Audrey Sutton and Laura Yates, who had witnessed Richard Sheffied’s confession in person, left the venue with Vanessa Sterling and returned to Vanessa’s home together.

Vanessa Sterling had never expected that Richard Sheffied would confess to her.

The two of them had indeed been in contact more often lately, but she had always seen Richard Sheffied as a teacher, and had never thought about a boyfriend–girlfriend relationship.

Or rather, she’d never planned on getting married in this lifetime.

Laura Yates and Audrey Sutton also knew that after what Vanessa had gone through with Miles Sterling, the shadow in her heart was too heavy, and that was why she was afraid to let anyone in.

But if you keep running from your inner demons forever, you’ll probably only ever live under those dark shadows.

Vanessa herself said, "...Actually, I do kind of want to make a change, but I don’t have the courage to take that step. And Teacher Sheffield is so outstanding, I..."

Laura Yates chuckled softly and said, "Since Old Man Sheffield is the one confessing to you, then he definitely hopes you’ll say yes. Now it all comes down to what you think. If you want to give it a try, then go for it."

Audrey Sutton nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we only get a few decades in this life. Sometimes you should be a little willful and just follow your heart."

Laura Yates said, "Anyway, you don’t need to think about anything else. Just sort out what your heart really wants."

Vanessa Sterling pressed her lips together hesitantly. "...I’ll think about it carefully."

Audrey Sutton said, "Mm, don’t put too much pressure on yourself about relationships. If you get along, that’s great; if you don’t, then part ways peacefully when the time comes."

...

Right now, the only person whose feelings were more tangled than Vanessa’s was probably Miles Sterling.

He had originally thought that Vanessa and Richard Sheffied were already together. He hadn’t expected Richard to only confess to Vanessa today.

And on stage, Vanessa’s reaction had clearly been one of surprise, and she hadn’t given a clear answer.

Miles Sterling stood in his room, pacing and hesitating. Several times he couldn’t help wanting to knock on Vanessa’s door and tell her not to say yes.

But what right did he have to interfere in her life?

That man appeared successful in his career and was elegant and refined. If Vanessa agreed to be with him, saying that the rest of her life would be carefree wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

Miles Sterling lit a cigarette and sat down on the sofa, finally forcing himself to give up those thoughts he shouldn’t have.

He’d just keep all that frustration in his heart and slowly digest it on his own. Whether or not he ever got those memories back, he shouldn’t go and disturb Vanessa again.

Just watching over her silently like this, seeing her happy, could count as a kind of atonement.

...

Early the next morning, Vanessa Sterling received a call from Richard Sheffied.

When she saw that Richard had bought breakfast and brought it over to her place, the heart that had still been wavering a little suddenly became a bit more resolute.

She didn’t actually like being alone; she also longed to be cared for and cherished. She’d only chosen to stay in her own little world and avoid contact with the outside because she was afraid some nightmares would repeat themselves.

"Is it convenient for me to come in?" Richard Sheffied smiled gently, shaking the breakfast in his hand as he stood at the door and spoke to Vanessa.

Vanessa froze for a moment before snapping out of it. She immediately stepped aside to make way, smiling a little shyly and awkwardly. "...Please come in."

Richard Sheffied chuckled softly as he walked in and said, "I noticed you seem to really like the dumplings from this place, so I bought you some downstairs."

Vanessa Sterling smiled bashfully. As the hostess, she actually seemed a bit at a loss.

"Thank you... Um, have a seat wherever you like. I’ll go change my clothes."

"You must’ve just woken up, right? Go wash up. I’ll wait for you in the living room."