League
League 313

Chapter 313

Millie didn’t want to hurt Simon. “I’m happy to be your friend, but if you’re hoping for more than that, I’m afraid…”

Simon was a great man, and she felt unworthy of him.

He had seen this coming because Millie had looked troubled after the movies.

“This is my first time pursuing a woman,” Simon said helplessly. “Maybe I didn’t do it right.”

“You’re great,” she immediately said while shaking her head.

He smiled. He seemed to take the rejection calmly. To him, feelings couldn’t be forced. Knowing Millie, she couldn’t open her heart to a new man right away after experiencing a failed marriage.

Although he really wanted to stay by her side for a little longer, she didn’t seem to need his company. If so, he wouldn’t impose himself on her.

“How about just friends?” he asked.

She quickly nodded. “It’s my pleasure to befriend someone like you.”

He chuckled and lowered his head. Adjusting his glasses, he seemed to have a lot to say, but he ended up saying nothing at all.

The night breeze brought a chill, and some dead leaves were swept up against his feet.

Perhaps life was as ephemeral as the dead leaves. Nothing lasted forever. Seasons would change, and the new would replace the old.

He nodded firmly. “Good.”

His gentle gaze caressed her face. “Let’s stay friends, Ms. Caldwell. I wish you all the best in life. If you need help, I will always be on standby.”

He reached out for a handshake in what seemed like a farewell.

Millie looked at the man, whom she regarded with utmost respect, as he had shown her the same level of respect.

They shook hands before giving each other a light hug–the most intimate they had been in days.

She nodded. “Thank you. All the best to you too.”

He grunted and said nothing.

As Simon drove away, Millie waved at him. It was the right decision to put an end to a relationship with no future. She didn’t intend to hurt him.

When she turned, she saw Julia standing there. They stared at each other before breaking into smiles.

“Mom.” After they took their seats on the swing in the garden, Millie rested her head on Julia’s shoulder. Will you be upset at me for turning down Simon?”

“This is not your first time going against my wishes. I have nothing to be upset about. Julia shook her head. She wasn’t mad at all.

“But Mom, I never did anything right,” Millie whispered as she stared at her feet.

+15 BONUS

“Is right or wrong important? Does the outcome even matter?” Julia’s voice grew tender.

Millie was transported back to the time when she was a child, resting her head on Julia’s shoulder.

“Mom, I’m sure you blame me at times, but you tolerate my decisions out of love.” It was just like how Millie felt toward Winston.

She felt disgruntled and resentful toward him, but she accepted and tolerated all the hurt out of love.

“I love you. I’ll never blame you for anything,” Julia gently reassured her daughter.

Millie looked up with tears in her eyes. “Mom, I’ll live well. I won’t make you and Dad worry about me.”

“Mhm. I know. I see you growing and learning,” Julia replied softly.

Millie forgot how she got back to her bedroom. She found herself lying in bed when she woke up the next morning.

It was a fine day outside–the weather was great, the birds were singing, and the flowers smelled good.

She stretched and grabbed her phone. The incident between the Greers and the Lowells had made headlines.