Chapter 3

Winona's POV

When I got home, it was already full daylight.

The house was quiet, just as it had been when I left for the ER.

Suddenly, my phone rang.

"Is this Miss Winona?" A capable female voice came through. "Regarding the three-year ecological photography expedition to Africa, we need final confirmation. Have you really thought this through? The conditions in the African wilderness are extremely harsh, and you'll need to be away from family and friends for an extended period."

I gripped my phone. "I've thought it through."

"Alright, we'll handle the visa on our end. We just need you to provide some documents. The departure date is set for the fifth of next month. Is that okay with you?"

The fifth of next month-two weeks from now.

I responded, "No problem."

After ending the call, I looked around every corner of the house.

I'd decorated this home bit by bit.

When I moved in four years ago, it was empty with only the most basic furniture.

I spent so much effort choosing curtain colors, selecting sofa styles, filling the balcony with plants, hanging my photography work on the walls.

I used to think this would be my forever home with River, that we'd live here together for a very long time.

But now, soon I'd be leaving forever.

I pulled out my suitcase and was halfway through packing when the door opened.

River stood in the doorway. Seeing my open suitcase, he froze. "What are you... doing?"

I paused. "Nothing much. Just felt like the house had too much stuff. It's been a while since I did a clean-out, so I'm throwing away things I don't use or need anymore."

He was about to ask more when his phone suddenly rang.

It was a special ringtone.

His expression shifted slightly. He picked up his phone and walked to the balcony to answer.

"Just got home. What's wrong?"

I continued organizing my camera equipment, pretending not to hear.

From the balcony, River's lowered voice came in fragments.

"The wound hurts? Is it infected... Don't worry, I'll come check on you right away... Okay, I know, just lie down and don't move..."

After the call ended, River walked back, his expression somewhat complicated.

I'd already finished cleaning my last lens and was carefully placing them into specially protected cases.

I looked up with a smile. "What's wrong? Something at the hospital?"

"It's Clara..." River hesitated. "She said her wound suddenly hurts a lot. It might be infected. I need to go check on her."

I looked at him and suddenly felt like such a failure.

Four years-over a thousand days and nights of companionship and devotion-couldn't earn a man's wholehearted love.

I nodded. "Then go quickly. Wound infection is no small matter. You can't delay."

"Winona, I..."

"Go on." I'd already stood up, zipping up my camera case. "Miss Clara needs you most right now. Don't keep her waiting."

In the past, if I heard he was going to see Clara, I would definitely have asked with red-rimmed eyes, "You just came back from the hospital. There are other doctors. Do you really need to go?"

But now, I just smiled and even reminded him not to keep Clara waiting.

"I'll be back as soon as possible." River nodded. "Let's have lunch together, okay? At that new Japanese restaurant you've been wanting to try."

I smiled. "Sure. But if you get held up there, it's fine. I can take care of myself."

River opened his mouth to say something but ultimately said nothing, turning and leaving the bedroom.

I stood there, listening to the sound of the car engine starting and gradually fading away.

Then I continued packing.