappeared from my world.
Meanwhile, I focused entirely on my research, publishing a paper in a top–tier journal and winning an academic achievement
award.
When Professor Harrington found out, he patted my shoulder with deep satisfaction.
“Kath, I always knew you had potential. You were born for academia. When you left to get married, I was devastated but powerless to stop you. I’m just glad you’re back.”
I didn’t say anything. I just smiled and nodded in agreement.
That year, at the university’s graduation ceremony, I was naturally selected to give the keynote speech as the outstanding graduate representative.
When I finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.
Then, the spotlight shifted amidst gasps from the crowd.
Following the light, I turned my head… and saw Hugo.
He was walking toward me in a suit, holding a bouquet of roses, his eyes filled with deep affection.
For a moment, it felt as if time rewound to the past–to the moment I had first fallen for him.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Hugo held out the roses, carefully watching my expression as he said, “Katherine, I’m
back.”
Then, he took out a jewelry box and reverently retrieved a diamond ring—the one I had handcrafted for him.
His voice trembled slightly as he continued, “I even got our ring back. Will you come back to me?”
The crowd, unaware of the full story, erupted in cheers. “Say yes!”
I simply smiled, stepped down from the stage, and walked away.
Panic flickered in Hugo’s eyes as he rushed after me, grabbing my hand.
“Look at this—it’s the ring you made for me. Are you really going to throw it away?”
I answered without hesitation, “Have you forgotten? I said that no matter who I’m with, it will never be you.”
Hugo pleaded desperately. “I gave up my job for you! Just say the word, and I’ll stay abroad!”
Then, to my astonishment, he dropped to his knees, looking up at me with pleading eyes.
“I’ve already cut ties with Sophia–she’s gone. She’ll never appear in our lives again. As long as you say yes, we can finally be happy together.
1/2
Chapter 8
+15 Bonus
“I guarantee, no one else will ever love you the way I do. So, why not give us another chance, Katherine?”
His words tumbled out in a rush, as if afraid I would slip away the moment he paused.
I shook him off coldly. “Move. If you block my way for one more minute, I’ll call the police for harassment.”
With a loud thud, Hugo collapsed onto the ground.
His eyes widened in disbelief, and his face was streaked with tears.
“I spent ten years chasing after you. We could have had a good life together–what happened? How did things turn out like this?
But deep down, he knew the answer better than anyone.
He had to take responsibility for his own actions.
After that day, Hugo became almost obsessive. He continued to follow me relentlessly, asking the same questions over and over again.
“Katherine, do you really not love me anymore? What happened between us?”
I never answered. Instead, I called the police.
Eventually, after being dragged to the station one too many times, he was forced to undergo a psychological evaluation.
Victoria flew in to take him away, sending him back home to receive treatment in a psychiatric hospital.
Before she left, she looked at me and asked, “Hugo’s actions weren’t that terrible. Why can’t you just forgive him?”
I stayed silent.
Some people couldn’t be reasoned with.
So, I chose action instead.
My forgiveness would never be given to those who hurt me.
