6#06

6

Dave clutched the umbrella in one hand while cradling Leona in his other arm, her form curled against him like a small feline. He didn't care if his shoulders got drenched, as long as Leona remained dry. He had completely forgotten about Kate standing behind them.

She observed their retreating figures with a cold gaze as they headed towards the vehicle. It brought back memories of the year when her love for him had been at its peak, during which he had held Leona in a similar manner.

Kate didn't have time to dwell on these thoughts. With sudden determination, she dashed through the rain and into the car. It wasn't until Leona had been settled that Dave finally exited her vehicle.

Upon noticing Kate soaked from the rain, Dave was momentarily taken aback before quickly regaining his composure. He hastily explained, "Leona has always been delicate, and getting caught in the rain might make her sick. I just wanted to get her to the car first. You're not upset, are you?"

"Honey, why didn't you wait for me to assist you?" Realizing his actions, Dave swiftly apologized.

Kate merely responded quietly, "It's alright."

Dave, knowing Kate wasn't one to harbor resentment, felt relieved when she said it was fine. He believed everything was okay.

However, in Kate's heart, Dave had long since lost his appeal.

During the journey back, Kate remained silent. The two of them seemed like strangers who had just met. If she could, Kate would have preferred never knowing him at all.

Kate returned to the Shawn Family residence and gathered all her possessions, leaving behind only a diary.

The journal contained all her childhood memories. She considered it her final gift to her parents.

No one knew the real reason she was packing, nor did anyone seem to care. When her mother, Melanie, saw her carrying the suitcase out, she only made a cold comment.

"What's this? Are you really planning to leave for good? Then you'd better hope nothing bad happens to you, because we won't be concerned anymore."

Perhaps from the moment they discovered Kate wasn't their biological daughter, they no longer viewed her as part of the Shawn Family. They were eager to be rid of her and marry her off as quickly as possible.

Kate didn't respond. Instead, she turned and looked at the woman who had raised her for two decades.

"Is there truly no emotion at all?" She gazed at her mother and slowly said, "Farewell."

Melanie showed no awareness of the significance.

It was as if it were just another ordinary day, and no one realized this was her final goodbye.

She stored her belongings in a secure location, deciding that once she left, she would leave nothing behind.

When she arrived home, it was already evening.

As soon as Dave saw Kate return, he immediately presented the wedding gown he had personally selected. "A wedding only happens once, how can we settle for less? Quickly, choose one you like!"

Kate stared at the neatly arranged white dresses for a while, lost in thought.

When her gaze returned to Dave, her eyes unintentionally welled up with tears.

It seemed that no matter how much love appeared to exist, it could all be an illusion.

He casually picked up a wedding dress and handed it to Kate. "This one suits you! Go try it on!"

Kate didn't object, even though the dresses before her could never compare to the one she had designed herself.

When she emerged in the second dress, she saw him answering a phone call. "Do I have to come out and shop with you now? But I'm with your sister trying on wedding dresses. Okay, I'll be right there."

His voice was hushed and barely audible as he hid in the corner.

But Kate still heard every word clearly.