Chapter 5 Farewell

• Angeline was clearly taken aback by the new condition Bryan had proposed. But she didn't react and simply left Bryan's house. Bryan, on the other hand, just watched her with no expression.
• The next day, Angeline was already at the police station. She seemed to be holding back tears since she arrived. Shortly thereafter, her brother Michael was released and immediately embraced Angeline with tears of sadness.
• "I'm sorry, sis. I was too naive to fall for their offer. I must have put you through a lot," Michael said, regretting his actions.
• "It's okay, I know it wasn't your fault. Let's go get something to eat, you must be hungry," Angeline released her hug and smiled determinedly.
• They went to an upscale restaurant and Michael was puzzled because it was unusual for Angeline to take him to such an expensive place where he could eat anything he wanted.
• "Why are you so quiet? Come on, let's eat. You said you really wanted a steak," Angeline cut a piece of steak on her plate and exchanged it with Michael's plate.
• "Is this for real? Can I eat it, sis? You worked so hard to get me out of jail. Sis...don't tell me you borrowed from loan sharks?" Michael hesitated to eat the expensive food.
• "No, I didn't. You see, I have a high paying job. Because I signed a contract, I have to leave in a week. And I won't be back for a year."
• "A year? Isn't that too long? What about Mom? She has to go to dialysis once a week, and I can't be the one to take care of her all the time because I have to work too."
• "You don't have to work anymore. I'll send you money every month for your expenses and for our mother. You just concentrate on your studies for graduation and college."
• "But..."
• "Because I have to leave, you have to take care of Mom. And... Mom just had an operation. She'll be fine after the surgery. She won't be in pain anymore."
• "Is this all real, sis?" Michael's eyes filled with tears again. He couldn't believe that his life was getting better even though he had spent five days in confinement.
• "Yes, so finish your meal and we'll go see Mom after we eat," Angeline beamed, trying to reassure Michael that everything was going to be okay.
• Michael wiped away his tears and began to eat eagerly. Angeline was delighted and joined in the meal. They even sampled every dish on the table.
• At the hospital, they entered the VIP room. Michael was speechless when he saw his mother's spacious room with all the amenities of a hotel.
• "Is this really Mom's room, Sis? Not a hotel room?" Michael asked again in amazement.
• "Mom... how are you feeling? The doctor said the surgery was successful and you don't need dialysis anymore," Angeline asked her mother, who had regained consciousness after the operation.
• "I feel much better and not weak anymore. Angeline...you must have been going through a lot all this time. I'm sorry for being a burden to you. I feel like I've failed you by forcing you to be the breadwinner and suffer alone," her mother said with tears in her eyes.
• Angeline held back her tears and tried to stay strong, smiling broadly. "Mom... after Dad left, Angeline became the head of the household. But Angeline never regretted it. Angeline was only afraid that she wouldn't be able to heal Mom and raise Michael properly. From now on, our lives will change for the better. So, Mom, you just need to focus on your health and Michael can focus on school.
• "Big sister Angeline..."
• "Mom hopes you find your happiness and aren't burdened by your responsibilities."
• "Angeline is already very happy to see that Mom is recovering, and Michael can go to school like other children."
• Angeline cried in her mother's embrace, and Michael joined in, hugging Angeline tightly. The three of them cried tears of joy after enduring endless suffering.
• A week later, Angeline prepared to leave. She explained that she had found a job overseas and would not be able to come home for a year. She asked her mother and brother to go on with their lives, even though they might not hear from her often.
• "Are you sure I don't need to take you to the airport?" Michael asked, looking sad.
• "You have school today, right? You have exams in three months," Angeline said as she prepared to leave, carrying her suitcase.
• "I could skip school."
• "Angeline, have breakfast first. Take some packed food for the trip. I hear Europe is very far away and it takes more than ten hours to get there," her mother said, looking refreshed and having prepared a lot of food.
• "Mom, this is a feast, not breakfast," Angeline said, looking at the table filled with her mother's cooking.
• "It's okay; a year will pass quickly. But you'll probably get lonely because you'll be alone there."
• Angeline tasted her mother's dishes, all her favorites that her mother hadn't made in a long time. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. It was very hard for her to leave her family. But if she didn't go, she didn't know what Bryan would do.
• After breakfast, Angeline said goodbye in front of her house. A taxi had been waiting there for some time. Angeline loaded her suitcase into the cab. She hugged her mother and cried again.
• "I'll be back, a year is really quite short. Mom, take care of yourself, and Michael, I'm sorry I can't be there for your graduation," Angeline said as she said goodbye.
• "No need to apologize, just take care of yourself there. I won't do anything stupid again," Michael said awkwardly.
• "It's true, you also have to take care of your health and avoid getting sick. Be careful, okay?" her mother said as she released Angeline from her embrace.
• Angeline got into the taxi after wiping away her tears. She smiled warmly and made sure that her mother and brother would stay healthy even without her. The taxi with Angeline drove away, leaving behind a home she would miss dearly.
• During the ride, Angeline couldn't stop crying. She knew it was her own choice. After reassuring herself, Angeline wiped away her tears and steeled herself to do her job as best she could.
• Not long after, Angeline arrived at Bryan's house. She got out of the cab with her suitcase and entered the mansion. Angeline took a deep breath and walked with great confidence.
• "Welcome, Miss," came a greeting from several servants who stood neatly to greet Angeline.
• Angeline had not expected to be greeted like this. A servant took her suitcase and led her into the main hall. Bryan had been waiting there for some time.
• Slowly, Angeline walked up to Bryan, who looked at her blankly. Angeline tried to smile. But when Angeline was almost there, Bryan walked past her without saying a word, leaving Angeline stunned.