He Ignored My Grief, I Chose Duty

Chapter 5

"But doesn't Phantom have a girlfriend?"

"That girlfriend only stuck by him after the accident. She's more like a favor he has to repay. Anyone with eyes can see the Racing God doesn't love her."

These words barely stirred a ripple in Linnea's heart. She ate the rest of her breakfast without a flicker of emotion, then headed back.

Dominic was already awake.

Just as he was about to step out, something flickered in his memory. He turned to Linnea.

"Tomorrow's your birthday. You've always wanted that beach barbecue, right? Tomorrow, I'll take you."

Linnea's birthday marked the very day Sonya had abandoned Dominic and fled overseas.

September 27th.

Dominic never forgot.

In years past, a shadow would darken his gaze around this time. But today, that gloom was nowhere to be found.

"I'm heading to the office first. You're switching jobs soon, so take it easy and rest up at home."

With that, he strode out, eagerness in every step.

Back then, Linnea had brought up the seaside barbecue and even suggested traveling together.

But Dominic always brushed it off... training was too hectic, the company demanded his attention, no time to spare.

So what has changed today?

*****

The next morning, bright and early, Linnea painted her face with careful, artful strokes of makeup before stepping out with Dominic.

Today, she planned to seize the moment and finally bring up the breakup.

As they settled into the car, Dominic's gaze swept over her. "You never used to like makeup. What's with the sudden change?"

The one who didn't like makeup was Sonya, not Linnea.

Dominic could never remember the little things. And with only two days left, Linnea had no intention of drilling it into his head now.

"Makeup makes me happy, and it makes me feel good about myself. From now on, I'll be wearing it."

A storm of unspoken emotions flickered deep in Dominic's eyes.

"It's good to be yourself."

*****

They arrived at the beach. The moment she stepped out of the car, Linnea spotted Sonya, Jesse, and the rest of the crew waving at them from a distance.

"Bro Dom, over here!"

Linnea turned to Dominic. "I thought this was supposed to be my birthday celebration."

"They said they wanted to tag along, so I figured, why not? The more, the merrier."

What could she even say? The breakup talk was as good as dead in the water now.

Sonya sauntered over, a glint of challenge blazing in her eyes.

"Linnea, I heard it's your birthday today. Happy birthday. But when Dominic told me about it yesterday, he didn't mention it was for your birthday, so I didn't have time to grab you a gift. You're not upset, are you?"

Linnea met her gaze, utterly calm. "We've only met twice. We're barely even acquaintances. Why on earth would I be upset?"

Sonya's words caught in her throat.

Linnea turned away and walked toward the sea alone, her gaze fixed on the horizon where sky and water met. Her father's words echoed in her mind.

"Growing up is just a process of forced acceptance. Everyone will encounter some people and things. Cut your losses in time, and it will all pass."

The private beach was brimming with laughter and chatter, but Linnea sat alone to one side, gazing at the sea.

Before long, Sonya appeared again and slid down beside her.

"Linnea, let's have a real talk. These three years, you've worn yourself out looking after Dominic for me. Whatever you want, just name it. I won't let you walk away empty-handed."

'Walk away empty-handed?'

Linnea fixed her eyes on her. "So you think I'm with Dominic for the money?"

"What else could it be? For love? Two people need love to be together... does he even love you?" Sonya rose to her feet. "Today, I'll make you give up hope."

No sooner had she spoken than Linnea saw Sonya stride into the sea.

She was a bit puzzled.

But the realization soon dawned.

In a flash, Dominic bolted toward Sonya.

"Sonya! What are you doing?"

Everyone's eyes shot towards the pair.

Wave after wave crashed over the two of them.

Dominic's eyes reddened, and he held Sonya tightly in his arms.

"Have you lost your mind? Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? Why would you do something so stupid?"

Soaked through, Sonya stared straight at him. "I'm crazy! Every single second you're with another woman makes me want to go insane.

"Why? Why did you get together with someone else the moment I was gone for a year? We spent our entire youth together. How could you just turn around and be with someone else? Why?!" She screamed the words hysterically.

Dominic said nothing, but his arms tightened around her even more.

Tears streamed down Sonya's face as she enunciated each word, "Dominic Calder, I want you to tell me right now... do you still love me? If you don't answer, I'll jump into the sea!"

The air fell silent.

Only the crashing waves beat against the hearts of everyone present.

A long moment later, Linnea heard Dominic say, "I do."