Chapter 9
Charles took me to the heart of Great Corona Plains, which looked like a massive oil painting.“]
The golden wheat and the ochre hills seemed to blend together effortlessly. It was stunningly beautiful, breathtakingly serene and all my worries melted away in that moment.
***
In the days that followed, I threw myself into planting seeds and tilling the soil, feeling like I could keep going forever without a break.
I was always the last one to finish working and Charles would always lend a hand, helping me carry the tools back to the shed after a long day.
Before long, whispers started circulating about us within the group. Some of the other young people who had come with me from Ostmarc City began to share my past stories.
In an instant, I felt a wave of fear wash over me, bringing me back to that helpless summer when my doorstep was crowded with people eager to witness my downfall.
Then Charles showed up at my dorm, pulling me out of bed. “Listen, Evelyn, this isn’t your fault,” he said firmly. “You’re just an innocent victim.” His deep, reassuring voice somehow made me feel stronger.}]
He took me to a group meeting and spoke with conviction, “There have been some nasty rumors floating around lately and I want to make it clear that nobody is allowed to gossip behind anyone’s back. That’s just unfair to a lady.“}
He continued, “I’m 26, single and I like the new comrade Shen. I’m going to pursue her, but whether she says yes or not, I promise to respect our boundaries and won’t overstep.”
“Please hold me responsible; if I ever cross that line, you have every right to call me out.” With that, he stepped down from the podium and walked straight toward me, full of confidence.
Ever since that incident years ago, all my classmates and friends have kept their distance.}]
They knew I was the victim, but not a single one of them stood up for me; instead, they avoided me like I had some kind of disease.
Now, after only two months of knowing Charles, he was willing to step up for me, insisting that no one should talk behind my back. It brought a warmth to my heart that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
In the days that followed, I threw myself into my work, pouring all my sweat into the land.
Charles kept a respectful distance, but whenever I looked up, I could see the intensity in his gaze, always watching over me.
Gradually, I settled into this busy, fulfilling life, trying to forget everything about Ostmarc City. But one month later, when I returned to the dorm after a long day, an unexpected visitor barged in.
I opened the door and saw a tall man sitting inside. His back looked somewhat familiar, but I quickly brushed it off–Richard, being a commander, wouldn’t be able to leave his jurisdiciton without proper orders.
I was about to ask him who he was when he turned around, revealing a face that felt both familiar and strange.
And then he spoke, “Eve, why did you run off to the Great Corona Plains without telling me? Do you have any idea how long I’ve been searching for you?”
That voice–there was no mistaking it; it was Richard.
In just three short months, he seemed like a different man. He looked worn out, with scruffy stubble and an air of exhaustion hanging around him.
When I hesitated to respond, Richard rushed over, reaching out to take my hand, but I pulled away sharply.
“What are you doing here?” I shot back.”
Richard seemed caught off guard by my reaction, momentarily at a loss for words. After a beat, he finally managed to say, “I came to find you, of course. Eve, I know you got a divorce, but I don’t agree with it. I signed that document without knowing what it was.”
