A Love That Fades

My childhood sweetheart and younger brother both fell in love with the underprivileged student who moved into our home. After she took my family and fiancé away from me, I chose to disappear from their lives forever. But after I left, the fiancé who once told me he wished I were dead went mad trying to find me. Chapter 1 "Mr. Langley, I've decided to turn over my patent to the government and join the National Medical Research Institute." The principal, Edward Langley, stood up excitedly. "That's wonderful, Miss Carter! Your patent will save hundreds, if not thousands, of patients. "But this is a top-secret national research institute. You'll need to go incognito for at least three years. The journey starts in ten days. Are you sure you don't need to discuss this with your boyfriend or family?" "That won't be necessary." Selena Carter gave a bitter smile. That place was no longer somewhere she could call home. Last year, her family had been sponsoring an underprivileged student, Vanessa Johnson. After Vanessa's parents died in a car accident, Selena's father took her in. Unlike Selena, who always kept to herself and focused on her work, Vanessa was good at winning people over. In less than a year, she had become the heart and soul of the Carter family. Not only did Selena's father treat Vanessa well, but even Selena's fiancé, Ian Lowell, and her younger brother Ryan had fallen for Vanessa. There was one time when Vanessa had broken Selena's late mother's portrait. Yet her father had dismissed it, saying the past should be left behind and ordered the entire memorial altar to be removed. Even the patent Selena developed in memory of her mother—the cardiac stent she had spent years perfecting—Vanessa had wanted to take for herself. To force Selena into giving it up, Ian had even threatened to break up with her. Family ties and lifelong promises couldn't compete with sweet words and manipulation. Selena was tired of fighting. She just wanted to leave and set herself free. When she arrived home, the contrast was stark. While she stood alone, the dining room was filled with warmth and laughter. Her family was celebrating Vanessa's one-year anniversary of joining the Carter family. No one had remembered that today was also Selena's birthday. Since her mother's passing, no one had ever given her a birthday gift or celebrated for her again. She saw Ian and Ryan sitting on either side of Vanessa, their smiles warm as they handed her presents. Selena's face was devoid of any emotion. As she walked past the dining room, her father, Zachary Carter, called out to her. "I told you to talk to Mr. Langley and transfer the patent to Vanessa. Did you do it?" Selena shook her head. "The patent isn't mine anymore." Hearing this, everyone assumed she had done what they wanted and given it to Vanessa. Ian was so excited that he hugged Vanessa. "That's great! This is a national-level patent! With this, your future in school and work is guaranteed. Congratulations!" Selena watched coldly and turned to leave. Vanessa suddenly cut a slice of mango cake and brought it to over. "Selena, thank you for everything you've done for me. This is for you." The moment they were out of everyone's sight, Vanessa dropped her sweet facade, her expression full of provocation. She was basking in her victory. Selena's expression remained cold. "Take it away." Vanessa had been with her when she received her medical report two days ago. No one else but Vanessa knew she was allergic to mangoes. "What's with the attitude, Selena? I was the one who told you to give the patent to Vanessa. If you're angry, take it out on me," Ian stood up and came over, staring at Selena coldly. Vanessa wiped away her tears and spoke with a trembling voice. "Don't blame Selena, Ian. If anyone is at fault, it's me. There was never anything in this house that belonged to me. I know Selena has always thought my things were dirty. I'm sorry, Selena. If you don't like me, I'll leave today. "I don't want to be a parasite. I just wanted to repay Mr. Carter's kindness. I'm really sorry." "Vanessa, this is your home. If anyone dares to drive you out, I won't stand for it!" Ryan immediately grabbed her hand. Zachary slammed his fork on the table in frustration. "Everyone was having a good time, and you just had to come back and ruin it!" he shouted. "When will you finally grow up? How did I end up with such a petty, insensible daughter like you? Eat the cake and apologize to Vanessa!" Selena met her father's gaze and saw only disgust. Although she had already decided to leave this toxic family, her hands still trembled uncontrollably. It felt like a massive hand was squeezing her heart. Through clenched jaws, she forced out the words, "What if I refuse?" A slap landed across her face. Before she could even react, Zachary grabbed the piece of cake and shoved it into her mouth. The attack was so sudden that Selena barely had time to register what was happening before her lips went numb. Her breathing grew labored. Soon, her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed. Vanessa feigned concern. "Selena, are you okay? Should I call an ambulance for you?" "Leave her alone. She's just putting on an act. Let's continue." - The voices around her were a chaotic blur. Selena barely managed to crawl back to her room. With trembling hands, she opened her drawer, took out her medicine, and swallowed it before using the last of her strength to dial emergency services. She lay there, her expression numb, and stared blankly at the ceiling. Ten more days, and she could finally leave this cold, heartless place. She could finally escape from these rotten people and go somewhere nobody would find her. These people were blood relatives who felt like strangers and a lover full of empty lies. She didn't need any of them anymore. Chapter 2 At some point, Selena lost consciousness. In her dazed state, she had a dream. She dreamed of the time in middle school when an article she had written was published in a medical journal. Excited, she brought the journal home, but no one in her family could understand it. They glanced at it briefly before tossing it aside. Only her mother read it for a long time. In the end, she stroked Selena's head, eyes filled with love, and praised her. Curious, Selena asked, "Mom, can you understand medical journals?" Her mother shook her head and said in a gentle voice, "I don't understand what you wrote, but I recognize the spot where your name is printed." Even after many years, she still remembered that afternoon. Now, her articles were published in one journal after another. But the person who used to stroke her head and praise her was no longer there. "Mom–" When Selena woke up, there were still tears at the corners of her eyes. The first thing she saw was a young man looking at her with concern. It was Henry Zimmer, her junior who currently interned at the hospital. "Selena, your family is way too heartless," he said angrily. "I heard from the paramedics that you were on the verge of death, but they were busy having a family dinner and didn't care at all. "You were in a coma for two days, and not a single one of them have come to see you." Hearing his furious complaints, Selena remained expressionless. Her unusual reaction made Henry's heart ache. Perhaps this reflected her feelings of despair and disappointment. "Selena, I bought you some soup. You need to eat something." Before Selena could respond, Henry had already scooped up a spoonful soup and brought it to her lips, leaving her no room to refuse. She had no choice but to open her mouth. Slowly, Henry's figure in front of her overlapped with a person from her past. When her mother had just passed away, Selena had clung to the funeral portrait like she was possessed, refusing to eat, drink, or go to school. Furious, her father had beaten her with a belt until she was covered in wounds. Even Ryan had been so scared that he crouched in the corner, too afraid to make a sound. It was Ian who had stormed into the Carter family's home, using his body to shield her. He had taken her back to his house and personally fed her. Back then, Ian had been the light in her life. She never would have thought that the person who once promised to stay by her side forever would fall in love with someone else. "Selena, who is he?" A cold voice pulled her back to reality. Ian stood at the door of the hospital room. His expression was dark. After falling for Vanessa, he had already made up his mind to end things with Selena. And yet, seeing Henry gently feeding her soup, Ian felt a sharp pain in his heart. It was as if something that should have belonged to him had been forcibly taken away. Henry was about to explain, but Ian strode forward without a word and slapped the soup bowl away. The ceramic bowl shattered, shards flying everywhere. Selena couldn't dodge in time, and a long gash appeared on her arm. Blood gushed out. The pain sent shivers through her body. Ian never even spared her a glance. His dark, oppressive gaze was fixed on Henry as he issued a harsh command, "Get out." His tone made it seem as though Selena was nothing more than his possession, one that no one else was allowed to touch. But at that moment, his phone rang. After answering, his expression changed drastically. "Vanessa is feeling guilty. Her depression spiraled, and she overdosed on pills. I need to go with her to the hospital for gastric lavage. I'll come see you later, okay?" There was no trace of concern for Selena in his voice. It was only a statement of fact. Selena clutched her bleeding arm and looked at his heartless face. Then, she let out a bitter laugh. "Alright." What was there to be sad about? 'Ian, in just eight more days, you won't have to keep up this act anymore.' Chapter 3 Selena's hollow gaze met Ian's. His gaze wavered for a moment. But then he thought of Vanessa, who was also in the hospital. Clenching his jaw, he turned and left without hesitation. Henry watched in shock. He had secretly liked Selena for a long time. But after hearing that she had a childhood sweetheart and that their relationship had always been strong, he had forced himself to suppress his feelings. Once, he had been so jealous of this man he had never even met. Yet, he never would have thought that in Selena's moment of greatest need, this man would leave her to care for another woman. Selena's wound was still bleeding, but she seemed completely numb to the pain. Her eyes looked lifeless. Henry's heart ached so much that his lips trembled. He couldn't imagine how deeply Ian must have hurt Selena to turn his once bright and cheerful senior into this hollow shell. "Selena, I'll go get some gauze and dress your wound." After her wound was treated, Selena asked Henry to help her with the discharge paperwork. Before leaving, Henry gently held her back to talk. He knew the Carter family had no place for her anymore. If she didn't mind, she could stay here for a few days. He was willing to take care of her. However, Selena merely smiled and shook her head. She didn't want to drag Henry into this. It was enough that she alone bore the pain. - Back at the Carter family home, Selena received a text from Zachary. "Vanessa just had her gastric lavage. She needs someone to take care of her, so we won't be coming home tonight. I left some food for you in the kitchen. Eat when you get home." On the dining table, there were only a few scraps of vegetables, meat, and a bowl of cold soup. It wasn't food left for her. It was Vanessa's leftovers. Selena showed no expression. She had long used to this long ago. Since the day Vanessa arrived at the Carter family home through a sponsorship program, Zachary had doted on her. He said she had grown up in the mountains and had been malnourished since childhood. So, whenever there was good food, Vanessa was given priority. Selena was older, so she was expected to be understanding. She was expected to willingly give up everything. Selena had never been the type to fight for anything. So all she could do was watch as Vanessa took everything from her. Even her former bedroom had been given to Vanessa. Selena had been moved to the shabby attic with its hard wooden bed. Perhaps in Zachary's eyes, Vanessa—sweet-tongued and good at winning people over—was the ideal daughter he had always wanted. Just then, the door opened. Her younger brother, Ryan, walked in carrying a bag. When he saw Selena, he froze for a moment. Then, his expression darkened in irritation, as if he had seen something disgusting. "I'm just here to grab some toiletries for Vanessa. "And by the way, Ian asked me to pass on a message. He's done with you. You should just let it go. Vanessa's depression has relapsed, and he can't leave her side right now. "This is something you gave him before. He told me to return it to you." He pulled out a tape recorder and handed it to Selena. It was the first gift she had ever given Ian. Back then, she'd had no money to buy anything expensive. She had saved up half a year's worth of breakfast money just to buy this tape recorder and had recorded all of Ian's favorite songs on it. She still remembered how Ian had cried as he hugged her, swearing that he would cherish this gift for a lifetime. And now? Not only had he broken that promise, but he couldn't even be bothered to return it to her himself. Chapter 4 Selena's gaze was filled with mockery. Now that she was thoroughly disappointed, she no longer had any expectations for Ian. She calmly uttered two words. "Got it." Ryan, however, looked at her in disbelief. "Ian took such good care of you all these years, and that's all you have to say? Selena, ever since Mom passed away, you've been acting so strange. "Vanessa nearly lost her life because of you, and you haven't even shown any concern for her. I get it now. You blame Vanessa for stealing our family's love from you, and deep down, you're hoping she dies, aren't you? "She's already suffered so much, yet you're still jealous of her? When did you become so evil?" Hearing this, Selena suddenly found it laughable. If Vanessa had truly intended to take her own life by overdosing, then why was the dosage so precisely controlled? Why was it just enough for her to be found by the Carter family in time? For years, Vanessa had been using such despicable tactics to slowly steal the affection of everyone in the family. By now, it was second nature to her. Besides, no matter how much Selena explained, it would be pointless. Just like now, she hadn't even said a word, yet she had already been branded as the villain. Even staying silent was a crime. As Ryan was about to leave, his voice turned cold, as if he had completely given up on her. "Do you know how much I wished that the person who donated blood for me that day was you, and not Vanessa? You're my real sister, but when I was in danger, you hid away. I hate you." With a loud slam of the door, Ryan walked away without ever looking back. Six months ago, Ryan had been hit by an out-of-control car. He had lost a massive amount of blood and had been in critical condition. The hospital's blood supply had been running low, and they had still needed forty seven ounces of blood. Originally, Zachary and Selena had planned to donate together. But after just seven ounces, Zachary had started shouting that he couldn't take it anymore and had the doctor remove the needle. Selena, on the other hand, had already been losing consciousness after twenty seven ounces. But thinking of her younger brother lying on that hospital bed, she had clenched her jaw and forced herself to hold on, letting the doctors take a total of forty one ounces from her. When she had woken up, she had found herself in an unfamiliar ward. There hadn't been a single person by her side. It turned out that Zachary, wanting his son to get along with the newly arrived Vanessa, had lied and told Ryan that it was Vanessa who had saved his life by donating blood. After being discharged, Selena had forced herself to go find Ryan and explain everything. But all she had gotten in return was a slap across the face. With tears streaming down his face, he had screamed at her, demanding to know why she wasn't there when he needed her the most. Why did Vanessa have to give him so much blood, nearly losing her own life in the process? Fighting back the bitter chill in her heart, Selena had told him to check the hospital records. He would know the truth then. But to this day, he had never done so. Instead, he wholeheartedly believed that a fifth of his blood came from Vanessa. In his mind, his own sister was nothing but a cold-blooded traitor who had abandoned him. No matter what she did or said, it was always seen as malicious. It didn't matter anymore. Selena was done explaining. She was done with all of it. Selena sat on the couch in the empty house. There wasn't a trace of warmth left in this place. Outside, the wind howled against the windows. She closed her eyes and covered her ears. But she still couldn't escape the suffocating pressure that pressed down on her. It felt so strong, as if it could crush her at any moment. Since no one in this family cared about her or needed her anymore, she might as well disappear forever. Chapter 5 Selena's phone buzzed. It was a post from Vanessa, letting everyone know she was fine. "Thank you all for your concern. I'm okay now. And thank you, Ian, for always being by my side when I need you. I'll use the rest of my life to repay you." The attached photo showed Vanessa lying in a hospital bed, her fingers intertwined with Ian's as he sat beside her. They looked like the perfect couple. Selena barely glanced at it before locking her phone and tossing it aside. She and Ian were over. Whatever Vanessa's intentions were—whether to flaunt her victory or provoke her—Selena didn't care. She would feel neither joy nor sorrow. That night, she made herself a warm dinner and went to bed. For the first time in years, with the house empty, she finally slept soundly. The next morning, she brewed herself a cup of hand-ground coffee, sat in a wicker chair in the yard, and listened to the morning radio as she stretched. For the first time, free from the weight of family burdens, she truly enjoyed the feeling of simply being alive. She should have done this long ago. After breakfast, she returned to her room, intending to gather all the gifts Ian had given her and send them back to him. But as she went through them, she realized there were barely any. The few gifts he had given her over the years were nothing but cheap trinkets, things that had meant the world to her at the time, things she had carefully stored away in a drawer like treasures. Yet now, as she pulled them out, she saw they had yellowed with age, mold creeping along their edges. It was just like Ian's so-called love. Selena shook her head. Ian was a germaphobe. He wouldn't want them back. So, she tossed everything into a metal bin, along with every photo of them together, and set it all ablaze. The flames roared, devouring every last trace of the past. Once this was over, she went to collect the paperwork to withdraw from school. She planned to spend the last few days traveling and clearing her mind. She was scrolling through travel guides when Ian showed up. Unlike her, relaxed and at peace, he looked like he hadn't slept all night. Ryan had told him about the returned gifts and how Selena had barely reacted. He didn't believe it. He knew how much she had loved him. He couldn't accept that she would be so indifferent. However, he saw the burned gifts and photos in the metal bin outside. These were things Selena had once cherished, but now she had discarded them like garbage. "Why did you burn everything?" His voice trembled. Selena lifted her gaze to his pale face. "They were moldy, so I burned them," she said in a flat voice. Ian froze. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he scoffed. "You did this on purpose. You knew I'd come, so you put on this whole act, trying to play hard to get, hoping I'd come back to you. Selena, why do you always have to be so unreasonable?" He turned to leave, frustration boiling over, until his eyes landed on the papers on her coffee table. It was the withdrawal paperwork. His mind went blank. "You're withdrawing from school? Was it because we asked you to hand over the patent to Vanessa?" His voice was shrill. "Say something. Where are you going?" Panic surged through him as he grabbed her arm. Selena was right in front of him. He could see her and touch her. Yet, for some reason, he had this feeling that she would disappear forever. Chapter 6 Selena wasn't planning to tell him the truth just yet. "I'm a little tired. I'm taking time off from school for a few days to travel nearby. I won't go far." She turned her phone around and showed him the travel guide she had been reading. Seeing that she wasn't lying, Ian finally relaxed a little and let go of her arm. "That's more like it. I knew you wouldn't be so petty. It's just a patent. You can always come up with another one." Just then, his phone rang. It was Ryan from the hospital. "Ian, where did you go? Vanessa woke up and freaked out when she didn't see you. Her condition got worse, and now she's throwing herself against the walls. She's bleeding a lot. Get back here now!" Ian rushed to leave, but before stepping out, he turned back to remind Selena, "Go ahead and travel if you want, just don't go too far from home." Selena smiled without saying a word. 'Don't worry. I won't go too far. Just far enough that you'll never find me.' As he passed by the pile of burned ashes in the courtyard, Ian frowned, feeling strangely uneasy. But he quickly brushed it off. She had already been so heartless. There was no reason for him to feel guilty about someone like her. Yet, he still couldn't shake the feeling that Selena was hiding something from him. 'Don't overthink it. Where could she even go? Right now, taking care of Vanessa is what matters. I can't afford to get distracted.' With that thought in mind, Ian turned away and left Selena behind once again. - Over the next few days, Selena joined a tour group and visited all the major landmarks in the city. Everyone around her was her age, and the atmosphere was lively. They watched the sunset from mountaintops, sang songs, and barbecued under the stars. Here, there was no family to disappoint her and no love to break her heart. The more she experienced, the more she realized that people should live for themselves. The last stop of the trip was a high-end restaurant by a garden. Selena found a seat by the window, ready to enjoy a quiet afternoon. The restaurant doors swung open. It was Vanessa. Today was also the day she was due to be discharged from the hospital. The entire family was here to celebrate. They took the most prominent table in the room. There were gifts, champagne, and a cake. Everything Selena had never received was now laid out in front of Vanessa. She was like a princess with endless treasures at her feet. Zachary poured Vanessa a drink. Ian frowned at the sight. "Zachary, Vanessa just got out of the hospital. She shouldn't be drinking." "Oh, come on," Zachary scoffed. "If she doesn't drink with me, this wine will just go to waste. If that's the case, why don't you drink on her behalf?" "Don't worry, Ian." Vanessa leaned in close to Ian, her voice soft. "Zachary is in a good mood today. I don't want to spoil the fun. Just a little won't hurt." The way she pressed close to Ian made it obvious that they were a loving couple. Ryan immediately chimed in, "Forget the drink. Why don't you two just kiss instead?" Zachary's eyes lit up. "Now that's a good idea. If you kiss, I won't make Vanessa drink." Vanessa's face turned bright red, but she didn't refuse. Instead, she glanced up at Ian, her gaze filled with coy anticipation. Ian felt his throat go dry under her heated stare. As he hesitated, Vanessa suddenly leaned in and kissed him. Ian was caught off guard and instinctively wanted to push her away. But as her soft lips pressed against his, her warm body molding against him, he finally gave in to her advances. His breath quickened, and his resolve crumbled. He kissed her back just as passionately. Chapter 7 Before, Selena had once given him a light peck on the cheek in front of their friends without asking first, and Ian had been so angry that he had ignored her for days. So, it turned out Ian was never the reserved type. He was only as cold as ice when it came to her. Selena felt sick. She got up and walked toward the exit. As she stepped outside, Ian caught sight of her. Startled, he shoved Vanessa away. Only then did the others notice Selena's presence. Just as she reached the door, Vanessa caught up and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Selena, it's not what you think–" "Let go." Selena frowned. She was unwilling to listen to any explanation. However, Vanessa refused to let go. Instead, her grip tightened. "Tell me, if I fell down right here, do you think your family would believe it was you who pushed me?" The moment those words left her mouth, Vanessa let out a piercing scream and dramatically threw herself backward, shattering the restaurant's glass wall. When the Carter family rushed over, they were met with a gruesome sight. Vanessa lay amidst the shattered glass, blood streaming from her head. Her body was covered in deep cuts. "Selena, are you insane? Were you trying to kill her?" Ryan shrieked and rushed to cradle Vanessa in his arms. Selena hadn't even spoken before Zachary slapped her across the face. "Vile woman." The force sent Selena crashing to the ground, blood spilling from her mouth mixed with a broken tooth. She opened her mouth to explain. But when she met the eyes of her own family, she saw that they were filled with hatred, fury, and an almost desperate desire to tear her apart. The words got stuck in her throat. Her blood relatives only believed Vanessa, an outsider. No matter what she said, it would be seen as a lie and a crime beyond redemption. Nestled in Ryan's embrace, Vanessa let out a choked sob. "Selena, if you hate me, just say so. I'll disappear from this world forever. If you blame me for taking Ian away, I can give him back to you. As long as it makes you happy, I'll do anything. Please just don't hit me again." Her pitiful performance left the Carter family on the verge of tears. "Selena, did you do this because you think Vanessa stole me from you?" Ian looked at Selena in disbelief. Selena stared blankly at him. Then, she let out a chuckle, spitting blood as she laughed. It turned out laughing was still possible even when one was emotionally numb. Seeing her laughing at a time like this only deepened Ian's disappointment. "You know, I don't even hate you anymore," he said. "What I hate is my past self. How blind I was to have ever loved someone as vile as you. You should just die. I hope you drop dead this very second." With that, he turned away and left, carrying Vanessa to the hospital with the rest of the Carter family. Selena watched them leave, but her laughter wouldn't stop. Passersby thought she had lost her mind. She lay there for a long time and couldn't get up. Her heart had been torn to shreds and left in ruins. It was so hollow and broken that it no longer felt pain. Her gaze held neither hatred nor anger. Instead, there was only a numb indifference. It didn't matter anymore. In three days, they would never see her ever again. - When she returned home, the laughter inside immediately fell silent. Everyone turned to look at her with the same expression. 'How do you still have the nerve to come back?' She was like a stray dog that had been beaten and thrown out, only to crawl back on broken legs. Chapter 8 Selena ignored everyone and returned to the attic—her own small space—where she tended to her wounds alone. After finishing everything, she lay on the bed and stared blankly at the night sky that was soaked in darkness. She wanted time to pass faster. She wanted to leave this cold-blooded family as soon as possible. - Over the next three days, the Carter family busied themselves with preparations for Vanessa's college admission banquet. Zachary truly adored her. He even announced his plans to formally adopt her, saying she was a hundred times better than his own daughter. On the day of the banquet, even Zachary, who had never once attended a parent-teacher meeting for Selena, dressed up in an expensive custom-made suit. No one came to invite Selena. It was as if everyone had forgotten she even existed in this house. Right before they left, Vanessa knocked on the attic door. Gone was the usual timid, obedient look on her face. "Selena, get on your knees and beg me. I can make Dad forgive you." Seeing Selena remain indifferent, Vanessa smirked. "You know, you're better than me in every way, but the one thing you lack is the ability to calm your ego and fawn over others. "That's why you can only stand by and watch as I take your lover, your family, and even your patent away from you. "I truly wonder, why are you even still alive? You're living like a stray dog. Do you actually find that fun? Hahaha!" Vanessa said a lot. She wasn't afraid of these words getting out. No one would believe anything Selena said now. It wasn't until Ryan called for her that Vanessa finally left, heading off with the Carter family to the banquet. After Vanessa left, Selena reached under her bed and retrieved a running voice recorder. She pressed a button to stop the recording. Today was the day she would leave this city. Before she left, she wanted the Carter family to see just what kind of wicked person Vanessa was. Thirty minutes later, a car from the National Medical Research Institute arrived. Seeing that Selena had only brought along her mother's portrait, the staff member looked surprised. "We're leaving now. Are you sure you don't need to pack anything else?" "I'm sure." She hugged the portrait tightly and nodded. Other than the portrait, there was nothing else she wanted to take with her. After arriving at the airport, Selena sat in the waiting lounge and basked in the warmth of the sunlight. This was the beginning of her new life. Just then, Ian called. Yesterday, he had gone back to the restaurant and checked the surveillance footage. Only then had he realized that Vanessa had thrown herself into the glass. It had had nothing to do with Selena. "Let's meet after the banquet. I went too far with my words that day, and I want to apologize. "By the way, I missed your birthday. I was too busy and forgot. I got you a present to make up for it." He wasn't worried that Selena would reject him. He knew her too well. In the past, no matter how he upset her, as long as he coaxed her, she would always come back to him without exception. But this time, Selena remained completely silent. The eerie silence made Ian's heart clench with unease. Just then, the boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. Ian's face turned pale as he heard it through the phone. "Wait, what was that sound? Where are you right now?" Selena hung up the call, took out her phone chip, and snapped it between her fingers. The person she was now would no longer be swayed by false affections. Whether it was her father, her brother, or the childhood friend she once loved, she no longer wanted to see any of them. With that thought, she turned and walked away. She never looked back.