Farewell, My Don Chapter 04

Farewell, My Don Chapter 04

The smoke grew thicker, and my consciousness began to blur.

I bit my lip hard, and the iron-like taste of blood filled my mouth, jolting me awake.

I struggled to my feet and staggered toward the stairs with the last of my strength.

A fallen beam blocked my path.

I turned toward the window and pushed it open.

The cold air rushed in, clearing my head slightly.

Downstairs, Dominic rushed out of the villa clutching Betty.

Amara threw herself into his arms.

“Dominic! I was so scared!” she sobbed, tears blurring her eyes. “I thought Betty was going to die in there… we’ve raised her for so long, she’s the witness to our love…”

Dominic’s body stiffened for a moment, then he finally raised his hand and lightly patted her back.

“Stop crying. It’s okay. Betty is fine, and so are you.”

I clenched my hands, then let go.

I climbed onto the windowsill without hesitation and leaped.

Sharp pain instantly surged through my entire body.

“Genevieve!!!”

It was Dominic.

His voice sounded frantic, bordering on despair.

Before I could think further, my vision went black, and I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, the smell of disinfectant filled my nose.

I opened my eyes and stared at the white ceiling.

I tried to move, but I was in pain all over, especially my legs, where bouts of intense piercing pain struck.

“Genevieve!” Dominic’s voice was hoarse and raspy.

I turned my head to meet his gaze.

His eyes were bloodshot, his face unshaven and pale, looking as though he had endured an infernal ordeal.

He grabbed my hand, his fingers trembling slightly.

“You’re finally awake? How do you feel? Does it hurt anywhere?”

I didn’t answer; I simply pulled my hand back firmly and without hesitation.

Dominic’s hand remained suspended in mid-air, his face pale.

“Genevieve,” he tried to explain, his voice softening, “I didn’t see you when I went into the room. I thought you had already escaped, so I grabbed Betty first. She isn’t just a dog—she…”

He paused, then his tone shifted, carrying a hint of irritation.

“If you were in the room at the time, why didn’t you call out to me?”

I finally looked at him, my gaze as calm as if I were looking at a stranger.

“Because I no longer have any expectations of you.”

Dominic’s eyes widened, his face full of disbelief.

“What did you say? No expectations?”

“I mean exactly what I said. I don’t expect you to save me, I don’t expect you to choose me, and I don’t expect… you to love me.”

Dominic was about to speak when his phone rang.

It was a call from Amara.

He walked to the window and took the call with his back to me.

I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but I could see him clenching his jaw, his tone shifting from irritation to a reluctant compromise, finally whispering, “I know.”

He hung up and turned back to look at me, his face tight.

“I have to go,” he said hesitantly, “Amara has run into some trouble—I’ll handle it and come back immediately.”

He paused and added, “I know you’re angry and saying these things to hurt me. I promise it won’t happen again. It’s the anniversary of your mother’s death in a few days; I’ll go with you to pay your respects.”

My eyelashes flickered for just an instant.

“My mother’s anniversary is on the same day as Amara’s birthday.” I smiled, my voice cold and hollow. “Aren’t you going to her birthday party?”

Dominic’s expression stiffened, almost imperceptibly.

He remained silent for a few seconds, then avoided my gaze, saying stiffly, “Her birthday… has nothing to do with me.”

I smiled again.

Nothing to do with him?

For five whole years, on this day every year, Dominic was “very busy.”

The first year, he said it was a business trip; the second, a meeting; the third, seeing a client.

I only later learned the truth—

My mother’s death anniversary and Amara’s birthday fell on the same day.

Every year, Dominic would fly ten hours to Europe, stand outside Amara’s door all night, and leave a gift before departing. This year, Amara had returned.

He could finally see her in person and confess his love directly.

“Oh, really?” I said flatly.

I closed my eyes again, saying nothing.

Dominic’s Adam’s apple bobbed before he finally spoke:

“Get some rest. I’ll be back in a while.”

With that, he turned and hurriedly left the room.