Too Heavy for Tears, the Arrogant Cripple Broke Down Chapter 08

Too Heavy for Tears, the Arrogant Cripple Broke Down Chapter 08

The next day at work, Rachel asked me to drop off some paperwork at town hall.

On the way back, something occurred to me.

It had been a long time since I had seriously asked myself what I wanted.

During the three years I had spent with Evan, every plan I made had revolved around him.

Where I applied to college, what job I took, where I went on weekends, and even what time I came home had all revolved around him.

Now that he was no longer the center of my life, I felt strangely lost.

That evening, I texted Ryan.

I: [Tell him he doesn’t need to apologize.]

I: [It’s all in the past.]

Ryan replied immediately: [Are you sure?]

I replied: [Yes.]

Ryan: [Okay.]

A little while later, another message arrived.

Ryan: [He said he understands.]

A brief [I’m sorry.] had been met with an equally brief [I understand.]

—

Two comments flashed in front of me.

[The female lead truly isn’t going back this time.]

[She’s making the right choice. Some people miss their chance, and one apology can’t bring it back.]

I thought that would be the end of it.

But one evening, after working late until eight, I noticed something unusual as I came downstairs.

When I reached the first floor and pushed open the building’s front door, I saw a black SUV parked outside.

I paid no attention to it and started walking home with my head lowered.

After a few steps, someone called out behind me.

It was Mr. Harris, the older man who lived on the first floor.

“Nina, do you know who that car belongs to?”

“No. Why?”

“It’s been parked there for more than two hours. Someone’s inside, but they haven’t gotten out.”

“I was starting to wonder whether I should call the police.”

I paused and turned toward the SUV.

Its headlights were off, and the windows were too heavily tinted for me to see inside.

—

For some reason, my heart suddenly began to beat faster.

I walked toward it, stopped after a few steps, and then forced myself to continue.

When I reached the vehicle, the rear window slowly lowered.

Evan was sitting alone in the back seat.

There was no assistant, no Ryan, and no driver in sight.

His wheelchair had been folded and placed in the front passenger seat. He sat in the back with his head tilted slightly, watching me.

He had lost a great deal of weight.

Dark circles shadowed his eyes.

He wore a black jacket I had never seen before instead of one of his usual carefully coordinated outfits.

It was as though he hadn’t come as Mr. Whitmore.

He had come simply as Evan.

We stared at each other for about five seconds.

Neither of us spoke.

Finally, Evan broke the silence. His voice was slightly hoarse.

“Does it get cold here in the winter?”