Chapter 5

After I got home that day, I didn't tell my parents about the driver, I didn't want to worry them. Life quickly went back to normal. Without Chris weighing me down, I felt free. I didn't have to get up early to cook for him, clean up after both of us, or worry about his picky eating habits. I could cry, laugh, and do whatever I wanted without anyone putting a damper on my mood. Chris and Sharon were practically erased from my life.

The driver was caught and sentenced to three years in prison, along with a $3,000 payout for my medical and emotional damages. My parents found out, and my mom grabbed my hand, panicked. After making sure I was okay, she smacked my butt lightly. "You bad girl! Why didn't you tell me and your dad about this? You want to kill us with worry?"

My dad slammed his hand on the coffee table. "I told you that guy was trouble. You should've dumped him sooner!"

I nodded. "Don't worry, Dad. I haven't talked to him in forever."

Their concern warmed me. After everything with Chris, I almost forgot that I was cherished. When my parents learned that William had saved me, they insisted I reach out to him and invite him to dinner. William was more than happy to agree.

At dinner, William hit it off with my parents. They clearly liked him, and before long, they were suggesting we go for a walk to help digest our meal.

This was the first time I'd felt truly cared for, aside from my parents. It was a little cold outside, and I shivered a bit as we walked. My jacket had no pockets, so I tucked my hands into my sleeves. William noticed and immediately offered me his gloves.

He grinned, "Put them on. Those hands are too pretty to leave bare."

I laughed, "You're exaggerating. My mom's too shy to say that."

He smiled. "Not exaggerating. It's the truth."

We started chatting easily, and I realized it felt natural being with him. He was attentive, always making sure I was on the inside when crossing the street, watching out for pedestrians. It was a kind of care I'd never experienced with Chris.

After that, William often asked me out for dinners or little outings. We went to an amusement park I'd always wanted to visit, riding the carousel, roller coasters, and bungee jumping. He didn't mind my childish excitement at all; he called me bold and carefree. We also went to see pandas and explored a food market, eating the best snail noodles.

In three months, I felt happier than I had in the past three years. It wasn't just about rediscovering joy; it was because of the person by my side.

After our trip to the food market, William walked me to my building.

"Maggie, next weekend, I'm taking you to Skyline Restaurant for dinner. You have to let me treat you," he said with a grin.

I blushed. Skyline was a popular spot for couples, and everyone in town knew it. I had asked Chris to take me there once, but he refused, saying, "It's just a gimmick. Why go there when we can do our own thing?" But after we broke up, I found out he'd taken Sharon there several times. It wasn't that he didn't want to go; he just didn't want to go with me. But that was all in the past now.

I smiled and nodded. "Okay!"

I heard his voice behind me, filled with excitement. "Yes!"

As I entered the building, I leaned against the elevator wall, feeling a warmth spread through me. I was falling for him.