When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past (Zoey) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 

As I left the cemetery, I encountered someone unexpected–my father. Jackson must have 

contacted him, which explained how he knew about my mother’s camera and my return. 

“Have you eaten?” he asked hesitantly. 

“What do you want?” I responded coolly. 

He paused before answering, “Could you come home for a while?” 

I couldn’t suppress a bitter laugh. “You’ve always told me to stay away. I’ve respected your 

wishes, so why the sudden change?” 

His voice quavered. “Your sister has cancer.” 

I froze, stunned by his words. 

I’ve tried everything… sold everything we could. You’re her sister. Would you help her?” 

His face was etched with sorrow and regret. 

“I know you resent me, but pushing you away wasn’t what I wanted. It wasn’t my choice…” 

Pain filled his eyes. “You’re my daughter. How could I ever want to send you away? I had 

my reasons.” 

I looked at him quietly, knowing our past was a web of misunderstandings. “I know,” I said simply, requiring no further explanation. 

He seemed lost in thought. I remembered the day I received my college acceptance letter, overjoyed at the prospect of following my mother’s path into medicine. Racing home with the news, I’d overheard him arguing with my aunt in the kitchen, their words cutting deep: 

“May will be starting college soon too. How can we possibly afford it?” 

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past 

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Chapter 13 

You’ve already raised her to adulthood. Isn’t that enough?” 

Harry! It’s either her or me in this family!” 

I’d quietly closed the door and spent the afternoon alone on the street. That entire summer, 

I lived in limbo, waiting for answers I couldn’t comprehend. 

“You didn’t want our home to crumble again, so you sacrificed me. Despite the pain, you 

sent me away,” I said softly. 

He tried to speak, but I continued, “I don’t resent you. I understand.” 

I paused. “But as a daughter, I can say you’re not a terrible father, but you’re not a good one 

either.” 

I took out my phone and transferred 300,000 yuan to him. Over the years, he’d deposited money in my account, which I’d saved to repay him when the time was right. 

“I’ve returned what you gave me. The rest… consider it payment for raising me.” 

M 

Please don’t seek me out again,” I added coldly. 

Leaving the restaurant, I felt lighter. The burdens that had weighed c 

lift away, one by one. 

my heart seemed to 

I turned a corner and found myself at the flower shop where Joseph had bought my mother the bird–of–paradise flowers. The owner recognized me, but the shop was nearly empty, with the last flowerpots being loaded onto a truck. 

“Where are you moving?” I asked. 

She smiled. “We’re closing! Time for something new.” 

I nodded. “That’s alright.” 

She gathered the remaining lilies of the valley, hyacinths, and olive branches into a bouquet. “To new beginnings.” 

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hapter 19 

We shared a warm embrace before parting. 

Walking home under the painted sunset sky, I paused to appreciate the moment until my phone rang–the dean, his voice urgent. 

“Joe, we need you back sooner than expected.” 

“What’s happened?” 

He sent me a news article: “Celestial Sea Conflict Intensifies, Multiple Pager Explosions 

Reported.” 

“The hospital thinks you’re best suited for this-” 

“I’m going,” I cut in. 

I pulled out the necklace bearing Joseph’s dog tag and kissed it gently. 

I knew then that there would be no other path. Wherever the flames of war rise, that’s 

where we’re needed. 

We’ll always believe that everyone in this world, no matter how deep their darkness, will find a glimmer of hope.