03
Gianna’s face lit up. Over the past couple of days, she had seen me packing up my things, and Grayson was frowning tightly. “I told you I’m not getting a divorce. You should give up on that idea.
Gianna’s expression darkened, and I didn’t say anything. I turned and went into the back room, dividing the money into three parts.
D
08:20 Sat, 8 Feb M
One part I gave to Grayson, tucking it under his pillow.
The rest, I kept with me. Echo Ridge wasn’t an easy place to live, with lots of expenses, so
every bit would count.
96%
Grayson followed me into the room. When he saw that I was even packing my winter clothes
into my suitcase, he was momentarily stunned. Just as he was about to say something, we
heard a shout from next door.
“Gianna fainted! Help her!”
Grayson immediately rushed out. At the door, he suddenly paused, turned to me, and said, “She fainted. We’re neighbors. We should help.”
I nodded. “You should go!”
Grayson froze, then asked, “Aren’t you upset?”
“Why would I be? Isn’t that what you always say? We’re neighbors, and we should help each
other. I can’t be jealous over something like this.”
Relieved, Grayson scooped up Gianna and hurried off to the hospital in front of the whole
neighborhood.
Isla then came over. “Eleanor, are you okay? That b*tch must have done it on purpose. She
was fine when she left your house, and now she’s fainting?”
“Isla, after I leave, could you give this to Grayson for me? I bought a ticket for tomorrow and
I’m leaving early. There’s nothing left for me here.”
Isla’s eyes instantly welled up. She patted my hand and said a few heartfelt words before
leaving.
I placed the divorce papers on the table and handed her the house keys. When Grayson
came back, he wouldn’t find me, and there was no need to keep talking to him.
The next morning, I packed up and left. I arrived at the station, got my ticket, and left
immediately.
As I sat on the train heading north, the changing scenery helped me forget about the unpleasant things for a while.
I couldn’t help but smile. In my past life, I had sacrificed so much for my family and never traveled far. In the end, I died tragically.
Later, my soul followed Grayson, watching as he and Gianna grew closer. I was furious and
almost came back to life, but what could a dead person do?
him.
I watched them fall deeper in love, but now, I understood.
Nothing could stop me anymore.
Grayson didn’t care about me, and that was fine. My life had more important things than
I had answered the nation’s call and come to Echo Ridge to contribute to its development
They couldn’t shake my resolve.
D
After sitting for seven or eight hours on the train, I finally arrived. As soon as I stepped off the
train, I saw a few people wearing hats and gray work clothes. Their faces were weathered, their
skin dark from the sun. One of them was holding a large sign that said: A Warm Welcome to
08:20 Sat, 8 Feb M
Eleanor!]
I walked up to them.
“Are you Eleanor?”
I nodded. “That’s me.”
Claim your reward! Do not miss today’s check–in!
“We’re from the Echo Ridge Agricultural Research Center. I’m Mason Estes. We’ve been
waiting for you.”
He quickly took my suitcase. “Eleanor, did you come by yourself?”
“Yes, I came alone. I’m here to settle in Echo Ridge.”
96%
On the way, I learned that Mason had been here for six years. Conditions here were so tough
that several researchers had already left the center.
“Eleanor, you should prepare yourself. It’s not like the place you’re used to.”
“I know. I’m here to build the country, and we’ll overcome any hardships.”
Mason and the others chuckled but didn’t say much.
I knew they were skeptical, wondering if I could really stick it out.
