His Warmth Wasn’t Mine, I Walked Away

Chapter 9

After the Wilderness Return Ritual, William took the downcast Mia back home. He instinctively glanced toward where Summer had been standing, but she was already gone. An inexplicable sense of emptiness washed over him, but he brushed it off as overthinking. Since Mia was still upset, he decided to stay and comfort her.

Before long, a young man rushed into the cabin and pulled Mia into a tight embrace. It was Ryan Brown, the boyfriend Mia had met and fallen in love with while away.

Ryan excitedly told Mia that he had worked things out with his family and was willing to move to the valley permanently to be with her. Mia's sadness vanished instantly, replaced by sheer joy.

Martha stood on the stairs, smiling down at the young couple.

Seeing this, William stepped forward and passed on the message Martha had previously entrusted to him, "Martha has known about your feelings for a long time. As long as you prove yourself to be reliable, Ryan, she gives her blessing for the marriage."

Mia threw herself into her mother's arms in excitement, while Ryan awkwardly but firmly made his promise to Martha.

Seeing this happy ending, William turned to leave, but Mia quickly called out to him and pulled a coral bracelet from her pocket to hand back to him.

"I borrowed this earlier, and now that I've learned the weaving pattern, I'm returning it safe and sound. When you see Summer, remember to tell her about my wedding!"

William took the bracelet, put it away, and softly gave his word.

Back at his own place, he took out the Blessing Scroll of Mountains and Rivers and completed the Blessing Ritual alone. By the time he finished, night had fallen completely. He picked up his phone to tell Summer to come and collect the painting, only to see her farewell message.

Stunned, William quickly typed out a reply.

William: What wedding? The moment he sent it, a red exclamation mark popped up, showing the message was blocked.

His brow furrowed deeply, an ominous feeling growing in his chest.

He immediately saddled his horse and rode to Summer's dormitory. The night had completely enveloped the Southern Valley and stars filled the sky, but no matter how many times he knocked on her door, there was no answer.

Hearing the noise, a colleague from the medical team next door opened the door. She was surprised to see William. "What are you doing here looking for Dr. Forrest?"

William asked directly, "Where is Summer?"

The coworker sighed and gave it to him straight. "She left this afternoon. Put in for a long-term posting out in the Northern Wasteland. She's not coming back to the Southern Valley."

The words hit William like a thunderbolt. For the first time, his usually calm face betrayed sheer shock.

Forcing down his rising panic, he asked in a low voice, "Is she ever coming back?"

The colleague shook her head, completely shattering his last shred of hope. "It's a long-term assignment. She's not coming back."