Novel Square
19
After dropping Linda back at the hotel, Wendy left.
Linda's house in Osmo was still airing out and wouldn't be ready to live in until winter.
Chloe said living in a big house alone was uncomfortable, so she stayed at a hotel. On the other hand, Samson had offered her to stay at his house, but Linda rejected it, saying it was inconvenient. So now, just like Chloe, she was staying at a Lynch family hotel.
There was daily housekeeping, which was good for her as she was not good at taking care of herself. Back in Usna, she always relied on Samson and her housekeeper.
After changing out of her gown, removing her makeup, and taking a shower, Linda waited for Samson's return to discuss their next steps.
After four years together, Linda's trust in Samson had surpassed everyone else. She knew Samson had no ulterior motives, only a sense of responsibility for a dying friend's last wish. This was why Linda felt comfortable doing those things with him.
After taking a shower, she sat in the living room and reviewed the master tape someone had sent over.
When the doorbell rang, she checked the time. It was about the time Samson should arrive, so she got up to open the door.
The door was only opened a crack when a force from the other side pushed it open, and William squeezed his way in.
Seeing that it was William, Linda frowned. Before she could react, he closed the door and pinned Linda against the wall. "Mr. Wilson, your current behavior can be considered sexual harassment. I can sue you," she warned.
"Sue me, then," he replied shamelessly.
Linda placed both hands on his chest to keep him from coming any closer.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
William asked in a hoarse voice, "Why didn't you tell me you were still alive?"
"Why should I?" Linda laughed. "It was so difficult for me to survive, so why would I risk my life? Mr. Wilson, we're divorced. It's all in the past now." Meeting his gaze, Linda could clearly see the pain in his eyes. In the past, she would've done anything to make him happy. Now, she only found it amusing. "William, I think I've made myself very clear. I don't need your atonement. Just let me live in peace."
"I remember now. I remember everything," he said.
Linda was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure.
"So what?"
He remembered, but did it still matter? When she had most wanted him to remember her, he didn't. Now that she no longer needed him, wasn't it too late? "I'm sorry. Back then, I..."
William suddenly embraced her tightly, resting his head on her shoulder and apologizing softly.
Linda's heart, which was filled with holes, didn't react in the slightest. She didn't love him anymore, nor did she hate him.
"William, what's the point of this?"
Linda didn't push him away. Her tone was indifferent as she recounted her life in the past four years.
"I don't love you, and I've never thought about hating you. I just want to live a peaceful life now. Please,
leave me alone."
All her past love and hatred had dissipated along with the wind. She was too exhausted to care. "William, I've moved on. Why can't you do the same?" Reflecting on her past, Linda recalled repeatedly telling him about their childhood, and how he never
believed her.
Seeing him acting this way now, she found it ironic. "Too little, too late."
Linda's tone was chillingly cold, making William feel as if his heart was being ripped apart. He had never
intended to hurt her.