154

Three months later...

"Are you sure you want to leave Dad here? Alone? Especially when your siblings are abroad?" Frans asked, sitting on the edge of the bed, helping Vanya pack her things into a suitcase.

"Remember when your mother was still alive, you promised you would never leave. You said you would stay here. But now what? You're leaving when your mother is no longer with us. So, who will Dad stay with, Van?" he continued, tears welling up in his eyes.

Frans had tried to stop Vanya from leaving, but she was determined. So now, she was ready to depart after being accepted into a university in Australia. Wanting to leave behind all the bitter memories, Vanya made this decision to distance herself.

However, after hearing Frans's words, Vanya sat down next to him and hugged him. "Dad, forgive me."

"Dad doesn't need your forgiveness. What Dad needs is your presence here, Van. But if you still want to stick with your decision, Dad won't stop you."

"Father..." Vanya covered her mouth, t