Chapter 22
Stephen’s heart skipped a beat.
He never expected things to turn out this way.
Even though Diana had treated him poorly, a life was still a life.
Thinking back on all their memories, his eyes grew misty–not for Diana, but for the past they once shared.
It could have been a beautiful life together. Why did it have to come to this?
“Life is so complicated,” Benjamin sighed. “What can I even say about her?”
“This world isn’t just black and white; it’s all shades of gray.”
“There’s no absolute right or wrong with people, Stephen. Do what you can, but don’t blame yourself too much.”
Stephen nodded, lost in thought.
If he’d agreed to spend just one last day with Diana, would they have parted on better terms?
As he pondered this, several doctors rushed in with a large bag of blood.
“This is from the neighboring hospital! Quick, get it to the patient!”
“There’s still hope—everyone, move fast!”
The news reignited hope in everyone.
Two hours later, the doctors managed to pull Lucy back from the brink.
Stephen finally felt relieved, slumping into his chair.
Afterward, he went to the police station to give a statement. Faced with Wayne’s pleas, Stephen slapped him hard a few times.
Wayne was sentenced to death, and Stephen returned to the hospital to care for Diana.
For days, he stayed by her side without sleep.
Rachel also came to help, understanding that Stephen wasn’t doing it out of love but to free himself from any lingering sense of debt, allowing Diana to finally let go.
After her near–death experience, Diana seemed different.
She no longer clung to Stephen or talked excessively.
Instead, she just watched him in silence whenever he changed her IV bag.
She said she had found a new purpose in life.
She said she understood everything now and was ready to move on.
Four months passed quickly, and Diana was finally discharged.
Her first act was to submit her resignation to Stephen.
“Miss Diana, we’ve discussed it with the company. You can stay on if you’d like,” Rachel tried to persuade her, but Diana smiled.
“It’s alright; this is my decision. Please have Vice President Stephen sign it.”
In his office, Stephen hesitated for a moment but ultimately signed the papers.
Rachel patted his shoulder. “Go. It’s important to say goodbye properly.”
He’d told Rachel months ago that he might spend one last day with Diana to end things once and for all.
After they got in the car, Stephen asked,
“Where to?”
“Let’s go to the amusement park.”
He paused, then started the car.
Though the amusement park in Washington was old, it was still packed with people every day.
“Thank you for taking care of me all this time. I owed you before, and now I owe you even more.”
Stephen shook his head. “When you saved me, we were even.”
“Live your life well. Don’t carry unnecessary burdens; it’s pointless.”
“You’re right, though I didn’t expect you’d agree to spend the day with me.”
Diana looked at the bustling park. “All those warm moments we had together–they feel like luxuries now.”
Chapter 22
“Every story has to end.”
Stephen pulled out a cigarette but then put it back.
They spent the whole day together, just like old times–grabbing hamburgers, buying hair accessories.
He bought her everything she liked.
She styled her hair in front of a mirror while he sat on a bench, quietly watching.
As the sun began to set, Diana suddenly said,
“You used to want to ride the Ferris wheel, right? This time, it’s on me.”
“Alright.”
They stepped onto the old Ferris wheel.
It was the place they’d dreamed of, and finally, they were here.
But feelings aren’t like Ferris wheels; there are no second chances to come around.
After everything they’d been through, they both sat in silence for a long time.
Finally, Diana spoke.
“You’re exactly the same as you were twenty years ago.”
