“It must be a fight with Shirley. It could be that he failed to convince the Robins to accept her or for some other reason. The two of them had a big fight and broke up,” Matthew elucidated. Veronica rested her head on his arm and thought for a moment. I’ll ask Shirley later.”
“Okay.” Matthew agreed as his gaze traced to her loose and messy pajamas, which was fazing him. “Is it time to solve your husband’s problem now?”
Speechless, she was on the verge of going crazy. Why is he never out of energy?! Her rosy lips curved upward flatteringly. “Close your eyes first.”
Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Roni, is this a new game? Alright. I’m curious to see what surprise you have for me today.” He tapped the tip of her nose before closing his eyes.
Pursing her lips, she sat up. Matthew guessed she was going to finish their unfinished business from last night, so he let go of her. To his surprise, she seized the opportunity to lift the blanket and quickly ran to the bathroom.
Matthew reached out to grab her. The hem of her nightgown skimmed across his fingertips. He watched as she went into the bathroom and locked the door, laughing heartily. Her cheerful laughter infected him, elevating his mood as well.
The next morning, Veronica contacted Shirley, , but the line couldn’t get through. It was then that she noticed an unread text message from Shirley.
Roni, when you see this message, I have already left Bloomstead. I know that my body and looks cannot be recovered. I don’t want to stay in Bloomstead either. I am afraid of meeting the people I know here, so I guess it’s better to go to a new place and start life anew.
‘In a strange place, where no one knows me; where I am not afraid of those weird looks from others. I will be able to live more freely. And I still have the money you gave me before, the money you gave me is enough for me to spend a lifetime, so please don’t worry about me,
‘Leaving Bloomstead is a decision I made after careful consideration. I hope you won’t track me down just to look for me. Please stay out of my life. I know that you have always taken care of me like a sister. If you really do so, please don’t look for me anymore.
‘As for me, I will start a new life in a new place while wishing you all the best. ‘Roni, I wish you and President Kings. We shall meet again if fate allows.”
It was a long message. A pang of sadness hit Veronica as she read it. She couldn’t help but think of the letter Mateo left for her when he left the hidden clan.
Life was full of encounters and farewells, and what she least wished for was a farewell. The ones she considered as kindreds were Yvonne and Shirley.
Yvonne left without goodbye for over a year, and Veronica didn’t know when she would be able to meet Shirley again. After much hesitation, Veronica called. Matthew. “Matt, Shirley left.”
“Again?” It was not Shirley’s first time. Based on his previous experience, Matthew figured that she wouldn’t go far this time. “Don’t worry, I’ll ask Thomas to send someone to find her.”
Veronica sighed heavily and shook her head. “No. There’s no need for that. She sent me at long message when she left. She has made up her mind to leave. What she said is right, she can never recover her looks and body. The Robins won’t accept a poor girl with a disfigured face. It may not be bad for her to leave.”
