Finally, Sophia and Michael released their sky lanterns into the night sky. All the surfaces of Sophia’s lantern were filled with her handwriting.

She was too kind-hearted, and she wished for peace for everyone she knew. On the other hand, Michael’s only wish was for his wife and daughter to be happy.

Staring at the lanterns which ascended into the sky, Sophia felt as if she was floating in the sky with them too. Though the metaphysics behind the releasing of sky lanterns were unknown, it must be somewhat efficacious since so many people did it. She hoped that the sky lantern would bring her wishes to heaven so that everyone she knew would be granted peace.

Her eyes were fixed on the sky lantern full of handwriting as it gradually faded out of her sight.

Each lantern represented a beautiful wish. The riverside was lively as many came to release sky lanterns as well—some with their family while others with their lovers. There were lanterns floating on the river too, and the river became radiant and colorful as it was full with lanterns flowing gently with the current, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Sophia found a spot to sit down and quietly admired the sight. Glancing toward Michael who sat beside her and was also staring at the river lanterns, she could see the reflection of the lights in his eyes, which were elegant yet mysterious.

All of a sudden, she asked, “Is there any grudge between you and Quinton? Dad asked me to stay away from Theo’s son, but who’s Theo?”

Michael showed a rueful smile as she finally asked the questions. Nevertheless, he told her the story of him and Quinton.

His narration started from thirty years ago where Theo was summoned to perform tasks at the Southwest border, and he talked about Tanya and Hope as well as her history with Quinton.

There was nothing that he could not say to her, and he didn’t conceal anything. He would tell her whatever that was appropriate, and hold back other less appropriate contents.

 

He should not have kept these from her, and it was good for her to know now.

“… That night, Justin plotted to kill Quinton, but Quinton managed to escape. On the same night, you were attacked by a gangster that the Harpers hired was forced to protect yourself by jumping into the river. You ended up being washed ashore to Salvador Island, and there you met Quinton, who was also injured. Something might have happened back then…”

 

Michael let out a rueful laugh as he came toward the end of the story.

“I once thought that he took you away because you’re my wife, and he wanted to snatch everything away from me. I thought that he would torture me by killing you and Carmen once he knew he could not have you.”

you nor Carmen at all during those years. He thinks that you belonged to him and I’m the one who stole you from him, so it was reasonable for him to take you away from

shook her head as she listened to Michael. A glint shone in her eyes

time, he might have

Michael remained silent.

away after the incident had blown over. But alas, when he came back after everything had calmed down, Sophia

two sorrowful souls got together and kept

the latecomer. Nevertheless, order did

whom his chica loved, and Carmen was the proof

and bought Sophia over, he was still a responsible man—he had already made up his mind to love

them remained silent for some time. Moments later, Sophia lifted her head and stared at the sky full of romantic sky lanterns. “Anyway, I’ve paid off the debt owed to him. From now onward, my life belongs to

she probably had some commitments toward him. However, after that, she left with

to trade her life for love, she

her since the catastrophe—her appearance, her voice, her eyes, and even

to exchange the favor of saving her life for her love, she poured out everything to repay his favor. However, her love toward him ceased too as she

now on, she was the

numbly, then suddenly broke into incessant laughter as he looked down. Sophia looked

waved his

Sophia was bound to repay the favor to Quinton for saving her life, and she had already cleared her debt. And true enough, they were separated for three years before they

everything had come back to the

them were indebted to each other now. Standing on an equal footing, it seemed as if there were never any entanglements

to the start, where everything

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