Chapter 124: Chapter 124

EPILOGUE

JUNE

Peering down at my baby, I tried not to shed a tear. Martha Mary Storm was the name Kristen gave to her, in honour of the two women who played significant roles in our life.

I tenderly caressed her red hair, which was so much like her father's. The only thing she picked after me was her honey-brown eyes.

She produced noises in her throat, and I did the same, inducing her to giggle like a darling. It has been 6 months since I gave birth to my baby. Favour and Henry literally live with us. They do nothing else in their leisure aside from spending time with their granddaughter, who I have no doubt will be spoiled rotten.

It doesn't help matters that Mark adores her. He's always getting presents for her, declaring to be the best uncle she can ever have.

He hasn't found a girlfriend yet, though he insisted he wasn't in a haste to find one. I have sought countlessly to help him out, to ease my guilt, but he doesn't seem to want that. Kristen asked me to let it.

“Darling, Mark is outside,” Favour announced the minute she walked into the nursery. Without glancing at me, she scurried over to the crib. “Baby, your favourite granny is here!”

I rolled my eyes at her words, smiling a bit when Mary made some baby sounds, beaming up at her. “What is he doing outside?” I frowned, wondering why he didn't come in like he normally does.

“He claimed there was something crucial he needed to do. Go ahead, I will look after the baby.”

“That's odd.” I stood up from the recliner I was sitting on, and Favour occupied it without missing a beat, grinning at Mary, who was still making adorable sounds. “I will be right back.” I need to check on Mark. I could tell something wasn't right.

“Take your time. Mary doesn't need you,” Favour replied, waving me off. “She needs her grandma, and I'm here for her.”

Rolling my eyes at Mary's supposed grandma, I strode out of the nursery. Kristen was busy working in his study, so I didn't bother with him. I walked past it and out of the building, going straight to the car parked next to Kristen's. The moment I reached him, Mark got out of the car.

“June—”

“Why did you ask Favour to call me? Busy to visit Mary? I thought you claimed to be the best uncle?” I planted both hands on my waist, with my eyebrows lifted at him.

“… Well…” He laced his fingers. “There's something I need to tell you,” he stated in a grave tone, looking straight at me.

My heart leapt a bit as it assumed different scenarios at that moment. “What is it that needed you to call me out? Are you alright? Don't tell me you have a rare case of—”

“I'm okay, June. You don't have to worry about me,” he added with a smile. “Why will you think I'm sick?” He folded his arms, looking amused.

“Well… Why did you call me out then if you aren't sick?” I inquired once more, trying to get him to ease the fear I felt. Despite his smiles and words of reassurance, I couldn't help but sense that something wasn't right.

“I'm leaving.”

“Is that all you — What? You are leaving? To where? What the hell does that even mean?” I asked at once without taking a break, not even pausing to catch my breath. I was shocked by his words.

“I think it's time for me to leave, June,” he continued. “I have asked for a transfer. I will conclude my studies in Europe. You won't—”

“Why?” I mumbled.

“It's my decision, June. I figured staying in America isn't that... good for me.”

“Isn't Europe too far? Even if you wish to leave Seattle, you can move to another city, right?”

He frantically shook his head, beaming as he replied, “I've made my decisions, June. I just showed up to let you know about it. This might be the last time we see each other until only God knows when.”

“Is it because of me? Are you leaving because of what transpired between us?” It hurts. I never once imagined that my best friend, who has always been there for me, would one day leave me. It was too much to take in.

“Slightly. But not entirely the reason.” He placed both hands on either side of my face. “I will miss you, June. I doubt I will get through the initial months without you, but I've got to do this. You now have your joy. I can't keep lurking around, hoping you might realize your love for me. It's time to leave, June. I hope I find my happily ever after.”

“Mark—”

“Shh.” He used his thumbs to wipe the tears that slithered down my face. He looked as if he wanted to cry, but was holding it all in. “When you miss me, just call me.” He leaned down and pecked me on my cheeks. “You will always be my best friend, June. Just know this. I love you and will always do.”

“Mark—”

“Adieu.” He let go of my face and turned his back to me. “I wish you all the joy in the entire world. You deserve every good thing. And I hope Kristen knows how priceless you are.”

“Mark, stop! Don't go!”

But he didn't turn. He entered his car and zoomed off, leaving me in the driveway. Tears streamed down my face as I watched his car disappear. My chest felt so heavy. I found it difficult to breathe.

“No,” I muttered, trying to delude myself that he would return. But I knew that would not happen.

Mark is gone.

“He must have his reasons,” Kristen said as he wrapped his arms around me. I must have been so engrossed in my thoughts that I failed to hear his approach.

“But I don't want him to go!” I turned, placing my head on his chest.

“But he has to, for his happiness.” He lightly ran his fingers through my hair. “We can only wish him happiness, June. He deserves it.”

“Yes,” I conceded. “He deserves to be happy.”

And I hope he gets his happiness. It hurts to let him go. But if it means he gets to find his joy, I have nothing against it.

I pray he meets a woman who will love him much more than he loves me. A woman willing to be there for him, just like he has always been for me. He deserves much more than that…

As we walked back to the house, I silently prayed for the universe to help me be a good mom, and to grant Mark peace, because we had been through a lot together and deserved our respective happily ever after...