Chapter 12
I went back abroad.
Instead of studying and living by routine like before, I constantly pushed myself to try new things.
Actually, I was lying to River then–how could someone who’d been insecure for so many years change overnight? How could I not be afraid of people abandoning me?
But as I experienced more, I gradually let go of those emotional attachments.
I understood that in this world, no matter what, you ultimately have to walk alone.
A year later, Mrs. Kingsley called me.
She hinted around, asking if I had a boyfriend.
I said directly, “Mrs. Kingsley, River and I are really impossible now.”
Mrs. Kingsley felt sorry.
She talked to me for a long time.
She said after I left that time, River gradually pulled himself together.
But his life and work were like a puppet on strings–he wouldn’t say an extra word to anyone.
Then one day, he suddenly came back and had a huge fight with Serena.
Basically, he’d discovered that sleeping together that time was deliberately arranged by Serena.
Serena cried and brought up River’s brother again.
River wasn’t buying it like before. He yelled at her, “I’ve been taking care of you all the way to fucking bed–what more do you want? Serena, you know what? If it weren’t for you, I’d be married to Willa by now.”
Serena said sarcastically, “What’s ‘so great about that uptight country.girl?”
-Mrs. Kingsley hadn’t wanted to get involved, but finally couldn’t help rushing out and saying, “She’s still better than a two–faced woman like you. Don’t -think I don’t know what you’re thinking. Whether it’s Nathan or River, do you really like them from heart? All you like is the status that can advance your career.“.
That very night, the Kingsleys kicked Serena out.
Soon after, she lost her job at the hospital too.
Without her status as a Kingsley daughter–in–law, not many people paid attention to her anymore.
River occasionally sent me messages.
I’d reply symbolically.
As he put it: “Even if we can’t be married, we don’t have to never speak again, right? Your advisor has invited me over for exchanges three or four times!”
Whatever.
I really didn’t care anymore.
