We were only engaged, anyway. Irvin had cared for me for six years when I needed someone. I was sure that he wouldn't hurt me, nor would he seek to harm me.
Still, I harbored no strong feelings for him. Perhaps our feelings for each other had just faded away, which wasn't uncommon in relationships.
After all, I was already in my thirties. Gone were the days of intense passion or hatred.
"That's right. We were too young before. We had a lot of misunderstandings, and we almost lost each other. But after going through so much, we still stand by each other. Perhaps fate had given us another chance. In this case, shouldn't we try to start over again?" Irvin narrowed his eyes and extended his hand to me with a gentle and doting look. "Would you give me another chance to take good care of you for the rest of your life?"
Was this a confession?
His smile was so sincere that it eased my worries. I held his calloused hand, nodded with a smile and replied, "Yes."
After half a month of rehabilitation treatment, the doctor finally agreed to let me leave the hospital.
It was early autumn and the weather was pleasant.
I put on a soft cotton coat and wore a hospital gown. I sat in the front seat next to Irvin, who was driving.
My hair had grown to my shoulders and was wrapped up by the coat, making me feel slightly uncomfortable. When we stopped at a red light, I tied up my hair and brushed it behind my ears.
I rolled down the window and curiously observed my surroundings. Things felt both familiar yet strange at the same time. "I used to be in poor health, wasn't I? I must come and go to the hospital often. I feel like I've driven past here many times before."
"Yeah." Irvin turned his head and looked into my eyes for a few moments before he shifted his gaze away. "I didn't take good care of you in the past. It won't happen again. I won't leave you alone anymore."
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