Path Uncrossed

That night, on Jeffrey Moore's birthday, I wrapped myself up as a gift and slipped into his bed.

In the heat of the moment, he kissed me fiercely.

But the next instant, he told me to get out and withdrew all the affection he'd ever shown me.

Later, he brought his fiancée home.

After making me kneel at the door and listen to their intimacy, I suddenly felt exhausted.

I didn't want to love him anymore.

1

On the tenth day of our cold war, Jeffrey sent the butler to deliver a message.

He said tonight was his engagement party.

His fiancée wanted to meet me, and I had to attend.

The butler spoke cautiously. "Miss, don't be stubborn. Just do what Mr. Moore says."

I stood by the window, my pale reflection staring back at me.

I smiled and replied. "Of course I'll go. If my uncle's fiancée wants to see me, I have to be there."

The butler looked stunned and stammered. "W-what did you say?"

"Didn't my uncle say his fiancée wants to meet me? Of course I'll do as he says." Leaving the butler speechless, I walked back to my room.

Yes.

He had every reason to be shocked.

I'd once believed obsessively that Jeffrey and I could have a future refusing to call him uncle.

I always used his name, sweet and deliberate.

But now, I was truly tired. "Aunt Ellen, I've decided. I'm coming to Lumania next week, and I won't be back."

On the phone, Ellen's voice brimmed with excitement. "Chelsey, you're finally coming! Take these next few days to say goodbye to your friends, especially your uncle. He raised you, and that wasn't easy. Once you settle in Lumania, coming back won't be so simple."

I murmured my agreement. "Okay."

I'd make sure to say a proper goodbye to Jeffrey.

After hanging up, I paced to a room on the second floor.

The walls were covered with photos.

All of them were of me and Jeffrey.

In the center, an enlarged picture stood out.

I wore a birthday hat, eyes closed, making a wish.

He stood beside me, gazing at me with gentle eyes.

Even after all this time, I could still recall the way my heart pounded like a drum that day.

With my love by my side, I bubbled with happiness.

Back then, my wish was simple. I wanted to be with him forever.

But time passed, and things changed.

Five years later, my wish could never come true.

With that thought, I grabbed a chair and took down every frame.

I picked up a knife and slashed my image out of each one.

Every photo held memories.

Tears streamed down my face before I realized it.

Yet I stubbornly cut myself out of every single picture.

The Moore and Rogers families were old friends.

When I was nine, my parents died in a car accident.

The Moore family adopted me. Jeffrey took me in and raised me for fifteen years.

It was me who developed feelings I shouldn't have.

A year ago, on Jeffrey's birthday, I did the boldest thing of my life.

I slipped into a daring outfit, put on perfect makeup, and presented myself as a gift, waiting for him to unwrap me.

When I offered my lips, Jeffrey kissed me fiercely.

But the next second, he opened his eyes.

The drunken haze and desire faded, replaced by regret.

He threw clothes at me and told me to get out.

I froze, terrified, but still clung to him, unwilling to give up.

I refused to believe he felt nothing for me.

I poured out my feelings, words tumbling over each other.

But all I got was his growing anger. "Chelsey Rogers! I'm eight years older than you. What you feel is just familial dependence. Put your clothes on and go back to your room!"

I always listened to him, but this time, I knew he was wrong.

I cried and shouted back. "I'm twenty-three! I know exactly how I feel about you! Is it wrong to love you?"

Jeffrey laughed, a bitter, angry sound.

He pointed at me and scolded. "You've always been reckless, but this is too far! Shameless! All these years raising you, wasted!"

I couldn't remember how that argument ended.

But from that day on, Jeffrey stopped showing me any warmth.

No more gentle looks, no more indulgence.

Only coldness remained.

For a year, I tried countless times to confess my feelings again.

But he always rejected me.

This went on until ten days ago.

For the first time, Jeffrey picked me up from work.

My excitement plummeted when I saw a woman in the passenger seat.

After dropping Mila Fowler off, Jeffrey noticed my pale face but offered no comfort.

His tone was flat. "It's normal for me to have a girlfriend. You don't need to look like that."

His words stabbed me deeply.

I cried for three days and nights.

My mind replayed every moment of our years together.

Finally, on the tenth day, Jeffrey put an end to my feelings for good.

He was getting engaged.

And I finally saw things clearly.

Tonight, I'd attend as his niece and offer my blessings.

2

The banquet was all glitz and glamour.

I glanced down at my outfit, a plain hoodie, jeans, and sneakers.

I looked out of place in this glamorous setting.

I wanted to fade into a quiet corner, unnoticed.

But someone had other plans.

Mila Fowler, dressed in an expensive gown, flashed a radiant smile. "Chelsey!"

She grabbed my hand warmly, raising her voice. "I've been dying to meet you, but Jeffrey said you're withdrawn. It's been one delay after another, but I finally get to see you again!"

Withdrawn.

I blinked my dry eyes.

So that's how Jeffrey saw me.

I stayed silent, but Mila's eyes gleamed as she spoke again. "Your uncle's over there talking. Want me to take you to him?"

I didn't respond.

Whispers from the crowd around me filled my ears.

"Is that the Moore family's adopted girl?"

"Why's she dressed so plain?"

"Shh, keep it down. I heard Mr. Moore dotes on her, maybe even..."

"Tch, doted on or not, she's just a leech in the Moore family. Once Miss Fowler marries in, there'll be no place for her. What's she got to show off?"

I tried to pull my hand from Mila's grip, but it wouldn't budge.

Only after the gossip died down did Mila clear her throat dramatically. "What are you all talking about?"

She smiled brightly and patted my hand. "Don't listen to their nonsense, Chelsey."

My skin prickled. I felt utterly humiliated.

I shook her hand off gently.

To my surprise, it slipped free easily this time.

Mila let out a dramatic yelp and stumbled into someone's arms.

Jeffrey's face darkened with anger. "Chelsey! What are you doing?"

I instinctively protested. "It wasn't me, I didn't-"

"Quiet! Do you know what today is? And you still cause a scene?" His words hit me like a blow.

My heart felt like it had been crushed.

So this was it.

He didn't trust me at all.

Despite all my mental preparation, his coldness still cut me deeply.

Just then, Mila tugged at Jeffrey's sleeve and spoke softly. "Jeffery, I lost my balance. Chelsey didn't push me."

Jeffrey's cold gaze softened as he looked down at her, his expression turning indulgent. "You're too kind. Chelsey's been spoiled by me. You don't need to cover for her."

I lowered my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.

Jeffrey was always so guarded, but this was the first time I saw him so tender with someone else.

I couldn't deny it-his warmth toward her stung my eyes.

I turned to leave.

Whether I offered my blessings or not, Jeffrey probably didn't care.

All he wanted was for me to stop bothering him.

"Stop!"

I paused, steadied my emotions, and looked at him calmly.

He frowned at my expression, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Chelsey, apologize."

I stared at him in disbelief. "What did you say?"

He repeated coldly. "Apologize to Mila. I didn't raise you well. You pushed her on purpose. Isn't an apology the least you owe?"

It was absurd.

A strained smile twisted my face. "I..."

Before I could finish, a shout cut through the crowd. "The chandelier's falling! Watch out!"

"Jeffrey!"

"Mila!"

"..."

Chaos erupted.

A loud crash followed.

Glass shattered, and dust filled the air.

My knee took a hit, and I collapsed to the floor in a heap.

But all eyes were on Mila, blood trickling from her arm.

Someone called out. "Miss Fowler got hurt because she was pushed! Get her to the hospital!"

Jeffrey's glare sliced through me.

"I..." I wanted to explain I hadn't touched her.

Only Jeffrey and Mila had been under the chandelier.

I just tried to push Jeffrey out of the way.

But for some reason, Mila, who could have dodged, collided with me instead.

I shut my mouth, because Jeffrey's face was etched with disappointment.

He scooped Mila into his arms and passed by me. His voice was low. "Chelsey, you better hope Mila's okay."

I clenched my teeth, my fists tight, staring at him defiantly.

After he left, I ignored the crowd's whispers and limped out the door.

This place held nothing for me anymore.

3

The clock struck midnight.

Jeffrey still wasn't back.

I sat numbly on the couch, staring into the empty darkness.

I promised Ellen I'd say a proper goodbye to Jeffrey.

No more delays.

Tonight was the night.

I'd sincerely thank him for all he'd done for me.

If he wanted an apology, I'd give it.

No more fooling myself into thinking I meant something to him.

What was I, anyway?

Just a rootless drifter.

Time crawled by.

The pain in my knee grew sharper, but I barely noticed.

All I could think about was saying my piece to Jeffrey and leaving.

That was the last shred of dignity I had left.

But I didn't expect Jeffrey to crush even that.

He returned, but not alone.

I limped forward a step or two, only to freeze under his icy stare.

In his arms, Mila slept.

"Uncle, can I have a moment to say something?"

His gaze deepened at my words.

After a long pause, he replied. "Don't be childish. Whatever it is, say it tomorrow."

But I didn't want to wait until tomorrow.

Jeffrey's patience snapped. He carried Mila to his room.

I hurried after him, desperate.

My knee gave out, and I fell to my knees at his bedroom door.

Jeffrey's unreadable expression turned to a mocking smirk. "What game are you playing now? Chelsey, you really... You're getting worse. If you want to stay there, fine. Listen closely. "Maybe then you'll give up."

The door slammed shut with a bang.

Soon, muffled sounds of intimacy drifted from the room.

I knelt there, listening to it all.

Strangely, my heart felt nothing.

The sounds faded.

I gripped the doorframe, pulling myself up and limping back to my room.

A proper goodbye?

I didn't need it anymore.

4

My departure for Lumania was set for early Tuesday morning.

Monday marked an important day-the anniversary of when Jeffrey took me in.

Every year, we'd share a dinner to celebrate.

Would he join me this year?

Last year, on his birthday, I offered myself as a gift.

He rejected me and got so angry.

Our relationship spiraled downward from there.

This year...

I fingered the bank card in my hand. It held my parents' inheritance and the savings I'd scraped together over the years.

Jeffrey spent so much raising me.

This money was nothing to him, but I wanted to settle things.

His birthday was still a ways off.

By then, I'd be long gone.

As for a gift-

I'd repay everything I owed him.

On Monday, I woke early to head to the bank and deposit some cash.

As I descended the stairs, I ran into Jeffrey.

I froze.

It was the first time I'd seen him since that night.

We stared at each other in silence.

Not wanting to be a nuisance, I nodded slightly and moved toward the door.

My hand touched the knob.

A woody scent hit me- Jeffrey's distinct fragrance.

My heart raced despite itself.

I cursed my weakness, but then he spoke.

His voice was low. "It's pouring outside. Where are you going?"

I hesitated before answering. "I have some errands to run. I'll be back soon."

I couldn't tell him I planned to repay him yet.

He'd never accept it.

Jeffrey went quiet for a moment.

Then he spoke again. "Give me the address. I'll drive you."

I started to decline, but he cut me off. "Don't overthink it. I'm heading to see Mila anyway. It's on the way."

I froze, then nodded obediently.

Fine.

What was there to argue about? I was leaving tomorrow anyway.

If he didn't want the money, I'd take it and spend it myself.

On the road, as we waited at a red light, the rain grew heavier.

I glanced sideways and caught sight of a vivid red mark on his neck.

My chest tightened.

He turned, and I quickly looked away.

The silence grew awkward.

Just then, my phone rang.

It was Ellen.

I silently thanked her for rescuing me from the stifling moment.

"Chelsey, have you packed everything? Don't miss your flight tomorrow."

"Yep, all set."

After a brief chat, I hung up.

I turned and met Jeffrey's dark, heavy gaze. "Who was that?"

"What?"

"Who called."

His stare unnerved me, and I clutched my phone. "Aunt Ellen."

His expression tightened instantly. "What did she want?"

I wondered why he always seemed so tense about Ellen.

Finally, I decided not to mention my plans to leave the country.

No need to complicate things.

"Nothing much. She was just checking in, asking how I've been."

His face softened, but his tone stayed sharp. "And what did you say?"

"I said my uncle's been good to me."

Jeffrey fell silent again.

Before I got out of the car, I turned to him. "Jeffrey."

"Yeah?"

Maybe it was my imagination, but his expression seemed to soften, almost like the old Jeffrey who doted on me.

But I knew that was impossible.

Those days were gone.

I forced a smile. "Do you remember what today is? If you're free tonight, could we have dinner together?"

He froze.

Suddenly, he reached out to pat my head.

I flinched, dodging instinctively.

His hand paused, his face stiffening.

A second later, he smiled. "Sure. I have something to tell you too."

5

As expected, Jeffrey didn't show up.

But this time, I felt no sadness.

I calmly opened the anniversary cake I'd ordered.

As I grabbed a knife to cut a slice, my phone lit up.

It was a message from Mila.

Two photos.

The first showed fireworks bursting across the sky.

She wrote, "Too bad you weren't here, Chelsey. Look at the fireworks your uncle set off for me. Pretty, right?"

I didn't reply.

She sent another photo.

It was her clinging to Jeffrey's arm, smiling sweetly, while his face wasn't even in the frame.

She added, "He's not with you tonight. And he won't be, not for any day or year to come."

I stared at the message for a long time, expressionless.

Then I typed back, "Got it. Wishing you both endless love and a lifetime together."

After sending it, I blocked both her and Jeffrey.

A flight reminder popped up on my phone.

I thought for a moment, then grabbed a card and pen. I wrote a few final words of blessing.

I placed the bank card neatly on the table, in plain sight. Then I dragged my suitcase and left without looking back.

6

Ellen was thrilled to see me.

I felt the same.

Since my parents passed, she'd asked every year if I wanted to live with her abroad.

I always said no. Not for any other reason-

I just couldn't bear to leave Jeffrey.

My mood sank at the thought.

Ellen noticed and tried to comfort me. "What's wrong, Chelsey? Worried about adjusting to life here?"

I shook my head. "No, Ellen. It's just... saying goodbye to the past feels heavy."

She chuckled softly. "You silly girl. When you used to visit, you'd start missing your uncle before you even landed. Now you're saying things like this. You've grown up."

I didn't answer right away.

Instead, I pulled out my SIM card, snapped it in half, and tossed it out the car window.

Then I turned to her, serious. "Ellen, there's no uncle anymore. He's engaged now. I'm just a foster kid with no blood ties. Staying close to him wouldn't look right."

Her face flickered with surprise, but it passed quickly. "Good! From now on, I'll be your rock."

She flashed a wide, warm smile.

My eyes welled up, and the gloom of the past days lifted with her words.

The drive from the airport to her house took an hour.

Thanks to the time difference, we arrived at 8 a.m.

My uncle-in-law Caiden was from the same country as me, made communication easy.

As we chatted, a burst of bright laughter came from the door, followed by a cool but affectionate voice.

Before I could turn, a small body crashed into me.

My five-year-old cousin Clayton was soft and adorable. "Pretty Chelsey! You're finally back! Me and Brock missed you so much!"

I looked past him, surprised, at the young man behind him.

Brock Clarke, with his refined features, kept his expression neutral, but his ears were slightly red.

He coughed lightly, playfully scolding Clayton. "Keep talking nonsense, and no more toys for you."

Clayton stuck out his tongue.

Brock rolled his eyes, defeated.

I laughed.

He looked up at me.

The morning sun lit up his face, making him look even more striking.

He said, "It's been a while, Chelsey."

7

Jeffrey glanced at his watch.

It was already ten at night.

Fireworks still bloomed in the sky, dazzling and bright.

But he had no interest in them.

Today was the last day he and Mila had to play the part of an engaged couple.

Once this event ended, his company would secure the big deal, and he could finally explain everything to Chelsey.

He checked his watch again.

Only five minutes had passed.

Time dragged on painfully.

He wondered if Chelsey was waiting for him, maybe dozing off.

She'd done that before, years ago.

Back when his company hit rough waters, he was swamped with work.

Endless meetings kept him out until midnight.

But every time he came home, he'd find Chelsey's peaceful sleeping face.

She'd wait for him until she couldn't anymore.

Sometimes she'd be slumped over the table, a prepared dinner beside her.

Other times, she'd be curled up on the couch, hugging a pillow, fast asleep.

Without fail, a bowl of soup sat on the table to keep him alert.

The memory brought a faint smile to his face, softening his features.

Mila stared, momentarily captivated.

She thought to herself that she had to seize this chance with such an exceptional man.

Forget pretending.

She wanted to make it real.

She'd long noticed Jeffrey's unusual attachment to his niece.

But if there was no future for them, she was certain the role of Mrs. Moore was hers.

Then everything changed in an instant.

While trying to take a staged selfie with Jeffrey, someone bumped into her, knocking her phone to the ground.

The commotion caught Jeffrey's attention.

Mila's heart sank.

It was too late.

Jeffrey bent down and picked up her phone.

In that moment, Mila felt a chill run through her.

He saw her chat with Chelsey.

His face darkened, his eyes burning with rage. "What did you say to her?"

Mila struggled to breathe, her neck caught in his sudden grip.

Her face flushed red.

The event organizers gasped at the scene.

But Jeffrey didn't care.

Forget the deal that required a married couple to bid.

It could go to hell.

He didn't need it.

He flung Mila to the ground like trash, and stormed toward his car.

Chelsey's blessing in the chat stabbed at his heart.

He had to get back to her, as fast as he could.

He needed to tell her, he loved her too.

Jeffrey's mind raced, recalling Chelsey's recent coldness, her calm detachment that left him rattled.

He panicked.

This deal mattered, and he'd acted convincingly to keep Chelsey from doing anything rash.

It was a perfect show.

But now, an unshakable unease gripped him.

He couldn't wait any longer.

He had to see her now.

The deal could fall through for all he cared.

Chelsey was more important.

8

Jeffrey had just opened the car door when the butler called. "Sir! Miss Rogers's gone! The butler's voice trembled.

Jeffrey's hand shook on the steering wheel.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm before speaking. "Explain. What do you mean, gone? Have you checked around? The places she usually goes?"

The butler's voice cracked with tears. "She might have run away. Her things, her clothes-they're all gone."

Jeffrey gritted his teeth. "Useless!"

He floored the gas pedal, tires screeching as he sped home.

When he arrived, the butler stood there, pale and anxious.

He pointed upstairs, trembling. "Sir, you need to see..."

A terrible thought took shape in Jeffrey's mind.

His heart clenched.

Without a second's hesitation, he raced upstairs.

The sight stopped him cold.

The wall of photos was ruined, each one now showing only him, alone.

The butler followed, hesitant, but Jeffrey shoved him aside.

He strode to Chelsey's bedroom.

It was spotless.

Empty.

Everything was gone.

Jeffrey felt like a puppet with its strings cut.

His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms, but he felt no pain.

The butler cautiously spoke. "Sir, your hand's bleeding."

Jeffrey whipped around, eyes blazing, and roared. "Where is she? I'm asking you, where is she?"

His fury died as he saw the items on the table.

Every gift he'd ever given Chelsey was there.

Neatly arranged, as if she'd left them behind with care.

From pajamas and hairpins to dance outfits, priceless jewelry, and designer bags- things she once treasured.

She took nothing.

A heavy blow struck his chest, nearly knocking him over.

He stumbled downstairs, grabbing his car keys to search her favorite spots.

The butler's shout stopped him. "Sir! It's not just running away-look at this!"

Jeffrey snatched the card from his hand.

It held Chelsey's words, identical to the message she sent Mila.

"Happy engagement. Wishing you both endless love, a lifetime together."

But there was one more line.

"Jeffery, may our paths never cross again."

His mind went blank, a sharp snap echoing in his head.

She wasn't just upset with him.

This time, she was truly hurt.

Disappointed.

Gone.

His Chelsey didn't want him anymore.

He swayed, barely able to stand.

The butler reached to steady him, but Jeffrey shoved him away. "Find her! Send people to find her!"

He grabbed the bank card on the table, snapped it in half, and hurled it away.

No debts cleared.

No paths never crossing.

Even if she fled to the ends of the earth, he'd bring her back!