Backup Girl No More: Adios To My V-Card and My First Love
Chapter 35

Chapter 15 Chapter 15 I returned to the Meridia refugee camp and reunited with Josephs colleagues .

Doctors Without Borders had resumed operations , and his former partner , Adam , now coordinated the entire Meridia project .

When we met , no words were needed tears flowed freely .

After crying together for half an hour , I told him I had come to search for Joseph .

He led me to the warehouse where some of Josephs belongings remained .

We evacuated in a hurry , leaving much unsorted , Adam explained .

In a box , I found scattered items : a paper card , packet of flower seeds , set of keys , medical books , a stethoscope … These simple objects transported me back three years .

I could almost hear his voice : Youre here ! I remembered walking into his quarters one afternoon , replaceing him lounging in a chair , casually twirling a pen while reading .

Adams expression turned wistful .

These should have been dealt with long ago , but I thought you might return to sort through them for him someday .

I never expected that day would actually come .

I accepted the items solemnly .

Adam , thank you .

Im the one who came too late .

Later , I mentioned wanting to locate the children from that time .

He promised to keep watch , though he cautioned against high hopes after so many years .

Back in my quarters , I received messages from my colleagues .

Jackson had come looking for me .

I hadnt shown up for the wedding .

His parents were furious .

Hed searched everywhere before learning from my colleagues that Id gone to the Nyara Republic .

Hed refused to believe it , causing such a scene at the hospital that security nearly intervened .

I sighed , confused .

If he loved someone else , where did I fit into all this ? Not wanting to burden my colleagues further , I initiated a video call with Jackson .

The moment we connected , my breath caught .

He looked disheveled on screen , the room behind him dim and smoke filled , empty bottles littering the floor .

Zoey ? He stared in disbelief , rubbing his eyes .

Is it really you ? He scoffed , burying his face in his hands .

Youre something else .

You fled to Azora over a few words from Sara ? Are you insane ? 17:44 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 26.6 % Chapter 15 Anger flared within me .

I nearly hung up when I noticed large drops falling between his fingers .

You cant … play with your life like this ! How could you make me worry so much ?! Suddenly , it all felt absurd .

Worry about me ? Our relationship began with you using me to appease your parents , and me using you as a substitute to ease my loneliness .

There was never real affection- He cut me off with a shout .

To hell with real affection ! When I went to replace Sara that day , I couldnt stop thinking about you ! I worried how youd get home after drinking ! When your camera broke , I searched every shop in the city .

When they said it was too old , I asked friends abroad , flew there myself to get it ! You vanished without a word .

They said you went to East Meridian , and I couldnt sleep , searching all night ! You made me fall in love with you , then just left ! How could you ?! His eyes were red , his expression like a stray dog at the doorstep .

Please come back ? He pulled out the ring Id thrown away , his voice humble .

We can set a new wedding date .

Ill only marry you … We stared at each other for a long moment .

Finally , I smiled .

Jackson , you never really understood me .

How can you say you love me ? Who is Sara , and who are you to make me act out of spite ? I came back because the person I love is here .

His pupils dilated as he swept everything off the table in anguish .

Who is he ? Who is he , really ?! I ended the call coldly .

You dont need to know .

17:44