Lover is Gone as the Wind Rises

Three days before the flight took off, Scarlett sent a photo of Lorenzo having a barbecue by the seaside.

[Scarlett]: To celebrate me carrying his baby, Lorenzo rewarded me with a vacation in the Maldives. He can’t bear me working so hard.‌

I didn't reply because I didn’t care about what they did anymore. Instead, I met up with a few close friends for one last get-together and enjoyed a wonderful time. Deep down, I knew we probably wouldn't be able to see each other again in the future.

Two days before the flight, Scarlett sent another photo. It was Lorenzo reading a book titled A Guide to Early Childhood Education.

[Scarlett]: Lorenzo is concerned about the baby's education. Even though it's just a little bean in my tummy, Daddy keeps talking through my belly every single day.

I still didn't reply. I went to the bank, exchanged all my money for cash in Euros, and then canceled all my bank cards.

One day before the flight, Scarlett sent a video that showed a beautiful and romantic fireworks display over the sea. Scarlett was crying with emotion, and Lorenzo was holding her gently, comforting her: "Why are you crying? There will be more surprises in the future."

[Scarlett]: Lorenzo booked the entire island for me. He bought out every single firework in the Maldives, just to celebrate my birthday.

I just offered a faint smile. Today was Scarlett's birthday. It must be a double celebration for her birthday and pregnancy.

When Lorenzo was away, I had packed everything up early. I donated all five large bags of clothes and shoes to charity, not leaving a single piece behind. As for all my daily necessities in the house, I took them directly to the funeral home and paid the staff to burn them all.

In the house I had lived in for five years, I felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity. The house had been cleaned out completely. There wasn't a single trace of mine. I only had one carry-on backpack, containing my passport. The only old belonging was the phone in my hand.

I used the phone to hail a taxi to the airport. The driver stopped at the terminal. Just as I was about to get off the car, I happened to spot Lorenzo in the crowd. He was pushing a luggage cart with two suitcases, one blue and one pink. Scarlett was holding his arm, leaning against his shoulder like a little bird relying on him. They were talking something but I couldn’t hear. Lorenzo lowered his head and kissed her on the lips, seemingly to soothe her. They gradually disappeared into the sea of people.

My phone rang. It was Lorenzo, "Anastasia, I'm back from my business trip. I'm coming to pick you up now, and let's go out for dinner together."

"Are you tired?"

"Not too bad. By the way, I remember you said I could open the box you gave me today, right?"

"Yes."

"I can't wait. You made me wait two week! I've been guessing every day what you got me. It must be something meaningful for our wedding anniversary, isn’t it?"

"Yes, it’s meaningful. You'll know as soon as you see it." I knew Lorenzo would later find a small silver ingot in the box. That was the melted wedding ring.

"Okay, wait for me. I should be home in about two hours."

Two hours was more than enough. By then, I should have already crossed the border.

"Okay."

"See you in a bit. Love you, Anastasia."

Hanging up, the taxi driver reminded her, "Miss, you haven't paid the fare yet." I paid and immediately turned off her phone, took out the SIM card, tossed it casually into a trash can, and then handed the phone to a little kid nearby.

The kid was delighted: "Thank you, sister!"

I smiled and patted his hair. "You're welcome."

The kid’s mother felt embarrassed, "We can't take it. It’s valuable."

I asked, "Are you guys going abroad?"

"Yes, we're going to Africa to find his dad."

I smiled and said, "Just take it. You might find it useful when you get to Africa."

"Alright then, thank you so much."

I waved hands and said goodbye to them. "I wish you a pleasant journey."

The airport broadcast sounded, "Please proceed to Gate H23 for boarding as soon as possible. Your flight is about to depart..."

Looking back at the terminal, I resolutely walked towards the boarding gate.