One after the other, Rachel and Roger traversed the length of the hospital corridor until they reached its
very end.
As they stood still in front of the window, Roger patiently waited for Rachel to say something.
"If everything goes well, the cast around Joey’s arm will be removed next week," Rachel said as she
turned to look at Roger
"I know that you’ve been relentlessly worried about Joey these past couple of days.I’ll keep you
company on the day of his appointment to have his cast removed.We can have dinner together after
that," Roger said in a gentle voice.
He had always been a kind man.
"… I’m planning to take Joey away from Apliaria," Rachel said, finally breaking her silence.
She had been thinking about it for quite a while now.
The smile on Roger’s lips disappeared into thin air.
It took a while before Roger finally calmed down.
When he tried to speak, his voice came out hoarse.
"You’re leaving Apliaria? Have you decided where you’re going? Indeed, it is quite refreshing to take
trips for leisure.A lot of things happened lately.Life in Apliaria surely looks peaceful, but if you take a
closer look, you will see that everyone is ready to take action."
A smile crossed his lips as Roger continued, "Joey is finally in a better state and the Bennet Group
seems to have regained its stability.In the meantime, you all should go somewhere to avoid further
mishaps, Just come back when the mess is all cleared up."
Rachel wondered if it was true that he did not understand what she meant by leaving Apliaria.
Perhaps, her words were misinterpreted.
However, when she looked deep into Roger’s eyes, all she saw was the burning love and passion that
he had for her.
Joey’s and Lila’s words haunted her once again.
There was a time when Joey talked about how much he adored Roger.
At some point, he even thought that Roger would be a great father to him.
Lila also mentioned that Roger was a good man.
She said that he treated her and Joey well.
Even Andy had a good impression of Roger.
Everyone around Rachel all agreed that she should give Roger a chance.
She couldn’t help but wonder if she should follow their suggestion.
"I have no plans of ever coming back"
Trying to regain her composure, Rachel continued, "However, I am not going to let go of the Bennet
Group.I will talk to Andy and ask him to handle the company’s affairs personally.Although I will no
longer be staying in Apliaria, I would still be handling the company remotely.I also plan on handing over
the welfare home project to someone I deem responsible."
For quite some time, Roger was silent.
Finally, he asked, "Is your decision final?"
Rachel nodded in response.
"Alright.If that is what you truly want, I will be here to support you unconditionally."
Roger did not ask Rachel to stay.She was surprised, but she kind of expected it.
Rachel knew exactly the kind of person Roger was.
No matter how reluctant he felt, he would never coerce her to make a decision that she did not agree
with.
When Roger said that he would support her unconditionally, he meant it.He was a reasonable man.
Knowing that Rachel saw him as a friend, he always tried to be a good friend to her.
As her close acquaintance, he knew that he did not have the right to stop her from leaving to Rachel’s
surprise, Roger did not ask why she wanted to leave Apliaria.
Breaking the silence in the air, Roger asked, "Have you booked the tickets?"
"Not very, I want to wait until Joey gets clearance from the doctor.If all turns out well, i’m going to book
the tickets later tonight," Rachel answered.
"Let me know once you book your tickets. I’ll check my schedule."
Rachel nodded. She thought that he just wanted to see them off at the airport.
Putting her hands into her coat’s pockets, she pursed her lips.She wanted to say something to him but
was hesitant for a moment.
Finally, she said, "Roger."
"Rachel!"
The two of them spoke in unison.
There was confusion in Rachel’s eyes as she looked at him.
"Go ahead," she insisted.
"No.You go first," Roger said in a gentle voice.
"I’m sorry.I’ve thought about what you said and I really did some careful consideration regarding our
relationship." Rachel said The beating of Roger’s heart was outrageous.
He couldn’t believe what Rachel just said.He was afraid that he might have put a wrong interpretation
on her words.He wanted to ask her what she meant but instead, he let her finish what she was saying.
"Joey adores you.Lila also constantly talks about you.It seems that everyone likes you very much I
know that I said that friendship is all I could offer to you.But I have to be honest with you.At some point,
I thought that maybe, I should give you a chance.If Joey was not abducted, I probably would not even
think about leaving Apliaria.Perhaps, I would accept you one day in the future."
Rachel took a deep breath and continued, "However, I can’t let myself be blinded by my what-ifs.I am
not willing to put Joey’s safety on the line.I also can’t let you wait for me when I am not certain if I am
ever going to accept you."
"Rachel."
It all felt surreal.
Roger was afraid that he would wake up from this very beautiful dream if he got too excited.He could
no longer bear the suspense.
"Are you telling the truth?" he asked, his voice trembling, "I’m sorry,"
Rachel apologized.
The moment she finished her words, Rachel saw a smile on Roger’s lips.
"Rachel, you have no idea how happy I am that you said all those things.Joy is an understatement for
what I’m feeling right now.I’m glad to hear that you even thought about accepting my love.Do you know
how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say that?"
Roger wanted so badly to hold her hands.
However, he was afraid that his sudden action would frighten Rachel.It took everything in him to
restrain himself.
"I’ve been waiting for this moment since high school." There was affection in his eyes as he gazed at
Rachel.
"I don’t regret a single thing.I will wait for you.I don’t care how long it takes."
He had been waiting for her for twelve years.
And the pain of losing her four years ago was unbearable.
However, at this very moment, Roger knew that everything he had been through was worth it.
He knew that the pain he felt no longer mattered.
"But I.."
"Rachel, do you want to know what was on my mind after you told me about your plans of leaving
Apliaria?"
"What were you thinking about?"
"In a span of ten seconds, I was able to decide.No matter where you want to go, I will be with you."
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