Cole must have seen Zacharias holding Shirley’s hand that morning. Did Cole just pass. up the chance to be with
her?
At this moment, Shirley had already arrived at Cole’s door. She took a deep breath and knocked on it.
Thinking it was someone coming for work- related matters, he got up to open the door. However, he didn’t expect
to find a slender, tall figure standing outside with snowflakes still clinging to her hair.
“Shirley! H-How did you come here?” He was surprised and taken aback.
“Why didn’t you answer my calls?” Shirley asked through clenched teeth.
“I was packing my things, and my phone was on silent.” Cole gave an excuse. She entered his room and saw that
he was indeed packing a suitcase. Her chest ached. “Are you planning to leave without even saying goodbye?”
Cole looked at Shirley with a pained expression. He didn’t expect to hurt her like this, but now that she was here, he
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtfelt more at ease talking to her face-to-face before leaving. “Please sit down. Let’s talk.”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, “Isn’t this good enough for us? Why do you have to leave?”
“Shirley, I’m sorry, but I don’t belong here. I have a more important mission to fulfill,” Cole said in a low voice.
She also understood that being a bodyguard was limiting him. He should have a better and brighter future. “Please
don’t go,” she pleaded.
“Shirley, I’ve already made up my mind. Thank you for liking me. I will remember our friendship, and I wish you find
a better person to love,” Cole hinted. He knew there was already an outstanding and better man by her side.
“I have no relationship with Zacharias. This morning, it was him intentionally holding my hand that led to your
misunderstanding. If there’s a misunderstanding, I can explain it clearly,” she hurriedly explained. She was truly
upset, to the point of almost crying. At her age, she couldn’t control her emotions, and she didn’t know how to
retain someone who was about to leave.
After listening to Shirley’s words, Cole felt even more relieved. Knowing that Zacharias liked her and realizing his
fortune in being liked by her, he held a glimmer of hope that she might transfer her affection to Zacharias, allowing
him to depart with peace of mind. At the same time, she could have a brighter future. “Shirley, I’m not the right
person for you. Zacharias is the one who suits you,” he said calmly.
She was taken aback, and tears welled up in her eyes. He handed her the tissue. “Please don’t cry. You deserve
someone better. The country trained me to fulfill a greater mission. My life is destined to be transient. I’ve thought
it through; I won’t marry in this lifetime.”
A single tear rolled down her cheek. At this moment, she felt helpless in the face of a love that was destined to end
abruptly.
Cole picked up the small bear doll Shirley had given him and handed it back to her. “Take this back. Give it to
someone you cherish.”
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She took it with tears in her eyes and looked up at him. His resolute and calm demeanor only made her feel more
lost. “Cole, I will remember you wherever you go. Please take care of yourself.” She took the small bear doll while
suppressing her downcast emotions.
“You too. Live well and grow strong,” Cole said to Shirley. He opened the door and looked at her, saying, “Shirley, go
back.”
She stood up reluctantly and took one last deep look at him. Then, she walked to the door. Cole resisted the urge to
follow Shirley, saying, “Take care.”
“You too.” She nodded, turned around, and once again, tears streamed down her face as she bid farewell to this
short-lived love.
Shirley walked out step by step while exuding an air of sorrow. At this moment, as snowflakes fell upon her on the
twilight road, she noticed a convoy with hazard lights flashing not far away. A tall figure stepped out of one of the
cars. He was holding an umbrella as he approached her.