Raeleigh sat on her bed while staring into space. She was aware that Jepherson had gone abroad to receive treatment and to avoid her, but he had not recovered after a month. She wondered if his condition was that severe.
The next morning, she tidied up her room. She kept the things she could take with her into a box. Raeleigh always stuck to the belief that people only got what they deserved.
If it hadn't been for Jepherson's sickness, then Santiago wouldn't have left, and she wouldn't have had the chance to pack up her belongings and leave without getting stopped.
After packing up, Raeleigh placed her things by the door and went to Novalie's room to chat with her. Cynthia and Scarlette stood by the door helplessly. They couldn't dissuade her from leaving, nor did they know what to do to prevent her from leaving.
"Raeleigh, I won't be able to explain it to Mr. Santiago if you leave abruptly this way. When he comes back later, he won't let it off easily." Scarlette was afraid that Santiago would call her to account for Raeleigh's departure. In addition, she wanted to let her know that she wouldn't be able to escape from the Richards siblings easily.
Raeleigh ignored her question. She kept her head down and continued to pack her belongings, implying that there was no room for negotiation.
After she was done packing, she turned around to look at Scarlette and Cynthia. "There is no reason for me to stay here anymore. If I don't leave now, then Santiago will not let me go when he comes back. I know that you guys have good intentions, and that we can take care of each other here but I do not want to live here anymore. I wish to start my own life and go back to normal."
She glanced at Xanthus, who had already come upstairs to bring her luggage down.
Scarlette and Cynthia followed her gaze and looked at him.
"But if you leave, Mr. Santiago won't let us off when he comes back," said Scarlette. Raeleigh looked at her and said, "That's not what you actually think."
Scarlette frowned as she heard Raeleigh words. "You're right. But anyway, you shouldn't leave like this. Even if Mr. Jepherson doesn't love you anymore, you should clarify it with him. Don't you think it's a cowardly act to leave without solving the problem?"
"I don't think so. We aren't meant to be. It's a mistake from the beginning. Now, we can finally put a stop to this mistake." Raeleigh placed another suitcase outside for Xanthus to bring it down. Then, she went into Novalie's room and helped her up.
"Grandma, let's leave." Raeleigh held Novalie's hand and walked towards the door. Scarlette and Cynthia had no choice but to give way to them. Neither of them called Santiago to inform him that she was leaving.
They sent Raeleigh off at the door. Raeleigh went out from the yard while helping Novalie with her footing. She was adamant and persistent. Not once did she look back to have a final look before leaving.
"Raeleigh..."
Scarlette called her name as she was about to get in the car.
Raeleigh's eyes were fixed on Scarlette for a moment. "Hadrian treats you well. Cherish him while there's still a chance, or it'll be too late."
Scarlette didn't answer. She watched as Raeleigh left.
Cynthia said, "She is disappointed."
Scarlette looked back at Cynthia. "What should we do? Should we tell Mr. Santiago?"
"He'll be worried if we tell him now. Since Raeleigh has made up her mind, we'd better let her have her own space for a few days. It's just her safety that concerns me." Cynthia was terror-stricken at the thought of her brother's unscrupulous act.
"I am going to look for Raeleigh. I will protect her." Scarlette turned around and got into the car, and followed after Raeleigh. Cynthia walked a few steps forward and watched her leave.
Serra stood inside the villa and wiped her tears, wondering why Raeleigh left all of a sudden.
Cynthia paused for a few moments. She could feel the sense of desolation in the wind. Then, she turned around and went back into the villa. When she noticed Serra tearing up at the door, Cynthia approached her. "Stop crying. Those who're destined to go wouldn't stay no matter what you do, and those who're fated to return would always return. I cannot explain my feelings but this doesn't seem like a permanent departure to me."
With that, Cynthia entered the villa. She looked at the deserted villa and couldn't help but to feel lonely.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Cutie, Please Marry Me Again (Jenna and Hansen)