Chapter 8

"I understand. Thank you for everything these past few days. In five days, I'll announce on my personal Instagram that I'm terminating my contract and leaving the industry," Cynthia replied. She was now just waiting for her leave-of-absence application to be approved. She collected herself and walked toward the bathroom. Letting the warm water wash over her, Cynthia closed her eyes amidst the rising steam. Once she left, she would forget everything about this place. After her shower, she heard a knock at the door. Cynthia opened it to find Gavin standing there with a medical kit in hand, his brows furrowed in worry. "I heard from Mr. Patrick that you took a fall today. Are you hurt?" he asked. "I'm fine," Cynthia replied lightly. Hearing this, Gavin let out a small sigh of relief. His eyes wandered behind her, noticing the room looked emptier than usual. "Why does it seem like there's less stuff in your room? And where's our photo together?" Cynthia froze for a moment before fabricating an excuse. "I got rid of things I don't use anymore. I can always buy new ones if I see something I like. As for the photo, I just put it away." Gavin frowned. "Why would you put it away?" "It's been out for too long. I've grown tired of looking at it," Cynthia replied calmly. Gavin was stunned, clearly not expecting her response. After a brief silence, he proposed, "Then let's take some new photos together when we have time. It's been a while since we've done that." Cynthia nodded, though her thoughts were elsewhere—there wouldn't be another chance. After leaving Cynthia's room, Gavin felt an inexplicable unease, as if something had slipped out of his control. Still, he didn't dwell on it. Cynthia was an orphan. Where could she go if not with him? Meanwhile, Luna was appearing on TV more frequently, winning awards left and right. In the days it took for Cynthia's leave-of-absence application to be approved, she went to school daily. She watched Luna bask in attention, celebrated by everyone around her. Some classmates couldn't help but mock Cynthia. "See what happens when you wouldn't introduce me to Patrick? Someone else snatched him away." "Even your brother doesn't want you anymore. What are you still pretending for?" Cynthia ignored them. There was no need to respond. Days passed like flowing water, and the countdown on her phone ticked from four to one. Finally, her leave-of-absence application was approved. At six the next morning, she would be heading to the airport. After much thought, she decided to say goodbye to Gavin and Patrick on her last day. Cynthia called both Gavin and Patrick, asking to meet at the upscale Western restaurant they used to frequent, saying she had something important to tell them. Two hours later, in a private dining room of the restaurant, Cynthia turned to Gavin. "Gavin, do you remember? My first birthday after you brought me home was celebrated here." "Of course, I remember. You were so tiny back then, didn't talk much, and wouldn't even eat unless I fed you," Gavin said, a smile tugging at his lips as he recalled the memory. Cynthia's throat tightened. Gavin remembered, but now all his attention was on Luna. Patrick, sitting nearby, seemed to sense something unusual about Cynthia that day, growing uneasy. "Cynthia, what's wrong? What's this important thing you wanted to tell us?" Cynthia's voice was calm. "Mr. Patrick, I just wanted to thank you both properly. Thank you for nurturing me all these years and providing me with resources. I became a singer, singing songs I wanted to sing, all thanks to your support." Patrick's chest tightened. It was the first time Cynthia had addressed him as "Mr. Patrick." "Cynthia, is this about me giving the ‘Rising Star' spot to Luna? I only pitied her. The one I truly care about is still you..." Before Cynthia could say her farewell, Gavin's phone suddenly rang. Seeing "Luna" on the screen, he quickly answered but accidentally hit the speaker button. Luna's weak voice came through. "Gavin, I'm sorry to interrupt your meal with Cynthia. I think I have a fever, but I'm home alone right now." She coughed softly for effect. Gavin and Patrick's faces immediately filled with concern and pity. "Wait at home. We'll come to you right away," they said in unison. As they stood to leave, Cynthia instinctively called out, "I wasn't done talking..." All she got in return was, "Cynthia, just head home for now. We'll talk when we get back." Watching their hurried departure, Cynthia's heart felt hollow. Would they even come back to her? Returning home, she waited all night. Gavin and Patrick never came. Morning arrived, and as the clock struck five, Cynthia made a decision. She resolutely picked up her suitcase and walked out of the home she had lived in for thirteen years. She hailed a cab to the airport. While waiting to board, Cynthia typed up an announcement on her phone and posted it on Instagram: "Grateful to all my fans for your support over the years. I, Cynthia, have amicably terminated my contract with my agency and decided to step away from my singing career. Life is a wilderness, not a set path. My passion for singing gave me the courage to stumble along this journey, but now I want to start anew while I'm still young. Thank you for everything. I love you all!" Moments after posting, Cynthia's phone rang. She thought it might be Gavin or Patrick, but to her surprise, it was Luna. On the other end, Luna's voice carried unmistakable smugness. "Cynthia, no matter what, you'll never mean as much to them as I do. With just one word from me, they'd abandon you and come running back to me. If you think quitting the industry will win Gavin and Mr. Patrick back, save yourself the trouble. They're both lying in my bed right now after taking care of me all night." Cynthia felt an unexpected calm. "If a man can be taken away, he's not worth keeping. If you want them, they're yours. From now on, they have nothing to do with me. I wish you all happiness." With that, she hung up decisively. She then deleted and blocked all contact information for Patrick, Gavin, Luna, Jasper, and any mutual friends. As the plane soared through the clouds, spanning 11,000 kilometers and a 14.5-hour flight, Cynthia finally arrived in New York. Stepping out of the airport terminal, she was greeted by a line of tall men in black suits. "Ms. Cynthia, welcome back," they said respectfully.