Chapter 9
At Northway Diner, Thomas ordered all my favorite dishes.
He had looked after me often since I was thirteen and knew my tastes better than anyone.
If we'd never gotten together, he probably would've always just been like family to me.
And maybe I never would've realized what a coward he truly was.
When the food arrived, Thomas immediately rose to his feet and carefully served my plate and ladled soup into my bowl.
His voice was almost overly eager, so out of character for him. It felt strange.
"You used to love this place. Try it and see if it still tastes good to you. Or we could go home, and I'll cook for you. How about that?" he said.
I watched him fussing around, trying to act normal.
He probably thought he could hide how uneasy he was, but I could see right through him.
But I still said, "Thomas, after this meal, we're done for good.
"Don't come looking for me, and don't bother my dad either."
I didn't want my dad to be upset or angry.
So I had no intention of telling him about those five years.
But I knew if he ever found out, he'd despise Thomas way more than I ever could.
He absolutely couldn't stand seeing me get hurt.
Thomas said anxiously, "I know you care about that bracelet.
"I've already talked to Grace. Once my grandma's out of the hospital, she'll give the bracelet back to her."
I cut him off, my voice cool and distant. "Let's just have this meal quietly. No more talk about all that."
I'd known him for nearly twelve years.
No matter how resentful or hateful I felt toward him, he truly had taken great care of me over all those years.
That would be enough. Let it end here. We would each go our own way from then on.
Thomas slumped back into the chair across from me, looking completely defeated.
After a long pause, he still seemed unwilling to accept it. He looked up at me, his eyes full of determination.
He said, "Let me just say one thing. From now on, I'll keep my distance from Grace, no matter if you ever decide to give me another chance."
He still didn't mention his upcoming engagement.
But honestly, it didn't matter to me anymore.
From the moment my father was rushed into emergency care, fighting for his life, when I begged him for the tenth time to marry me, and he still turned me down, I had already given up on any future with him.
Five years was more than enough to freeze my heart completely.
I didn't respond and just focused on my meal in silence.
When the last bite was gone, it was finally time for us to part ways.
Thomas stared straight at me, his voice unwavering, as if making a solemn vow. "Whether you believe me or not, I swear I'll make it happen."
Before he could finish speaking, a woman hurried in from the door, identifying herself as a hospital aide.
She looked anxious, and when she saw me, she seemed like she wanted to say something, but stopped herself.
Thomas frowned. "What's wrong?"
The woman said urgently, "Grace has been with Olivia the whole time.
"She might be worn out. All of a sudden, she started having severe chest pain.
"She wants to go back and rest, and needs you to look after Olivia."
Thomas shot to his feet, his voice urgent. He blurted out, "She was born with a heart condition. If she's having chest pain, she needs a doctor right now. Why would she just go home to rest?
"Isn't the hospital attendant supposed to be with my grandma?"
The woman hesitated, her voice uncertain. "Grace wasn't comfortable leaving Olivia with the hospital attendant. She insisted on taking care of her herself."
Thomas' frown deepened, but he said coldly, "Just go. I'm not coming."
The woman left, looking disappointed.
But his mind was clearly elsewhere, and he kept glancing my way, unable to focus.
I took a slow sip of my soup, keeping my composure, and said quietly, "It's fine. Go ahead."
In truth, if he had truly wanted to change, he would have done so over these five years.
Having known him for so many years, I knew him inside out.
Thomas looked visibly relieved.
He said, "Nina, just wait for me, okay? I'll be right back.
"I just can't stop worrying about my grandma."
I nodded. "Okay."
Thomas hurried out.
At the door, he paused, turned back, and said, "Nina, wait for me."
I didn't respond.
He hurried away.
I quietly finished my meal, then sipped the last bit of soup in my bowl, feeling nothing but calm.
After that, I stood up and left the restaurant, not once looking back.
Without a second thought, I went to the Reed family, together with Casey.
We rode in the Reed family's car to the train station, bound for the far south, a thousand miles away.