When Left
CHAPTER 125

Chapter 125 He Said, I Am Sorry

I was pot surprised that ferry would ask this and nodded. “Yes.”

His gaze shifted from the cake in my hand to my face, scrutinizing me intently. “Did you grow up in Jacquar?” he probed.

I was momentarily taken aback but soon realized Jerry was still on his quest to replace his long–lost fiancée. Anyone with similar features would naturally capture his interest.

Admiring Jerry’s persistence in searching for nearly twenty years, I responded with more patience and detail. “No, I grew up in Velvet City, which is quite far from both jacquar and Maple Valley.”

“1 see,” Jerry murmured, his voice barely audible, the light in his brown eyes dimming slightly. Yet, his gaze remained steadfast, as if he sought to see through me to another person.

I chuckled, “The Harris family found a substitute daughter, and you want to replace a substitute fiancée?”

That missing Miss Harris was quite pitiful as well. I pondered if the girl ever returned, would there still be a place for her in their hearts?

Jerry’s lips curved into a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. His tone was casual. “Just thought it was a coincidence.”

“At least ten thousand people have birthdays today,” I replied. “And she was so young when she got lost; she probably doesn’t even remember her own birthday,”

“Yes,” he agreed, his expression darkening. He seemed distracted, then, almost as an afterthought, added, “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks to you, it’s not very happy.” However, noticing his unusual silence. I laughed. “Just kidding. Want some cake? It’s way too big for

me to finish alone.”

“No.” Jerry declined softly, hands in his pockets as he headed home.

I didn’t think much of it; today, Jerry probably wasn’t interested in celebrating anyone’s birthday, except for Miss Harris“.

I thought I would have to eat the cake alone, but when l’opened the door, I found the house brightly lit.

Elissa came out of the bathroom with wet hair, drying it as she smiled. Finally, you’re back! I was worried you wouldn’t make it before

midnight.

My heart warmed at the sight of her. “What brings you here?”

“You used to want to spend your birthday with that jerk, so I didn’t come. But now that you’re single, there’s no way I’m missing it,” Bliss ald, wrapping her hair in a dry towel and looking at the cake. “I already bought one. Why did you get another?”

“I didn’t buy it,” I replied. “It was left at the door. Didn’t you hear the doorbell?”

piqued. “Maybe I didn’t hear it while Iv

the shower. Who sent it?

12:08 Mon, Jul 1

Chapter 125 He Said, I Am Sorry

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After a revitalizing shower, I felt a newfound sense of comfort. My hair, now towel–dried, fell softly around my shoulders as I approached the vanity. Opening the drawer, retrieved the rabbit necklace and placed it gently around my neck, its familiarity grounding me.

Tonight’s dress didn’t quite suit the charm of the necklace, so I had set it aside earlier.

“Hope, hurry up and make a wish! It’s almost midnight.” Elissa’s voice echoed warmly from the living room, just as I finished combing through my damp hair.

Stepping out, I was greeted by an inviting sight–Elissa had laid out not one, but two celebratory cakes, accompanied by a tempting pizza.

Upon seeing me, Elissa quickly ignited the candles with a lighter. “Quick, make a wish! Two cakes mean two wishes,” she urged, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Settling at the dining table, 1 clasped my hands and closed my eyes, giving in to the moment. My wishes were earnest: for ElevateJoy to flourish and for the health and safety of myself and those I hold dear.

I opened my y eyes and exhaled, extinguishing the candles. Elissa glanced at the clock and beamed. “Just in time before midnight. That was a close one!”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “How childish,” I remarked, though my heart swelled with warmth.

It was the small, considerate gestures from those who care about you that truly matter, even if it’s just a difference of a minute or two.

I took a tentative bite of the pizza and recoiled at the overwhelming sa tiness. Turning to Elissa, I asked incredulously, “Did you make this yoursell?

Elissa’s brow furrowed with concern. “Is it bad?”

“It’s worse than bad,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Damn, why is this so disgusting?” Elissa muttered, leaning over to sample a piece herself. She grimaced and quickly spat it out, inching towards the trash can.

I stopped her mid–motion, taking another determined bite. “It’s a sin to waste food, especially when you made it with your own hands. You didn’t burn yourself, did you?”

Elissa’s expression softened, and she began to shake her head just as my phone rang, interrupting our conversation. Glancing at the caller

saw it was Christopher. I answered without saying a word.

His deep voice resonated through the phone’s speaker. “Hope, happy birthday.”

I curled my lips into a faint, dismissive smile. “It’s already over.”

Christopher’s voice held a hint of confusion. “Why didn’t you mention it at the hotel tonight? Donald Quill just reminded me, and I

remembered.”

Lowering my gaze, I replied with a touch of sarcasm, “I didn’t want to interrupt you and Kimberly Harris. Besides, it’s not important.”

It was just a birthday. In the past three years, Christopher had never seemed to care about it. And now, with our impending divorce, theres even less reason to bring it up.

“How could it not be important?‘ he insisted, “Even if we re divorced and just friends, I still have the right to wish you a happy birthday,

don 1 17

1 let out a bitter laugh. “Have you ever seen a friend who has to ask for birthday wishes?”

2/3

Mon,

Chapter 125 He Said, I Am Sorry

In the past, whether it was my birthday or an anniversary, I always reminded Christopher days in advance, asking for gifts to maintain that ridiculous sense of ceremony.

But the truth was, forcing things was not fulfilling

If Christopher really cared about me, he would had naturally valued everything about me.

Christopher was silent for a moment, his voice slightly hoarse and trembling. “I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t count how many

ny times I’d heard those w

words from

him.

I blinked, finally speaking with a calm resignation. “It’s okay.”

Life gradually began to regain its rhythm. Elissa and I threw ourselves into replaceing office spaces for our new venture. After much. deliberation, we decided to launch with a custom–made, online sales model. Our plan was to build our reputation and brand before expanding into the offline market. Thus, securing an office in a prime location that met all our requirements became crucial.

1. ng. It was

One day, after viewing a particularly promising office, my phone rang.

was a lawyer named Walter Rogers.

“Hope,” Walrer began, “I returned to Jacquar yesterday. I can now take on the divorce case you mentioned a few days ago.”

I smiled. “That’s great. Could you meet me at Messlushi Hospital? We’ll meet at the entrance.”

Johnson was like a clingy piece of gum; without a tough lawyer, Beata and I couldnt shake him off.

When I a

I arrived at the hospital, Walter was waiting. Together, we made our way to

o the inpatient department.

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At the VIP ward entrance, Johnson was sprawled out on a bench. As soon as he saw me, he sprang to his feet. He then positioned himself in front of the door, blocking my entry.

“Hope.” Johnson, with an annoyingly insincere smile, gestured toward the two bodyguards stationed at the door and asked, “You always said were family. So why does Mr. Valence need two bodyguards here?