Backup Girl No More: Adios To My V-Card and My First Love
Chapter 39

Chapter 19 Chapter 19 As I left the cemetery , I encountered someone unexpected my father .

Jackson must have contacted him , which explained how he knew about my mothers camera and my return .

Have you eaten ? he asked hesitantly .

What do you want ? I responded coolly .

He paused before answering , Could you come home for a while ? I couldnt suppress a bitter laugh .

Youve always told me to stay away .

Ive respected your wishes , so why the sudden change ? His voice quavered .

Your sister has cancer .

I froze , stunned by his words .

Ive tried everything … sold everything we could .

Youre her sister .

Would you help her ? His face was etched with sorrow and regret .

I know you resent me , but pushing you away wasnt what I wanted .

It wasnt my choice … Pain filled his eyes .

Youre my daughter .

How could I ever want to send you away ? I had my reasons .

I looked at him quietly , knowing our past was a web of misunderstandings .

I know , I said simply , requiring no further explanation .

He seemed lost in thought .

I remembered the day I received my college acceptance letter , overjoyed at the prospect of following my mothers path into medicine .

Racing home with the news , Id overheard him arguing with my aunt in the kitchen , their words cutting deep : May will be starting college soon too .

How can we possibly afford it ? Youve already raised her to adulthood .

Isnt that enough ? Harry ! Its either her or me in this family ! Id quietly closed the door and spent the afternoon alone on the street .

That entire summer , I lived in limbo , waiting for answers I couldnt comprehend .

17:45 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 29.7 % Chapter 19 You didnt want our home to crumble again , so you sacrificed me .

Despite the pain , you sent me away , I said softly .

He tried to speak , but I continued , I dont resent you .

I understand .

I paused .

But as a daughter , I can say youre not a terrible father , but youre not a good one either .

I took out my phone and transferred 300,000 yuan to him .

Over the years , hed deposited money in my account , which Id saved to repay him when the time was right .

Ive returned what you gave me .

The rest … consider it payment for raising me .

Please dont seek me out again , I added coldly .

Leaving the restaurant , I felt lighter .

The burdens that had weighed on my heart seemed to lift away , one by one .

I turned a corner and found myself at the flower shop where Joseph had bought my mother the bird of paradise flowers .

The owner recognized me , but the shop was nearly empty , with the last flowerpots being loaded onto a truck .

Where are you moving ? I asked .

She smiled .

Were closing ! Time for something new .

I nodded .

Thats alright .

She gathered the remaining lilies of the valley , hyacinths , and olive branches into a bouquet .

To new beginnings .

We shared a warm embrace before parting .

Walking home under the painted sunset sky , I paused to appreciate the moment until my phone rang the dean , his voice urgent .

Joe , we need you back sooner than expected .

Whats happened ? He sent me a news article : Celestial Sea Conflict Intensifies , Multiple Pager Explosions Reported .

The hospital thinks youre best suited for this- Im going , I cut in .

17:45 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 29.9 % Chapter 19 I pulled out the necklace bearing Josephs dog tag and kissed it gently .

I knew then that there would be no other path .

Wherever the flames of war rise , thats where were needed .

Well always believe that everyone in this world , no matter how deep their darkness , will replace a glimmer of hope .

30.2 % Chapter 20