Nathan wasn’t sure why M was crying–maybe she didn’t want to leave, or perhaps she just felt guilty.


    All he knew was that hearing her voice made him feel okay.


    Even though Nathan and M were never officially together, the intense pain he felt in his chest–was


    unbearable. It was as if his heart was being torn apart, and he wished he could just end the pain by


    dying. He wanted to tell her so many things, but he knew he wouldn’t get the chance anymore.


    “I have to go take care of something, so I’ll hang up now,” Nathan said calmly.


    He wanted to hang up before his emotions got the better of him. He was afraid that if he didn’t hang up


    soon, he might end up buying a ne ticket on impulse, and fly to M to make her stay with him.


    After hanging up, Nathan tossed his phone onto the desk. He sank into his chair, feeling,pletely


    powerless, as if his spirit had abandoned him. He leaned his head back and shut his eyes.


    To withstand the torment, he clenched his fists so tightly that they quivered, and veins stood out on his


    skin. The pain was so strong that tears trickled down from the corners of his eyes.


    These days, merely dreaming of M brought him anguish. He was far from resilient when it came to


    matters of the heart. Slowly, tears began flowing uncontrobly. They followed the contours of his face,


    streaming down until they reached the sides of his ears.


    Suddenly, there came a knock on the office door. Nathan turned his chair to face away from the door.


    He took a deep breath and quietly wiped the tears from his eyes.


    Cole walked in, looking nervous. “General Morrison, the Intelligence Agency has informed us that the


    traitor and Oliver have sneaked into the country by boat. They’vended and disappeared without a


    trace.”


    “You mean Lucas?” Nathan asked calmly.


    “Yes, Lucas, the traitor,” Cole replied grimly. “He’ll do anything for money, even betraying you. I’ll shoot


    him dead if I catch him.”


    Realizing that M must be their main reason for risking entry into Norvania, Nathan swiftly pulled out


    his phone and dialed Phoebe’s number.


    Phoebe answered the phone quickly. She politely asked, “General Morrison, is everything


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


    selfish? You’re breaking my heart.”


    you


    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.


    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.”


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    “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.