Leaving Him Was Her New Beginning

On the ninety-ninth day of her seemingly perfect marriage to Benedict Evander, Odette Clarendon submitted her application to the hospital director, volunteering for the medical aid project in South Africa.

With furrowed brows, the director asked. “Dr. Clarendon, you’ve only just begun a new chapter in your life. Are you certain about leaving for South Africa? What about your husband?”

“I’m sure,” she said simply, her expression leaving no room for doubt.

The director exhaled heavily, his pen lingering over the paper before he finally signed and stamped the application. “The project in South Africa spans three years and departs in ten days. The hospital will arrange your flight. I hope this is a decision you won't regret, Dr. Clarendon.”

Odette’s gaze drifted to the window, her thoughts inexplicably drawn to the crabapple flowers Benedict had so lovingly planted for her in their courtyard. A wistful smile teased her lips before she shook her head firmly. “I won’t regret it.”

That same evening, Benedict orchestrated a spectacle for the ages. He rented every prominent high-rise in the city, their towering facades aglow with illuminated words that proclaimed his love and celebrated Odette’s birthday.

Fireworks painted the night sky in brilliant hues, their dazzling display a testament to his devotion.

Benedict wanted the world to know that his love for Odette was boundless, shining as brightly as the city lights.

….

As Odette exited the hospital, the downpour intensified, the rain drumming against the pavement like a restless symphony. Waiting just beyond the hospital doors, Benedict was a steady presence amidst the chaos, umbrella in hand.

“Are you hungry?” he asked warmly. “I’ve booked a table at your favorite French spot. I’m sorry about missing our ninety-nine-day anniversary yesterday; a last-minute business trip got in the way. But… did you like the surprise?”

Guiding her to the car, he opened the door with practiced ease, his hand instinctively protecting her from the rain as she slid into the back seat.

From the back seat of the car, Odette glanced up, and her breath caught. The illuminated skyline gleamed with radiant words, each glowing letter a testament to Benedict’s love.

“Odette, happy ninety-nine days of marriage.”

“Benedict will always love Odette.”

“Odette, we’ll grow old together and stay joyfully united for a lifetime.”

The entire day before, Odette found herself at the center of envious admiration.

Over breakfast, a nurse approached her with a playful grin. “Dr. Clarendon, I’m so jealous of you. Not only are you stunning, but you’ve managed to tame someone like Benedict into the ideal partner!”

Another chimed in with equal fervor. “Exactly! Isn’t Benedict your first love? A man like him, rich, handsome, and hopelessly romantic, feels like a fairytale come to life!”

“Dr. Clarendon, spill your secrets! How do you manage to win over such a younger ‘wolf pup’ like him?”

“And to think,” added a fourth with a dreamy sigh, “Benedict used to be the ultimate untouchable ‘male god,’ surrounded by admirers yet indifferent to them all...”

Even in broad daylight, the glow of the high-rise buildings’ lights persisted, standing as silent beacons of Benedict’s affection. The one towering over the hospital was none other than the pride of the Evander Group.

Benedict had once explained with a casual charm that he wanted to be able to glance out during meetings and see the place where Odette worked.

At the time, Odette had smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. “It must be fate,” she had replied softly, her voice brimming with quiet joy.

The age difference between them was a constant reminder of their unconventional love. Odette was six years older than Benedict. When he had been a high school senior, she was already immersed in the rigors of her second year in graduate school.

Their worlds would have remained apart if not for the earthquake, a disaster so sudden and merciless that it had reshaped the course of their lives.

As Odette gazed absently through the hospital window, her thoughts drifted back to that fateful day, the tremors of the past rippling through her mind like faint aftershocks.

That year, before even earning her degree, Odette had made a life-altering decision. With unwavering resolve, she submitted her application to volunteer, joining her mentor in the heart of the disaster zone. There, she fought tirelessly on the front lines, pulling countless lives back from the brink of death.

Benedict was among those she saved; a young man brought in battered and barely clinging to life. It was fate, perhaps, that her expertise lay in ophthalmology.

When he was wheeled in, his eyes gravely injured, the odds of restoring his vision seemed almost impossible.

Even as blood streamed from his eyes, Benedict held tightly onto Odette’s hand. His voice, steady and calm despite his pain, carried an unshakable resolve. “Save the children first,” he urged.

For a moment, Odette froze, stunned by the strength emanating from someone so gravely injured. Her gaze lingered on the young master, and for the first time, respect bloomed in her heart, unbidden and undeniable.