Chapter 227
Outside the hospital, the sycamore tree stood tall and lush, its branches filled with leaves. A few
sparrows were perched on a branch, their heads tucked into their wings, likely due to the cold weather.
The weather outside was as cold as Jasper’s icy and assertive tone.
“I won’t agree to breaking up!” he dered.
Eileen crossed her arms, averted her gaze, and turned around. “That’s not what I meant,” she rified.
“What I’m suggesting is that we give each other some time. There are things we need to figure out.
When we’re apart, we should also contemte whether we truly are right for each other! Romantic
rtionships can’t amodate a third person. When you knew Nancy was in danger, you chose to
save her. From that, I know you haven’t let go of what happened in the past with her. I’m not devoid of
emotions. You and I are the same in that regard. We both wish to be the only ones that matter in each
other’s eyes.”
With a slight smile ying at the corners of her lips, Eileen added, “Why don’t you go and ask her
directly? If there’s a misunderstanding, it might just resolve your inner turmoil. Regardless, we will
always be like we were in the beginning.”
His gaze remained fixed on Eileen, unwavering. Eileen, in turn, also maintained her gaze, creating an
eerily silent atmosphere.
In reality, she said this for the sake of both of them. It was better to resolve all past issues now before
they became too deeply entangled with each other.
Otherwise, with Nancy constantly trying toe between them, their days would be filled with unrest.
This would also spare her from further humiliation.
If Jasper liked her yet couldn’t let go of his past feelings for Nancy, how was that any different from
emotional infidelity?
Fabian broke the silence, stepping forward to say, “Ms. Eileen, the situation is not as you perceive it to
be. Since what’s done is done, Mr. Smith will never look back. You should trust him.”
“Is that really so?” Eileen’s few words, along with her clear eyes that seemed to see through
everything, made his heart skip a beat.
“There are things that I’m fully aware of. Whether it’s during the New Year period, going abroad, or
leaving in the middle of the night to see her, if all these can’t prove that you can’t truly let go of her, then
I… I don’t know what else to say. I’ve already asked my father toe
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over and handle my discharge procedures. He should be here soon.”
Jasper stood up. “Is this what you really want?”
Eileen replied earnestly, “Yes!”
“Alright, as you wish.” With that, Jasper turned and left.
The previously oppressive atmosphere dissipated along with his departure.
Finally, quiet returned to the ward.
In reality, there was no oneing to pick her up. Eileen had been lying.
In the afternoon, when the sun was high, Eileenpleted the discharge procedures. All the expenses
had been paid, including some surgical fees. In her hand, she carried the
medication for treating depression.
She didn’t inform anyone about her discharge from the hospital.
Before leaving, Zachary handed her a business card. “Eileen, feel free to reach out to me anytime for
matters rted to mental health. I’m always at your service!”
Standing in front of the bus stop, Eileen subsequently tossed the business card she was holding into
the trash.
Only she herself knew her own situation.
She would find her own way out.
Outside the hospital, Zachary looked at the slender figure boarding the bus. He held hist phone to his
ear and was on a call. “Your girlfriend has discharged herself from the hospital. But it seems like she
had an argument with Jasper today. She handled the discharge. procedures all by herself. Isn’t this a
great opportunity for you to step in?”
Before he could receive a response, the call abruptly ended from the other side.
Eileen didn’t return to the Swan residence but instead went to the rental house. She took out her key
and opened the door, immediately greeted by the scent of fresh grass mixed with earth. The balcony
door was left open. As Eileen stepped inside, she saw that the nts on the balcony had already
bloomed.
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The room was spotless, cleaned to perfection, with only a school uniform, clearly not hers, casually
thrown over the blue couch.
Eileen thought of Elm. She walked over and picked up the school uniform, wondering how he was
doing now.
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As she reminisced about the past, she realized this room held more memories of her and Elm together.
He would cook in the kitchen or study and do his homework at the dining table. When tired, he would
lounge on the couch like a lord, sleeping until the first afternoon ss began.
In the blink of an eye, more than a week had already passed.
During this time, Eileen’s phone was always switched off. She hadn’t stepped out of her room. even
once, and she waspletely unaware of what was happening in the outside world.
She secluded herself in this small house, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the couch while
using her art to numb herself. Sometimes, she would paint for an entire day and night.
When she grew tired, she would go to sleep. When she felt hungry, she would simply whip up
something to eat.
She hadn’t touched anything rted to her sses.
Her hand brushed against the ss, and it was only then Eileen noticed the water inside was already
finished.
Eileen propped herself up from the couch, running her fingers through her hair that hadn’t been washed
for days. She was aplete mess, something she had never been before.
After pouring a cup of freshly boiled water, she remembered that it was time to take her medicine.
The table was littered with empty strips of antidepressants. She didn’t know when she would finally get
better.
In her current state, could it be considered as her having given up on herself?
Eileen herself didn’t know either.
Bang, bang, bang!
Someone was knocking at the door. Eileen popped out one of the antidepressants, but before she
could put it in her mouth, she went to answer the door.
Upon seeing the person who had arrived, the ke pill fell to the ground. Realizing her mistake, Eileen
quickly regained herposure, turned around to pick up the pill from the floor, wiped it on her paint-
stained clothes, and swallowed it with a sip of water.
Eric walked into the house and closed the door behind him. The room, which was slightly bright before,
now dimmed. The curtains were tightly drawn, and the lights were off. The room was in a state of
disarray, with unwashed dishes still in the sink and on the table.
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Eileen, who had always been fond of cleanliness, never imagined that one day she would be so
untidy.
Eric had never witnessed her in such a state before.
Eileen remained silent. She sat back down, picked up her paintbrush, and resumed working on the
painting on her easel.
“I received a call from your school informing me that you haven’t been attending for a week now. You
better provide me with an exnation.”
Eileen responded in a chilly tone, “There’s nothing to exin.”
“Do
you no longer wish to pursue your studies?”
“I have already submitted a request to withdraw from school.”
Eric gazed at her deste figure, a somber expression in his eyes. “This doesn’t sound like something
you would say. Does Father know?”
Eileen replied, “Does it matter if he knows or not? Isn’t he just hoping that I won’t study? I havee to
realize that studying doesn’t really lead me anywhere. I might as well something I am truly passionate
about.”
pursue
Eric felt an inexplicable restlessness in his heart. This was clearly the oue he desired, his goal
achieved. Yet, he found himself somewhat reluctant to witness Eileen’s self-destructive behavior.
“Is that exam truly that significant to you?”
Eileen’s movements paused, her fingertips gripping the paintbrush until they turned pale. Suddenly, she
felt a pang in her heart. “There’s no point in dwelling on the past.”
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