Chapter 9

Two days before leaving, Samantha received news that the name change process was complete. She stepped out, retrieved her new ID card and passport, and returned home by evening. The weather was a bit chilly. She exhaled into her hands for warmth as she got out of the car, only to see Wilson waiting at the door. It seemed like he had been waiting for her. His gaze was uncertain when their eyes met, and his tone carried hesitation. "Where'd you go?" Samantha unlocked the door with her key. Her tone was calm as she asked, "Is something wrong?" Wilson shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to appear indifferent. "Nothing. It's just… the weather forecast says that there'll be a heavy storm tomorrow. If you don't have to go out, it's best to stay home." He was clearly worried about not being able to find her tomorrow, yet he came up with such a flimsy excuse. Samantha almost laughed out loud. Still, she held it back and simply nodded. "Got it." An inexplicable panic rose in Wilson's chest when he saw how indifferent she seemed. He couldn't shake the feeling that something about her had been off lately. But he couldn't pinpoint what it was. … Samantha woke up early on the day of her departure. Her flight was at 2:00 pm. First, she threw away everything she had left. As she looked at the empty room that was now reduced to just two suitcases, she let out a long breath. The doorbell rang at 11:00 am. She cracked the door open and saw a few of Wilson's close friends. "Samantha, we know you've been exhausted these past few days because of Wilson's condition. The doctor said he's been taking his medication on time and is slowly improving, so don't worry too much." "Yeah! We all hope that Will regains his memory soon. We're looking forward to your wedding! Today happens to be your seventh anniversary, so we've prepared a little surprise." Samantha listened quietly as they recited their rehearsed lines, then cooperatively asked, "What surprise?" "Come with us, and you'll see." Before she could respond, one of their phones rang. Their plan seemed to have changed a minute later. "Samantha, something came up, so the surprise will have to wait. You go ahead with whatever you're doing. We'll pick you up tonight." With that, they left in the rain. After watching their car disappear into the downpour, Samantha turned around and rolled her luggage out. Ten minutes later, a cab pulled up. The driver helped her load the suitcases first. Samantha held up her umbrella and walked along the wall, leaving the villa. As she passed the car parked next door, she heard strange noises coming from inside. Through the pattering rain, a woman's soft and sultry voice rang out. "Aren't you supposed to regain your memory and return to reality? Will, time's almost up." "How could I bear to leave with you teasing me like this? Let's push it to tonight. We still have time… A few more rounds wouldn't hurt…" Samantha stopped in her tracks. She turned slightly and stared at the sports car, which was shaking more violently. A tightness gripped her chest, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. Having finished loading the luggage, the taxi driver called out from afar, "Ms. Warner, are you getting in?" She calmly wiped her tears away, thinking, "Wilson Fowler, this is the last time I'll cry for you." She walked to the front passenger seat, closed her umbrella, and got in. The moment the door shut, the sports car's window rolled down. Samantha didn't see the confusion in Wilson's eyes. She didn't hear Natalie say, "You must've misheard." She took out her expired ID card and snapped it in half. The driver merely observed her actions in surprise. "You don't need your ID anymore?" She nodded lightly and said indifferently, "It's expired. There's no need for it." Everything was a fresh start for her from this moment on. Everything related to Samantha Warner—she no longer wanted it.