Chapter 2

"So what's your point? Is this your new way of dodging the divorce?" he asked.

I gave him a bitter smile. "Can't you just trust me one last time? When have I ever broken a promise to you?"

But my words only made Charles's expression sour even more.

He was silent for a moment, then looked away, his voice awkward as he said.

"If you want to revisit those places, fine. But even if you drag me through all those memories of when we were in love, it won't make me go soft on you."

My smile froze for a moment, then I nodded, my voice soft. "I get it.

"Just take a seven-day road trip with me, and I swear I'll let you go for good."

Charles was silent for a while, then shot a look at the bag hanging from my shoulder and frowned.

"You seriously think you can head to Bhodan with just that bag? That's nuts."

"I'll just buy whatever I need when we get there. And you, are you planning to wear that suit the whole trip? You'll have to change too, right?" I replied.

All I had in my bag were the basics, just my ID and a full set of makeup to cover up how ill I looked.

As for all those pricey clothes back home, there's really no reason to bring them along.

Truth is, I never meant to come back from the start.

I'd let my life flare up one last time in the rarefied air of the highlands.

After that, a Bhodaite would send me off with a sky burial.

I'd leave nothing behind.

The plane took off soon after, and a few hours later, we landed in Highland City.

I'd never had altitude sickness before, but this time, the moment I stepped off the plane, it hit me like a wave. I could barely breathe, and my stomach twisted in pain.

I grabbed my cancer meds from my bag, shook out two pills into my palm, and popped them in my mouth without water.

Charles, who was walking ahead, stopped in his tracks, surprised. "What are you taking?"

I paused for a moment, about to reply.

But Charles just snorted and said, "Let me guess, those little pills for your depression again?"

His mocking tone felt like an invisible hand squeezing my throat, leaving me speechless.

Days and nights filled with endless arguments had pushed me into severe depression.

At my lowest, I'd mix my pills into ice cream and spoon them into my mouth, only to vomit until I bled.

But none of it ever made Charles feel any pity or remorse for me.

To him, I was just some lunatic pretending to be depressed, desperate for pity.

So I just put the pills back in my bag and replied casually, "Just something for altitude sickness."

Maybe it was just my imagination, but Charles seemed to relax a little.

He slowed his pace. "I remember you never had altitude sickness before. Has your health really gotten this bad in just a few years?"

Funny how just a few years can turn lovers into strangers, and make all those promises of forever mean nothing.

Guess it's no surprise my body couldn't keep up either.

I didn't answer, just said, "Don't worry, I won't hold up the trip."

Charles frowned but didn't say anything.

We rented a car and changed into something more practical.

I ditched the designer dress and heels, slipping into a simple long skirt and white flats.

Charles swapped his suit for a windbreaker and hiking boots.

When we looked at each other again, we both got lost in thought for a moment.

For a split second, it was almost like we'd been transported back to the day we first met.

Back then, he wasn't the cold, distant CEO he is now, and I hadn't yet been worn down by life.

We were wild and free, living life with no restraints, loving each other with reckless abandon.

Charles looked at me, visibly moved, his eyes softening as if he was about to say something.

Even though I knew better, I felt a flicker of hope.

But then he said, "That dress looks good on you. Why not grab one for Sophia too?"

It was like someone dumped a bucket of ice water over me. My whole body instantly went numb.

He seemed to realize what he'd just said, frowned, and started to explain, "What I meant was..."

I cut him off right away. "Save it. If you want to get her one, just do it.

"But honestly, handing out something this cheap? Doesn't really scream 'Mr. Harper', does it?"

I really didn't want to hear his excuses. He'd just go on about how Sophia meant so much to him, as if I need to hear that again.

My tone was pretty sharp, and Charles's face fell, his brows furrowing right away.