The bustling streets were filled with numerous cars whizzing past Carl.
As he watched the white Toyota disappear into the sea of vehicles, he closed his eyes in pain.
How did they end up like this?
Carl couldn’t understand. Despite Grace’s unwanted interference and Mrs. Waters’ destructive actions, his heart had always been with Nana.
“Will we never reconcile in this lifetime?” Carl asked himself in anguish.
Carl was unaware that Mrs. Waters had approached Nana in his name, believing that it was William who had changed her heart.
After meeting Carl, Nana became even more determined to leave the city and start a new life.
The next morning, Nana packed up her belongings and bought a plane ticket, preparing to depart the following day.
The couple stood outside the bedroom, watching Nana pack her things, their faces filled with reluctance.
“Nana, if you find it difficult to adjust in the new city, come back immediately. Don’t force yourself,” they advised.
“Yes, you will always have a home here,” Jerry and Tracy reassured Nana, their hearts filled with worry.
Nana paused her actions, hiding her feelings of parting deep in her heart. She turned around and smiled at her parents, pursing her lips. “Don’t worry, I will take good care of myself and Janelle. If anything happens, I’ll call home right away.”
The couple nodded, although they still felt anxious, they had to respect their daughter’s wishes.
After packing her luggage, Nana planned to buy some daily necessities and made a promise to Tracy, who helped take care of the child.
“Mom, when I have the ability in the future, I’ll bring you and Dad to the new city to retire. Of course, if you’re not comfortable with the lifestyle, you can come and visit for a short period every year, treating it as a vacation.”
Hearing Nana’s vision for the future, tears welled up in Tracy’s eyes, and she nodded vigorously. “Okay, we’ll wait for that day.”
After a brief conversation with her mother, Nana met up with Jane before leaving.
The two women strolled through the mall, chatting as they went. Nana couldn’t help but praise Jane’s good figure after childbirth. “You’ve recovered so well after giving birth. You’ve slimmed down where you should and haven’t gained any weight where you shouldn’t.”
“Don’t exaggerate. Can’t you see that my waist has become thicker?” Jane modestly self-deprecated.
Nana shook her head gently. “I don’t see it. Look at me, besides being thin, my figure is quite plain.”
In the midst of their conversation, Jane asked Nana about her plans for the future and was surprised to hear that she would be settling in another city the next day.
Jane was taken aback, covering her mouth in disbelief as she asked, “Really? Why are you telling me just now, and you’re leaving so suddenly?”
Jane couldn’t bear to see Nana go, mainly because she was worried about her being alone with the child outside.
Seeing Nana smile and remain silent, Jane attempted to persuade her to stay. “You should reconsider leaving. If you’re concerned about the Waters family, Patrick and I can help you solve the trouble. You don’t have to move because of that.”
As her best friend, Nana understood that Jane would offer her assistance without hesitation if she asked for it.
But Nana didn’t want to trouble her, and seeking her help wasn’t a long-term solution either.
“It’s not just because of the Waters family. I want to change to a new environment; living in this city is too stifling,” Nana casually made an excuse while secretly worrying about her daughter.
In the past month, she had nightmares sometimes, dreaming of Mrs. Waters and Carl taking away her daughter.
Now that she left the child at home, she didn’t know if Mrs. Waters would suddenly show up and cause trouble.
Feeling somewhat anxious, Nana wanted to go home early. So she bid farewell to Jane, saying, “Let’s stop here for now. You’re welcome to visit my new home in the future.”
Jane was still considering whether to send her off the next day, but Nana had already bid her farewell.
“Why are you in such a hurry? Let’s find a place to sit for a while and have something to eat,” Jane suggested as Nana hurriedly left.
Jane held Nana’s hand, feeling that her decision was somewhat abrupt.
They then went to a restaurant for lunch, and Jane continued trying to dissuade Nana from going to another city.
While they were chatting, Patrick called, expressing his concern about Jane.
As Nana listened to Patrick’s caring words during the call, she couldn’t help but show a hint of envy while sitting across the table.
If only she could provide her daughter with a complete family.
After Patrick hung up, she noticed Nana staring at her blankly and furrowed her brow, asking, “Is there something on my face?”
“No…”
Nana lightly bit her lip, unable to hide her envy as she spoke about Jane, “I just think you’re so lucky. Mr. Pansy really loves you.”
Hearing Nana’s words, Jane didn’t know how to console her either.
Although Carl and William both had deep feelings for her individually, Nana couldn’t seem to perfectly merge with either of them.
“You will find happiness in the future too, trust me, Nana!” Jane reassured her with a confident tone.
“Well, I hope so.”
Nana gave a faint smile, but her heart felt empty.
Not long after, Patrick arrived at the restaurant to pick up Jane and take her home.
Seeing that they hadn’t finished their lunch, he also took a moment to rest at their table.
When Patrick heard that Nana would be settling in Naso City the next day, he was equally surprised.
“Why did you choose Naso? Is it because of the sea?” Patrick asked in a deep voice.
In reality, Nana had been indecisive when choosing a city to settle in and randomly picked one from a few options.
“Yeah, I heard that the small city is quite livable, and the pace of life is slower. I believe Janelle will grow up safely there.”
“I see…”
As Patrick listened to Nana’s explanation, he pondered with his chin resting on his hand.
After a few seconds of contemplation, he looked at Nana and generously suggested, “Coincidentally, I invested in a duplex villa there a few years ago. Why don’t you just move in directly? It’s empty anyway.”
Upon hearing Patrick offer her a place to stay, Nana expressed her gratitude first but politely declined.
“No, thank you. I’ve already made arrangements with a landlord. I’ll go and see how the rental house is first. If it’s not suitable, I’ll contact you.”
Patrick had a relatively straightforward mindset. He smiled and nodded in agreement, saying, “No problem. If you can’t find a suitable house, feel free to call me anytime.”
He also mentioned that when Janelle got a bit older and if Nana needed a job, he could help introduce her to a friend’s company.
Nana was deeply moved by Patrick’s helpfulness and thought he was a man with a cold exterior but a warm heart.
However, she and Jane had a deep bond, yet their destinies were completely different.
Nana desperately hoped to break free from emotional entanglements and focus all her energy on raising her daughter.