M’s heart raced as she waited for the call to go through. She was so nervous that her stomach felt


    queasy. Her breathing grew erratic.


    Finally, the phone connected.


    “Hello,” Nathan said. His voice was captivating but noticeablycking its usual energy. It


    was as if he had lost his spirit.


    M was flooded with pent–up emotions the moment she heard his voice. She struggled to hold back


    tears while covering her mouth. Despite her efforts, tears streamed down her face. and pooled in her


    palm.


    She wanted to talk, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She couldn’t utter a word. She was afraid that


    she would burst into tears if she moved her hand away from her mouth.


    She wasn’t the type to take risks for love. Instead, she was usually level–headed and focused on her


    career. She never thought she could feel so fragile.


    Η


    Nathan patiently waited for Wanda to respond on the other end of the phone. Yet, there was only


    silence even though he had waited for what felt like an eternity. He asked softly, Wanda, are you there?


    Can you talk to me?”


    M struggled to keep her emotions in check. She mped her hand tightly over her mouth. Her entire


    body trembled as she tried to suppress the overwhelming flood of feelings that threatened to consume


    her. Tears streamed down her face to the ground.


    Nathan smiled bitterly and made a light–heartedment. “You’re still able to call, so you must still be


    in Norvania. Want to do a video call? I’d love to see your face.”


    M felt an intense wave of sadness wash over her. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she sank to the


    ground, curling up into a ball and clutching her knees tightly. Fearful that Nathan might end the call, she


    took a deep breath, sniffled, and tearfully said, “Nate, this will be thest time I’m calling you.”


    Nathan’s voice quivered slightly, but he put on a fa?ade of nonchnce as he replied, “Well, it’s always


    good to mark an end. Maybe I’ll catch you on TV sometime down the road. And who knows? Maybe


    you’lle up with even better weapons and win that Genesis Award who knows? Maybe you’lle


    someday.”


    M shook her head and said, “They mean nothing.”


    “They’re your dreams.” Nathan corrected her.


    M couldn’t help but cry. She scolded, “Nate, can’t you stop being so nice to me? Can’t you be a little


    selfish? You’re breaking my heart.”


    Nathan forced a smile. “Being selfish would only make things worse for you. Do you truly want me to be


    selfish?”


    “I do,” M replied. But then, she felt conflicted and shook her head. “Yet, I don’t. I’m not


    sure.”


    “Don’t think too hard about it. Trust your instincts. You’re not responsible for me, so don’t stress over


    me. I’m tougher than you realize, and I’ve been in love with you all along, even if you haven’t felt the


    same. So, don’t worry too much.” Nathan’s voice grew calmer.


    M wiped her tears. She recalled his vow to wait five years for her and wondered if he would still keep


    it.


    “Nate, I-” M began, then halted: Suddenly, she realized the selfishness of asking him to wait another


    five years.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The thought of the situation she might put Nathan in if she couldn’t return after five years weighed


    heavily on her. It would undoubtedly shatter his heart. Five yearster, he’d be in his 30s and possibly


    with children old enough for kindergarten.


    “What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.


    Feeling a pang of pain, M held her chest and whispered, “Nate, take care of yourself and remember


    to love yourself.”


    “You too.”


    “Yeah, I will.”


    Nathan couldn’t bring himself to ask when she would leave or if she would return to Norvania. Just


    hearing her voice through the phone again was enough to make him feel


    content.