I disappeared from Sean Parkers life without a word, and for five years, he believed I had walked away without a second thought.
Five years behind bars, a mother lost, a life brokenI carried it all alone while he assumed I had simply betrayed him.
And when I finally returned, seeing him standing beside another woman.
The day Sean Parker and I agreed to move to the same city, I never showed up.
He must have been furious, unable to understand why I suddenly vanished right after going home to pack.
A few days later, I managed to call him. The moment he picked up, his angry voice spilled through the receiver:
Thea Brown, are you really breaking up with me out of nowhere?
I stared at the cold steel bars in front of me and forced myself to say what he needed to hear
Yeah. Im leaving the country to enjoy my life.
Lets stop contacting each other.
Five years passed. I survived by running a tiny booth in a night-market tourist street.
I did manicures, sold small handmade trinkets, and prayed each night Id make enough to cover rent.
When the drizzle started that night, the woman at the stall next to mine packed up fast.
Thea, head home! Its raining!
I shook my head.
I hadnt made a single sale all day. Leaving now felt like giving up on even the smallest hope.
She tried persuading me.
Honey, this isnt how you make a living. You havent eaten all day. Dont torture yourself.
Before I could respond, two people stopped in front of my bootha picture-perfect couple.
Hi, how much for a manicure? the girl asked, her voice light and sweet as she browsed the designs.
I lowered my head, wiped the chair clean, and introduced my services with practiced enthusiasm.
Basic designs are fifty, detailed ones a hundred. And I can include a free plush toyI make them myself.
She didnt even glance at them. She pointed to a trendy pattern instead.
Ill take this. And keep the toy. Im not into unlicensed stuff.
The man beside her opened an umbrella over her, his voice full of affection.
Still getting your nails done in this rain, huh?
I froze.
Even after all these years, I would know that voice anywhere.
It was Sean Parker.
I stole a glance. He looked thinner, sharper somehowhandsomer, even.
My heart swayed like a leaf tossed in a storm.
I forced my hands steady and gently held the girls fingers, beginning the manicure.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sean pull up a chair, holding the umbrella over her without moving an inch.
It reminded me of collegehow he always tilted the umbrella toward my side whenever it rained.
But that warmth no longer belonged to me.
He was giving it to someone else now.
Wait, remove this, the girl suddenly said, pulling her hand back and blowing on it lightly.
My thoughts snapped back.
Is something wrong? I asked quickly.
She frowned.
Your hands feel rough. Like touching thorns. How are you even doing manicures with hands like that?
I looked down. My fingers were dry, cracked; years of sewing and hard labor had worn them down.
Humiliation burned through me.
Sean chuckled softly, ruffled her hair, and reached for his wallet.
Go ahead and take off the polish. Keep the money.
Then he finally looked at me.
His expression froze. Anger, disbelief, resentmentall flickering across his face.
The girl noticed.
Whats wrong? Do you know her?
He smiled suddenly, coldly.
He pulled out several more bills and tossed them onto my table.
No. She just looks pathetic.
Consider it charity for a beggar. Lets go.
His words dug straight into my chest.
He had recognized me.
At my lowest.
But Sean Parker didnt knowthis wasnt my lowest point.
The real hell happened the day I went home to pack.
I walked into my house and saw my stepfather pinning my mother to the ground, beating her mercilessly.
When he saw me, he didnt even stop. He hit harder.
You worthless bitch! Just like your daughter! You eat my food, drink my booze, but wont serve me? Ill beat you both to death!
My mothers cries and his curses blurred together until my ears rang.
I snapped.
I rushed forward, trying to pull him off her, but he threw me across the room with one slap.
My mother grabbed his leg, begging him to stop.
Shell make money someday. Please, stop hitting her.
Mentioning money only enraged him more.
He lunged at me, his hand wrapping around my throat.
I thought I would die on the floor of my childhood home.
Somehow, my fingers found a fruit knife.
I stabbed him in the chest before I could think.
At twenty, I became a killer.
While waiting for sentencing, I made one last call to Sean.
He demanded to know why I was treating him so coldly.
I wiped my tears, steadied my voice, and lied.
In a few days, Im going abroad to enjoy life.
Only an idiot would stay with someone as poor as you.
His voice broke.
And then he was gone.
I was sentenced to five years for manslaughter.
A week later, my mother hanged herself.
From that day on, I lost both her and my freedom.
I regretted everythingbut it was too late.
Sean Parker was extraordinary.
And I was ruined beyond repair.
After prison, no company would hire me.
I finally became a food delivery driver, but when they learned about my record, the boss kicked me out.
Who would have imagined that a top university graduate wasnt even qualified to deliver food?
So I relied on the small skills I learned in prison, working endlessly just to survive.
The money Sean threw at me earlier was nearly a months income.
But I didnt want it.
That money hurt worse than a slap.
That night, I received a call from my college roommate, Claire Whitethe only friend I kept after prison.
Thea, I invited Sean to my wedding next month. My dad works with him now. It wasnt my choice.
But you have to come. We promised each other back in college.
I stared at the money I hadnt even had the chance to return and said steadily:
Its fine. I have something to give back to him anyway.
Once I return it, maybe I can finally let go.
Claires wedding was held at her fathers hotel.
It was my first time back in this city in over five years.
Even after six months back in society, crowded places still made my chest tighten.
Thea, dont be so tense, Claire said, patting my shoulder. I gave a dry smile, gesturing for her to focus on her duties.
Guests began taking their seats. My whole table was filled with college classmates, yet no one recognized me.
Then Sean Parker arrived, hand-in-hand with that pretty girl from before, stirring attention before even sitting.
Well, well, looks like Mr. Parker is about to tie the knot soon, someone whispered.
He didnt hide it. Holding her hand openly, he glanced my way and nodded:
Thats right. When Sophie and I get married, you all have to come toast us.
Sophie. That was her name.
I lowered my gaze, wishing I could sink into the floor.
I tried to make myself invisiblebut Sophie noticed me.
Hey~ Arent you the girl who did my nails the other day?
All heads turned toward me.
Finally, someone recognized me:
You Thea Brown? Is that really you?
I nodded slightly, still avoiding eye contact.
Thats really you! How did you end up like this? You were so beautiful now you look malnourished!
I forced a weak smile. Some of Seans friends took cheap shots:
Miss Lin, karma sure caught up with you. We hadnt heard a peepthought you died in the pandemic.
I tolerated it. Compared to prison abuse, this was nothing.
Besides, it was Claires weddingI wouldnt let her day be ruined.
During the meal, I focused on my food.
Sean sneered, serving Sophie while throwing a barb:
Not used to Chinese food after being abroad for so long, Miss Lin?
I finished my last bite numbly, setting down my chopsticks.
Please, enjoy your meal everyone. I have to leave early.
I scanned the table. Full of people, yet no eyes met mine.
I left hurriedly, missing the chance to say goodbye to Claire or return Seans money.
Outside, someone blocked my path.
Sean Parker had somehow beaten me there. Without a word, he pulled me into a secluded corner, storm-dark expression in place.
Thea Brown, whats your game? Didnt you say you were going abroad to live the good life? Why are you back?
I stared at him, speechless.
Theyre right. This is karma for abandoning me.
Jealous? Im rich and successful now, with a beautiful, loving girlfriend.
She wont leave me. Youre the one whos been abandoned!
His words hit like an avalanche, crushing the air from my lungs.
At that moment, Claire came running, panting:
Sean Parker, whatdo you know that Thea
Claire! I cut her off, shoving the money into Seans hand and pulling her away.
I didnt want him to know. Better buried inside forever.
That night, Claire called me.
Thea, stop hiding in that little tourist area. Come work at my dads hotel.
I felt dazed.
Is that appropriate? Wont I cause trouble?
She waved it off.
Its fine. Just temporary room service. You wont be in public much, and it pays better than selling plush toys.
I decided to try.
On my third day, someone booked the main hall for a birthday.
Originally, I had nothing to do with it, but the manager called me to serve drinks.
When I reached the hall, I realizedit was Sean Parkers birthday. I had completely forgotten.
College classmates were there, along with his city friends. I searched for Claire, hoping to avoid showing my face.
What are you staring at? I didnt call you down to gawk! the supervisor barked, shoving a tray of drinks into my hands.
Main table is waitinghurry!
I had no choice. Pushed into the crowd, I wandered like a zombie carrying the tray.
Then Sophie bumped my arm.
The tray wobbled, toppledglasses shattered, alcohol splashing onto her heels and dress.
Ah! Whats wrong with you? Are you blind?
Im sorry, I muttered, scrambling to clean the shards.
Sophies anger flared.
Apologizing wont fix this! Do you know how much these shoes cost? Clean them properly!
I glanced at Seanhe frowned slightly but remained silent.
No intervention. I understood.
I crouched, wiping her shoes, all eyes on me.
Then came her cold, deliberate laughter.
Ladies and gentlemen, do you know her? Want to know where shes been all these years?
My mind went blank.
She was doing this on purpose.
Its Thea Brown, right? Shall I tell everyone where she disappeared?
Sophie had investigated me, determined to expose me.
The crowd stirred like flies. I looked up, meeting her smug gaze, feeling cornered.
No hiding.
No need for your help. Ill tell everyone myself.
A few years ago, I accidentally killed someone. I disappeared because I served time in prison.
This honesty wasnt for anyone elseit was for me. I just wanted a decent life.
Sean Parker shot to his feet, eyes blazing.
What did you say?
Sean Parker shot to his feet, staring at me in disbelief, his eyes blazing.
“What?!”
Everyone looked at each other in shock, whispering amongst themselves.
Sean Parker stood frozen in place, staring at me as if trying to absorb me with his gaze.
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