Chapter 3

On the following day of Verena's hospitalization, Stefan called her. "Where did you go? I bought your favorite cake, but I didn't see you when I got to your place."

Verena replied flatly, "I'm sick and in the hospital."

After asking for the address, Stefan hurried over.

He arrived with a thermal container, and he looked as gentle as ever. "I especially bought some soup for you. It's good for your stomach."

Verena looked at the soup Stefan handed over and felt it was laughable.

It was like giving a small consolation after a big disappointment. It was no different from taming an animal.

For so many years, she had been fed with such "sweet treats," so she lost herself and forgave his neglect and betrayal again and again.

Stefan always hurt her and then used a bit of insignificant kindness to make amends. So she always had illusions until she was hurt again.

She didn't want to continue like that.

Verena lifted her head and met Stefan's gaze.

Her voice was soft but unusually firm. "Stefan, let's break up."

Stefan's hand froze mid-air. He frowned in disbelief. "Why? Just because I didn't pick you up at the airport yesterday?"

In fact, Verena had many things she wanted to share with him. She wanted to tell him about how desperate she felt when she was shivering at the airport, how lonely she had been when she was left alone on her birthday, and how helpless she was when she was abandoned at a service area on New Year's Day.

But she had voiced her grievances countless times, only to be met with endless arguments.

For the last time, she wanted to keep some dignity and avoid another quarrel.

So she nodded and said calmly, "You are right. It's because you didn't pick me up at the airport."

Stefan's expression darkened. "Verena, how can you be so inconsiderate? I had important things to do. I didn't deliberately refuse to pick you up. "Forget it. You're upset right now, and I don't want to argue with you. Come to see me when you've thought things through."

After a pause, Stefan added, "I hope it won't take too long."

With that, he turned and left.

Verena shouted, "I'm serious."

But Stefan didn't look back and walked straight out of the hospital room.

Shortly after Stefan left, Verena's boss, James Norris, called her. "Verena, I've heard you're in the hospital. Is it serious? Don't worry about work. Focus on getting better now."

Verena responded, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Norris. The doctor says it's a stomach bug, and I'll just need a few days on a drip."

Then she tentatively asked, "Mr. Norris, about the overseas assignment you mentioned before, is it still possible for me to apply?"

James was clearly stunned at the other end of the line. He sounded surprised. "Why did you change your decision? I remember you said last time that you had someone you cared about here, so you didn't want to leave."

Verena replied softly, "I did have someone I couldn't bear to leave, but now the situation has changed."

James sensed her sadness and also the resolve in her voice.

He said, "It's great that you've come to this decision. The position is a level higher than your current one, and the salary is twice what you're earning now. It is an opportunity that many employees would fight to get. I'll start the process for you right away. You prepare yourself and go there in a month."

Verena said sincerely, "Thank you, Mr. Norris."

After hanging up, Verena felt a sense of clarity.

It was not as difficult as she had imagined to start a new life.