Chapter 320
Joshua’s side story.
I would never forget that summer when I was sixteen. That afternoon, I was cornered by a group of thugs outside school. I got a brutal beating simply because I had refused to give them money the previous semester. It was a bloody scene and many passersby chose to ignore it.”
That was when she suddenly appeared in my world. Tiny and frail, her oversized school uniform hanging loosely on her. Yet, she was so brave. She shouted at them, “I already called the police! You better stop right now!“}]
The thugs turned to look at her. Their gazes were dark and menacing, but she didn’t back down. After they ran off, she helped me up, looking at my bruised and bloody face with concern, comforting me. From then on, I remembered her.
The next time we met, she was introduced to me as a potential match. Elegant and mature, her long ponytail was neat. She wasn’t very talkative, but just sitting there, I found myself drawn to her.“]
I suppressed my excitement, afraid of scaring her away with my eagerness. Only God knew how much I wanted her. With our families‘ approval, we got married quickly. I knew she didn’t have feelings for me, but I was careful to treat her well, believing that with time, I could win her heart.
I memorized everything she liked. I secretly watched all her little reactions, whether she smiled or got upset. Every expression of hers was adorable. We were truly happy, but then, I lost my memory.”
I forgot her. My world became a blank canvas. Everyone told me that I loved Zafrielle. They said that Evelyn had schemed and forced me into marriage. They said that if it weren’t for her, Zafrielle and I would have been blissfully happy. They said that Evelyn had ruined my life.
How foolish I was to believe them. I started to hurt Evelyn. I stayed with Zafrielle. I deliberately provoked her. I told her I wanted a divorce, but she was always so quiet and obedient. Even when I asked for a divorce, she only pursed her lips and held back her anger. She never lashed out at me. I was furious, though only I knew that I was angry at myself. Why didn’t she say a word in her defense?!
Then, one day, they told me she was dead. Evelyn was dead. The woman who had always been gentle, who had silently endured everything, was gone. I should’ve been happy. Nothing could prevent me from being with Zafrielle now that she was gone, but why did my heart ache so much that I could barely breathe?
Then, I regained my memories. I remembered everything; I remembered how deeply and earnestly I had loved Evelyn. Still, it was too late. She was gone. Later, I saw her at Shawn’s wedding. To be honest, watching her marry another man didn’t hurt as much as I expected. I was relieved because she was alive. I thought she still loved me, that she was just angry and wanted to make me jealous. I tried everything to win her back, but she stood in front of me and told me word by word that she liked Shawn from the beginning.
At that moment, it felt like my soul was ripped from my body. Even though I wanted to die, I smiled when I heard Shawn remark, “Sierra, I love you,” and saw her content with someone else.
I was the one who lost Evelyn Sutherland. If she could find happiness as someone else’s Sierra Salvatore, then I would let her be happy. Now, I visit her grave every day, talking to her about everything she loved, even though she couldn’t answer me.
“Evelyn, I finally understand. As long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter if that happiness comes from me or someone else.“} (The End)