64: Inner Struggle

Lizzie turned her head, glancing at him. Her lips barely curved upward, but the faint smile was there. Jacob knew that this was her way of telling him that she was okay. She was doing just fine.

As he watched her white figure move into the elevator, he knew she was anything but okay. Why did she always have to be like this, protecting others before herself? It was the same a year ago, and it was no different now. When he wasn't there for her, how much pain had she endured? How much humiliation had she swallowed?

Regret gnawed at him. He should not have left her behind at his mother's request. But could he still change things now?

She was avoiding him, always maintaining a distance. How could he make it right again?

After apologizing to Manager Chen, Lizzie left the luxurious hotel. The night wind was surprisingly cold, and she realized that she had left her jacket in the banquet hall. Rubbing her arms to warm herself, she began to walk down the dimly lit street.

She trudged along for