An Ode to Freedom

My mother gazed at me sharply in her office. "Are you sure you've thought this through? Do you really want to go abroad? For the next four years, all we can give you is money. If you want a place in the company's management, you'll have to earn it yourself by accomplishing something first.

"Richard and I only care about what you and Flora are capable of. Whoever proves themselves will inherit the company, son or daughter."

I looked at my mother deeply. I always thought she only cared about the company and had left me to fend for myself in my last life. That was why my twisted love for Flora had made me jump into her arms like a moth to a flame.

I see now that I was mistaken.

She did love me, and she loved me a lot.

In that case, I no longer had to throw myself and my goals away for the sake of so-called love.

I gently said, "Don't worry, Mom."

When I got home, I started packing for my studies overseas. I didn't expect Flora to barge in without knocking, carrying my favorite snacks in her hands.

The moment she saw me packing, she ran over and grabbed my wrist hard, asking me coldly, "How long are you going to keep this up, Vincent? Do you even know anyone abroad? Why do you have to go overseas for college? Isn't studying at a local college good enough for you? Or is it that you just can't stand seeing me with Sean?"

I stayed silent.

How was I supposed to explain to her that I had more to my life than just being a green-eyed monster? That I still had my academics, a career, and a future ahead of me to consider?

But to Flora, my silence was as good as an admission. She looked around in irritation, and her eyes finally landed on the broken model in the trash bin.

She was completely shocked as she asked, "Aren't these models your favorites? I always buy you one every year on your birthday, other than your other presents. Why would you just throw them all away?"

I massaged my temple. "Flora, I'm not a kid anymore. Since I'm going abroad, they'll just sit here gathering dust, anyway. Better to throw them out now."

Flora had no words.

In the end, she forced out a few tight sentences. "Fine, Vincent! That's completely fine! Let's see if you'll really stay abroad for the entire four years out of your jealousy! Go date some foreign girls while you're out there. Then you won't be thinking about me in ways you should not every day."

I let out a quiet sigh.

In truth, I really wasn't planning to come home for the entire four years of college.

Other than asking me to focus on my studies, my mother had also given me an extra task. I was not sure if I could even handle it.

On the day of Flora's wedding, the whole villa was buzzing with activity.

My mother went to the office for a meeting, just like always.

Jack was all smiles as he stayed with Flora, waiting for the groom to arrive.

No one paid me any attention.

I rolled my suitcase out, slipped into a cab, and headed straight for the airport.

-

"Why are you so distracted, Flora?" Jack carefully straightened Flora's wedding dress inside the villa, his eyes full of love. Flora shook her head, a little dazed.

Sean was her first love, and he was about to become her husband. So, why did her chest feel so strangely empty?

Was it because of Vincent?

She immediately shook her head, a mocking smile on her lips.

How was that possible?

Yes, she enjoyed the way Vincent secretly loved her, how he would ache over her, but Sean was the one who needed her love.

"Flora!" A clear voice sounded in her ear.

Sean appeared in front of her in a sharp suit with a dazzling smile. The boy she had chased after in her youth, the one she could never quite get, had finally fallen into her hands.

"Where's Vincent?" Sean brought it up in a casual tone after the ceremony

Only then did Flora realize that the little boy who had always liked to hover around and join the fun was nowhere to be seen on her wedding day.

She answered coolly, "He is always so quiet and keeps to himself. Who knows where he ran off to?"

After Sean went off to toast the guests, she still could not help pulling Jack aside to ask in private, "Dad, have you seen Vincent?"