A Vow to Part

A message arrived with five attached photos.

Those were photos of entangled clothes, hands clasped tightly, crumpled sheets, a blurred reflection in the bathroom mirror...

This wasn't the first time Rona Lewis had received such a provocation.

The large hand, clutching so hard that it was almost embedded in the flesh of another woman's wrist, was instantly recognizable as belonging to her longtime boyfriend, Darren Williams, with whom she had grown up.

She glanced at the date on the photos. They were taken on their third anniversary.

On that day, Rona, having received an emergency call from the hospital, was told that Darren had been in a car accident. In a panic, she had run through three red lights to get to the hospital.

But as she had arrived, she just saw Darren rushing into the emergency room, carrying his secretary, Khloe Flynn, who was covered in blood.

He disappeared for nine days, and finally reappeared with Khloe by his side without any explanation.

It was said that Khloe was severely injured and lost her memory while saving Darren, causing her heavy reliance on him.

Feeling guilty, Darren was devoted to tenderly take care of her and always stayed by her side to repay her favor.

Letting out a cold laugh, Rona closed the chat and finally sent a message to her mother who had been rushing her, "I agree to the marriage."

But before leaving, Rona had three gifts for Darren.

...

Rona was standing in front of Darren's office, with the contract that the legal department was urging to be signed clutched in her hand.

At first, she habitually wanted to push the door open and walk in.

Everyone in the company knew about her relationship with Darren, so formalities were never needed.

But today, she gently knocked at the door after she hesitatingly held her hand over the door for a moment.

Inside, there was rustling sounds mixed with a woman's soft laughter.

Rona's heart tightened. But she couldn't stop herself from pushing the door open.

The scene in the office she saw was like a slap in her face.

Darren was leaning against the desk, with Khloe almost entirely nestled in his arms, adjusting his tie with her slender hands.

Sunlight streamed through the picture windows, outlining a silhouette of an intimate couple.

"Darren, here are the documents..." Rona's voice was caught in her throat.

Both Darren and Khloe turned to Rona.

Khloe's face still bore a faint blush. A flicker of panic crossed Darren's eyes before he regained his usual composure.

He naturally distanced himself from Khloe, striding quickly toward Rona.

"Rona?" As he reached for the documents, his fingers slipped between hers, interlocking them, "Why did you come up here yourself? Miss me?"

His hand was warm and dry, the touch Rona was most familiar with.

For the past three years, his hands had secretly squeezed her fingertips under the conference table, held her waist at an annual party to declare her identity as his girlfriend, and draped a coat over her shoulders during late-night overtime.

But now, she only felt the heat from it was uncomfortably burning.

Instinctively, Rona tried to pull her hand back, but she couldn't as Darren tightened his grip.

He leaned down, his breath brushing her earlobe, "Don't overthink it. Khloe just wasn't feeling well."

"Darren," Khloe's frail voice came from behind, "I'm dizzy."

Darren's body noticeably stiffened.

Rona saw a momentary struggle flashed in his eyes, but it was gone in an instant.

He released her hand and turned back to Khloe, "Is it hurting again? Should I call a doctor?"

Khloe shook her head, leaning softly against Darren, "Just stay with me."

She lifted her watery eyes to Rona, "Ms. Lewis, could you please leave? I'm not in a state to see anyone right now."

Rona's nails dug deep into her palm.

After the car accident three months ago, Khloe had become this delicate, with Darren being the only one who could comfort her.

People at the company had been gossiping that Khloe was injured because of saving Darren and it became a debt of gratitude he could never fully repay.

"These are the documents." Rona placed the contracts on the coffee table, her voice calm, "The legal department really need them right now."

Darren, holding Khloe, frowned slightly, "Rona."

"Excuse me." As Rona turned to leave, she caught a fleeting glimpse of Khloe's smug smile.

As the door closed, she heard Khloe's tearful voice, "Darren, am I disturbing you...? But I'm really scared..."

Rona didn't stop, striding quickly toward the elevator.

A few colleagues in the hallway cast suggestive glances at her.

They still considered Rona and Darren as the enviable couple in the office.

But no one knew that every time Khloe called, Darren would drop everything just to be by her side.

As the elevator doors closed, Rona finally allowed herself a deep breath.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a message from her mother. "The Johnson family is asking again. What do you think?"

For the first time in three months, Rona replied her mother without hesitation. "I agree to the marriage."

Almost immediately, a call came in. It was from her mother, Helena Randerson.

"Why the sudden change of mind?" Helena's voice was clearly surprised, "Didn't you say last time to wait a bit longer?"

"Nothing. Just feel it's time to make the decision." Rona replied.

"You didn't sound right." Helena keenly noticed something, "Is it something with Darren..."

"Mom," Rona cut her off, "I want to come back."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Alright, I'll arrange a meeting with the Johnson family next month. Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. As soon as my resignation is finished, I'll go home." Rona hung up and sent a message to the HR department. "I have decided not to renew my contract when it expires. Please process my resignation."

Jade Lee, the HR Director, replied promptly. "This is so sudden, Rona. Should I inform Darren? The resignation of executives requires his signature."

Rona closed her eyes briefly. "Don't tell him yet. I'll handle it before the contract expires."

Back in the office, Rona retrieved a picture from deep in the drawer.

It was a photo from a company event last year. Darren was holding her by the waist and whispering sweet words to her that only she could hear them. She was laughing brightly in the picture.

Kaiden Saunders, Rona's assistant, knocked and entered, "Rona, here's the new proposal from the marketing department."

"Just leave it on the desk," Rona replied without looking up. Her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the frame.

Kaiden hesitated, "That Khloe is here again. The receptionist said she saw her going upstairs to find Darren."

When Rona looked up at her, Kaiden immediately fell silent. The office was enveloped in quietness.

"Book me a ticket to Rontras," Rona said, "for ten days later."

Kaiden's eyes widened, "Are you going on a business trip?"

Rona put the picture face down on the desk, "No, I'm leaving."

Sunlight continued to stream in through the window and fell on the plant that Darren had given her. It had started to wilt as it had been untended for three months.

Rona touched the dry leaves, remembering what Darren had said when he placed it on her desk, "It's just like you. You look strong on the outside but in fact you need to be taken good care of and protected."

But now, he was busy taking good care of another girl.

Her phone lit up with a message from Darren. "Khloe was in a mood. I'm taking her home. Don't wait for me for dinner."

Rona stared at the message for a long time until the screen dimmed. She recalled that rainy night three months ago. Darren had rushed into the emergency room holding Khloe, covered in blood, while she stood aside, clutching a rain-soaked anniversary gift.

She should have realized then that some mistakes, once made, are beyond repair.

...

As night deepened, Rona sat by the bay window in the living room with a book open in her hands.

The sound of someone opening the door with a key caught her attention. And she closed the book, and put a well-practiced smile on her face.

"Rona?" Darren entered, carrying an exquisite paper box, "You're still up?"

"Waiting for you." Her voice was gentle, as if there was nothing had changed.

Darren approached, placing the box on the coffee table, and crouched down to meet her gaze, "I got you the last chestnut cake from that dessert shop in the south of the city. It's your favorite."

The box bore the logo of the popular shop known for its long lines. She had often talked about it and wanted to try it, but always gave up because of the long lines.

"Thank you." She took the cake. When her fingertips brushing against his warm hand, she quickly pulled her hand back.

Darren noticed her distance keenly and sighed, "Today, Khloe felt dizzy at the office..."

"I know," Rona interrupted with a perfectly practiced smile playing at her lips, "She's still recovering, you should take care of her."

He frowned slightly and tried to touch her face, "You're angry."

"I'm not." She turned her head to back off and headed to the kitchen, "Would you like something to drink?"

Darren followed. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, "Come on. If I had been in the passenger seat that day, I'd be the one with amnesia and need to be taken care now. Khloe was just doing her job."

Rona stood with her back to him. Her fingers clutched the edge of the counter unconsciously.

She had heard the same words for countless times over the past three months.

"I know." She turned around to him with a familiar gentle smile on her face, "I'm not one who would hold grudges."

Darren visibly relaxed. He kissed her on her head, "I know you are the most considerate."

Considerate. A word that had put a thorn in her heart.

Rona recalled the image of Khloe leaning against him earlier that day. That girl had never needed to be "considerate."

"Shall we eat the cake now?" She changed the subject.

"Sure." Darren led her to the sofa, enthusiastically opened the box, "I stood in line for nearly two hours just for it."

The chestnut cake exuded a sweet fragrance. The gold leaf decorated on it was glinting under the light.

Rona scooped a piece with a small spoon and tasted it. Though the sweetness melting on her tongue, she could taste no expected joy from it.

"Is it good?" He asked expectantly.

"Yeah." She nodded, offering a spoonful to him. "Try this."

Darren ate the cake she offered with satisfaction in his eyes, "Glad you like it."

He wiped the nonexistent cream from her lips, "Shall we see a movie this weekend? We haven't had a date for a long time."

"Sure." She agreed quickly, though she was thinking about the flight ticket Rontras to ten days later.

Darren seemed pleased with her compliance, and began chatting about work draping an arm around her shoulder.

Rona listened quietly and occasionally responded him.

The moonlight spilled through the window, casting the shadow of their entwined figures on the floor. They were seemingly inseparable.

"Tired?" Darren asked softly, noticing her absent mind.

Rona leaned against his shoulder, "A little."

"Then go to bed early." He kissed her forehead.

In the bedroom, Darren quickly fell asleep.

Rona lay on her side, watching his sleeping face and thinking how, three years ago, when they were just together, he would always make her smile. But now, those sweet tricks could no longer touch her heart.

She rose quietly and stepped onto the balcony. The night breeze was cool. The city's lights were twinkling like stars.

Her phone screen lit up with a ticket confirmation message.

Rona glanced back towards the bedroom, where Darren murmured her name in his dreams.

She locked the screen of her phone and smiled silently.

The next morning, when Rona had just settled at her desk and hadn't even taken a sip of coffee, the door of her office swung open.

Darren stood at the doorway. He was wearing a neat suit, though his tie was slightly askew.

"I need you to come with me," he said casually.

Kaiden and the other colleagues looked up at them. Some looked with meaningful smiles.

Rona knew exactly what they were thinking. Maybe Darren was taking her out for a date skipping work again. This kind of thoughts had once delighted her, but now it only made her feel weary.

"To where?" She asked, closing her files.

Darren walked over and pulled her up without further ado. "You'll find out once we get there." His hand was warm and dry. He held her hands tightly, as if he was afraid that she might slip away.

Rona let him lead her holding her hands. She felt the envious glances from other colleagues as they passed through the office area.

Only when the elevator doors closed did Darren release her hand and press the button for the underground parking lot. "Khloe's not doing well this morning," he explained. "The doctor said it's best for someone she's familiar with to spend more time with her to help recover her memory."

Rona stared at her own blurred reflection in the mirror of the elevator. So that was it. She should have thought this.

"You could have just told me," she said.

Darren turned to look at her. He seemed to be searching for signs of dissatisfaction on her face. But she simply stood there quietly, without even a flutter of her eyelashes.

"You're not angry?" he asked.

"Why would I be?" Rona retorted. "She's your secretary, and she got injured because of work."

Darren sighed in relief and reached out to touch her face, but the elevator arrived just then. His hand paused in mid-air. Eventually he simply held the elevator door open for her.

The hospital corridor was filled with the smell of disinfectant. Khloe's room was at the end of the corridor, where was a single room with good lighting.

As they entered, she was sitting up in bed and reading. Sunlight cast delicate patterns across her pale face through the curtains.

"Darren!" Her eyes lit up when seeing them. But then her smile froze for a moment as she noticed Rona behind Darren. "Rona is here too."

Darren walked to the bedside and naturally picked up the water cup. He tested its temperature to ensure it was just right for Khloe. "How are you feeling today?"

"Much better," Khloe replied softly, though her gaze kept drifting towards Rona. "It's just so boring being here alone, and I keep thinking about the car accident."

Suddenly, she clutched her head and exclaimed, "Oh!"

Darren immediately held her and asked with concern. "Having a headache again?"

Rona stood by the door, watching Khloe lean into Darren's embrace and gripped his sleeve tightly. Her delicate look would evoke sympathy from anyone.

"I'll go find a doctor," Rona said, turning around to leave the room.

"No need," Darren stopped her. "It's more of a mental stress. She'll be fine later."

Khloe lifted her head from his arms. Her eyes were slightly red. She said, "I'm sorry, Rona. I'm so useless. If it weren't for the car accident, Darren wouldn't have to be at the hospital every day."

"Khloe," Darren frowned, stopping her. "Don't say that."

Rona walked to the window and drew back the curtain. "Do you need any daily necessities? I can go buy some later."

Khloe hadn't expected her to be so calm. She thus bit her lip, "Thank you but I don't need them. Darren takes good care of me. He even picked my pajamas."

Rona's fingers unconsciously tightened around the curtain.

She knew Khloe was doing it on purpose. Those seemingly casual words held countless barbs that only those she targeted could feel.

"I'll go get some water," she said, picking up the kettle and hurriedly leaving the room.

The water room at the end of the corridor was empty.

Rona placed the kettle under the tap, then stared at the flowing water, lost in thought. She shouldn't have come, knowing what she would face. Yet she masochistically came here anyway.

When she returned to the room, Khloe was sitting at the bedside arranging flowers. Seeing Rona come in, she immediately held up a bouquet of lilies. "Rona, this is for you. Thank you for visiting me today."

When the strong scent of the flowers hit her, Rona instinctively took a step back. "No, thanks."

"What's wrong?" Khloe asked, looking hurt by Rona's reaction. "Don't you like them?"

"Rona, just take them," Darren said. "Khloe means well."

Rona was about to explain her pollen allergy. Yet Khloe interjected, "Is it because you think flowers in hospital are dirty? Or do you dislike anything I've touched?" Her voice grew quieter. And her eyes were reddening again.

Darren gave Rona a disapproving look.

"I don't..." Rona's throat began to itch, signaling an upcoming allergic reaction.

Just then, Khloe clutched her chest and bent over in pain. "Darren... I'm so dizzy. Those fragmented memories are terrifying..."

Darren immediately rushed to support her and pressed the call button. "Khloe? Are you ok? I'll take you to the emergency room." Darren said urgently, turning to Rona with a quick instruction. "You take a rest. I'll take Khloe for a check-up and be back soon."

Rona stood there. She felt the bouquet in her hands getting heavier by the moment. Her eyes began to sting and her throat felt blocked. She then had difficulty in breathing. She had to steady herself against the bed.