In the end, Mollie didn’t tell Callie about the situation because she felt it depended on whether Callie wanted to know.
When she was awake, she didn’t even visit Ahmad.
The day Ahmad woke up, Callie was discharged from the hospital. She only instructed Mollie to keep an eye on Joaquin’s movements and left alone, not allowing anyone to follow her.
On the early morning streets, the air carried the scent of a passing water truck. Callie touched her bare arms as the breeze lifted her long hair, which she impatiently pushed down.
Her wrist still hurt when she exerted force.
The unpleasant memories of that day resurfaced. Ahmad had looked at her with such hostility, truly seeing her as the most detestable person in the world.
She touched her dry eyes and found a nearby pharmacy. She bought a mask that completely covered her face, finally feeling a sense of security.
Someone brushed past her.
“Hello, do you have any contraceptive pills?”
“Which kind do you need?”
“Yasmin.”
His voice was very young. Callie instinctively turned around, only catching a glimpse of a tall, thin figure in a black T-shirt and a black baseball cap, exuding an air of superiority and indifference.
Callie found a rehabilitation center and devoted all her time to recovery. During this period, she sent resumes to several construction companies in Anbusea.
Occasionally, she traveled between two cities.
She deliberately kept this from Jamir and didn’t let anyone know.
When she went for the interview, there were many people at the venue. She was probably the only woman in architectural design. As soon as Callie entered, various gazes turned towards her-curious, surprised, and incredulous.
A middle-aged man with a tie next to her said, “Are you nervous? I’m a bit nervous.”
She remained very calm, seemingly unable to understand. “Nervous about what?”
The man fell silent for a moment, thinking this woman’s demeanor was indeed unique.
After the interview, Callie took off her mask in a quiet, empty hallway. Leaning against the wall, she pulled out a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, took one out, and put it in her mouth. She tried lighting it three times but failed. Frustrated, she shook the lighter vigorously. She desperately needed the taste of nicotine to stabilize her emotions.
Smoke finally rose, and her soul felt saved.
She had only intended to smoke in the hallway to relieve her addiction but unexpectedly overheard a conversation related to her.
“That Callie, what do you think of her?”
The voice came from around the corner downstairs; they couldn’t see each other.
A somewhat impatient male voice responded, “Good inspiration, but her drawing hand is unsteady.”
“… But you can’t deny she’s professional.”
“All those candidates are among the top hundred in the industry. She’s nothing special.”
“You’re too strict. For a woman to achieve this level is already very impressive.”
The man suddenly laughed. “You really want to keep her?”
Callie became curious and quietly moved to see who was speaking.
“I think she looks really cool,” the other person praised without hesitation. “And she seems like someone with a story to tell. I have no reason not to keep her. Besides, I want to make some big news.”
Callie listened intently. The ash from the cigarette between her fingers fell through the railing and landed downstairs.
It landed right on the man’s arm.
It was slightly hot.
There was no time to dodge. A man in a black T-shirt and black baseball cap appeared in her line of sight, looking up at her from below. Their eyes met.