The Last Time He Touched Me Chapter 09

The Last Time He Touched Me Chapter 09

I freeze for a moment.

Damien’s voice turns rough and hoarse. “If I had known you were trapped there too, I would never have-”

Never have what?

Never have abandoned me while carrying Lindsey out?

After I return from Boston to my hometown, I keep waking up from nightmares of being swallowed by fire.

Every time, the last image in my dream is always the same: Damien walking away without looking back,

Lindsey in his arms.

But I have already moved on.

I cut him off. “It’s in the past. There’s no need to bring it up.”

“I wish you and Lindsey a happy marriage.”

Damien leans back in his chair, a hint of exhaustion on his face.

“I already broke off the engagement with her. It’s completely over.

“Kristen, do you know? I’ve thought about you every single day for the past six months.”

He pauses, his throat bobbing slightly.

“After you left, I realized how despicable I was to you.”

“And I also realized that over these five years, I had already fallen for you without even noticing.”

“It was my arrogance. I thought you would always be by my side. I thought I didn’t need to say or do anything, and you would understand.”

“I thought I had all the time in the world.”

I set down my coffee cup. “Damien, are you done?”

He looks at me.

“If you’re done, I should go. I have work tomorrow.”

I stand up.

“Kristen.”

Damien calls after me. A flicker of panic crosses his face.

He has always been proud, even condescending. But now, his voice drops low, almost humbled.

Lesid I want to start over with you, would you believe me?”

I stand there for a few seconds. “I wouldn’t.”

I push the door open. The wind outside hits my face, cold and sharp.

I feel tears on my cheeks, but I do not turn back.

Because the pain of the past is too deep. It cannot be erased with a few light words.

A year later, I return to Boston.

Life in the small town is stable, but it is not what I truly want.

I know I still love my career, and I am willing to give everything for it.

Later, with my strong professional background, I successfully join a new television station.

Damien also returns to Boston. He does not try to interfere with my life anymore, but he quietly continues investing in the station.

I know I cannot stop him, and I no longer have the energy to fight it. So I let it be.

His steady investment fills the station’s annual funding gap, so I no longer have to struggle with ratings and targets. I can focus entirely on content, which feels like a relief.

Time passes peacefully.

Then, during a joint industry press conference, Damien, who has not appeared publicly for a long time, suddenly collapses from physical exhaustion.

The next day, Grimholt Empire releases an announcement stating that Damien will undergo long-term overseas treatment for physical and mental recovery, stepping away from all daily operations and public

appearances.

I no longer follow news about him. I continue living my life.

Eventually, I create another hit program for the station and finally get promoted to the position I have always dreamed of.

At that moment, I finally understand.

Life should not be limited. We can live it in countless different ways.