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Chapter 429

Mila’s heart raced as she waited for the call to go through. She was so nervous that her stomach felt
queasy. Her breathing grew erratic.
Finally, the phone connected.
“Hello,” Nathan said. His voice was captivating but noticeably lacking its usual energy. It
was as if he had lost his spirit.
Mila was flooded with pent–up emotions the moment she heard his voice. She struggled to hold back
tears while covering her mouth. Despite her efforts, tears streamed down her face. and pooled in her
palm.
She wanted to talk, but her throat felt like it was on fire. She couldn’t utter a word. She was afraid that
she would burst into tears if she moved her hand away from her mouth.
She wasn’t the type to take risks for love. Instead, she was usually level–headed and focused on her
career. She never thought she could feel so fragile.
Η
Nathan patiently waited for Wanda to respond on the other end of the phone. Yet, there was only
silence even though he had waited for what felt like an eternity. He asked softly, Wanda, are you there?
Can you talk to me?”
Mila struggled to keep her emotions in check. She clamped her hand tightly over her mouth. Her entire
body trembled as she tried to suppress the overwhelming flood of feelings that threatened to consume
her. Tears streamed down her face to the ground.
Nathan smiled bitterly and made a light–hearted comment. “You’re still able to call, so you must still be
in Norvania. Want to do a video call? I’d love to see your face.”
Mila felt an intense wave of sadness wash over her. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she sank to the
ground, curling up into a ball and clutching her knees tightly. Fearful that Nathan might end the call, she
took a deep breath, sniffled, and tearfully said, “Nate, this will be the last time I’m calling you.”
Nathan’s voice quivered slightly, but he put on a façade of nonchalance as he replied, “Well, it’s always
good to mark an end. Maybe I’ll catch you on TV sometime down the road. And who knows? Maybe
you’ll come up with even better weapons and win that Genesis Award who knows? Maybe you’ll come
someday.”
Mila shook her head and said, “They mean nothing.”
“They’re your dreams.” Nathan corrected her.
Mila couldn’t help but cry. She scolded, “Nate, can’t you stop being so nice to me? Can’t you be a little
selfish? You’re breaking my heart.”
Nathan forced a smile. “Being selfish would only make things worse for you. Do you truly want me to be
selfish?”
“I do,” Mila replied. But then, she felt conflicted and shook her head. “Yet, I don’t. I’m not
sure.”
“Don’t think too hard about it. Trust your instincts. You’re not responsible for me, so don’t stress over
me. I’m tougher than you realize, and I’ve been in love with you all along, even if you haven’t felt the
same. So, don’t worry too much.” Nathan’s voice grew calmer.
Mila wiped her tears. She recalled his vow to wait five years for her and wondered if he would still keep
it.
“Nate, I-” Mila began, then halted: Suddenly, she realized the selfishness of asking him to wait another
five years.
The thought of the situation she might put Nathan in if she couldn’t return after five years weighed
heavily on her. It would undoubtedly shatter his heart. Five years later, he’d be in his 30s and possibly
with children old enough for kindergarten.
“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked.
Feeling a pang of pain, Mila held her chest and whispered, “Nate, take care of yourself and remember
to love yourself.”
“You too.”
“Yeah, I will.”
Nathan couldn’t bring himself to ask when she would leave or if she would return to Norvania. Just
hearing her voice through the phone again was enough to make him feel
content.