Chapter 4
“Don’t you mind that I’ve been out of touch with society for five years?”
My self–doubt resurfaced, and I couldn’t help but feel inferior. Five years can change a lot.
I wanted to go, but that didn’t mean I had the ability to do so now.
He wasn’t bothered in the slightest: “What are you saying? I’ve told you before, you’re an exceptional talent. It’s my honor that you’re willing to come.”
“The doors of the Miller family are always open to you.”
We agreed to meet in a month’s time.
After a brief exchange, I hung up the phone.
Thinking back to those days, I had once been a rising star in the academic world.
I had a bright future ahead.
Then came the fire.
To repay the favor of the White family, I rushed into the flames without hesitation, pushing the unconscious Patrick out to safety.
I was engulfed in smoke and choked, losing consciousness.
When I woke up, everything was dark.
I was blind.
The doctors said it was a case of acquired blindness, and the chances of recovery were slim.
Unlike the hysterical breakdowns you see in TV dramas, I accepted it with a calmness that surprised even myself.
I quickly accepted this painful truth.
17:24
Finally We Got Lost
Chapter 4
Patrick only inhaled a little smoke and recovered in no time.
When he learned I was blind, he cried until his eyes were red, holding me and wailing
He promised Grandpa that he would take care of me for the rest of my life.
At that time, I felt that this promise was worth the loss of my eyesight.
It was a sort of blessing in disguise.
I loved Patrick, and my reason for saving him was not only out of gratitude.
But blindness made me fall into an overwhelming sense of inferiority.
Even though James pleaded with me to go abroad, I still gave up on the opportunity.
Before I left, he said one thing.
“Linda, I’m really sorry.”
“A genius should not be bound by a small flaw.”
“The only obstacle you can’t overcome is the one inside you.”
So, I stayed with Patrick.
For the past five years, I lost the ability to take care of myself.
At first, Patrick truly did as he said, taking care of me in every way.
I wasn’t without moments of breakdown, moments of isolation, but his patience always
helped me through.
At that time, I really thought he loved me, just as I loved him.
It felt like we were both pursuing each other.
But when did it all start to change?
Perhaps it began when Snow returned.
17:24
Finally, We Got Lost
Chapter 4
Snow was his first love.
When they broke up, Patrick had fallen into a deep depression for a long time.
Lately, he had been growing colder towards me, always holding his phone at night, chatting with someone on voice calls.
I thought it was work–related, and I didn’t want to disturb him.
hat’s what he told me, too.
Looking back now, it was clear that the signs were there all along.
But it’s not too late; I can still turn things around.
These five years, I’ve been like a shell of a person, losing my sense of self.
Grandpa passed away, and there was no one or anything left in this city that I felt tied to.
Since fate has given me this opportunity, I will leave Patrick behind and live my own life.
L
17:24
