Filed to story: The Lie of a Hero's Rescue Book PDF Free
Walking out of the office, I found Robert waiting for me.
“All done?” “Yeah.”
“How do you feel?” “Free.”
I took a deep breath.
“Like a huge weight is gone.”
Robert smiled, “Let’s go celebrate?” “Okay.”
We went to a quiet restaurant, “Kathy, there’s something I need to tell you,” Robert said, sitting across from me.
“What is it?” “I’ve been assigned a new mission.”
He hesitated.
“I’ll be overseas.
For about six months.”
My heart sank a little.
“When?” “Next month.”
“So..you’re still going?” “I could turn it down,” Robert said, looking at me.
“But this assignment is important for my career.”
I was quiet for a moment.
“You should go.”
“Really?” “Really.”
I nodded and said, “Robert, I can’t let my feelings get in the way of your career.”
“But we just started..”
“Exactly because we just started, we should give each other some space.”
I looked at him.
“Besides, I got an offer too.”
“What offer?” “The United Nations invited me to be a consulting interpreter.”
I took out the invitation letter.
“It’s a one-year position.”
Robert read the invitation and then smiled.
“Looks like we both have new challenges.”
“Yeah.”
“So we each go our own way for a while?” “Deal.”
“Let’s meet again in a year?” “Meet again in a year.”
We high-fived, like two friends making a pact.
But I knew it was more than just a promise between friends.
It was a choice made by two independent people, for a better future.
One year later, Gelind.
I sat at a cafe by the lake, looking at the Alfeds Mountains in the distance.
This past year, my life had completely changed.
My work at the United Nations was highly praised, and I’d been invited to be an advisor for several international organizations.
More importantly, I’d found my true self again-the confident, independent
Kathy who wouldn’t compromise for anyone.
“All alone?” A familiar voice came from behind.
I turned to see Robert standing in the sunlight, wearing a well-tailored suit.
He’d shed the sharp intensity of a soldier, now exuding a more mature, masculine charm.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, standing up in surprise.
“I’m working in Gelind too.”
He said, sitting opposite me.
“Started a security consulting firm.”
“Really?” “Really,” He smiled, “And I want to invite you to be my lead consultant.”
“Lead consultant?” “Yes.”
He took a document from his briefcase.
“Specializing in cross-cultural communication and international business.”
I took the papers.
Seeing the terms, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Mr.Walsh, are you poaching from the United Nations?” “Not poaching,” Robert said, looking at me.
“I’m pursuing my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Since when did you have a girlfriend?” “Starting now.”
He stood up, went down on one knee, and pulled a small box from his pocket.
My heart instantly pounded.
“Kathy, this past year, I thought about you every single day.”
He opened the box to reveal a simple and elegant diamond ring.
“I thought about your smile, your voice, everything about you.”
Other customers in the café looked over.
“I know we still need more time to know each other, so this isn’t a marriage proposal.”
Robert said, his eyes locked on mine.
“This is my promise.
A promise that I will spend my life loving you, protecting you, supporting you.”
Tears streamed down my face.
“Robert..”
“Kathy, will you be my girlfriend?” I looked at this man, at the sincerity and determination in his eyes.
A year ago, I thought my life was over.
Now I knew it wasn’t an ending.
It was a rebirth.
“Yes.” Robert smiled and slipped the ring onto my finger.
Applause erupted around us.
“Kathy, I love you,” Robert sald, standing up and hugging me.
“I love you, too.”
It was the first time l’d ever sald those three words to a man and truly meant them.
Outside the window, the snow-capped Alfeds Mountains stood clear under the bright sun.
I knew my new life was truly beginning.
This time, I wasn’t living for anyone else.
I was living for myself, and for this real love.
Three years later, Robert and i married in Swissland.
The wedding was simple, with only our closest friends and family.
Julian, who served as our witness, said in his speech, “I’ve seen many couples, but never ones as equal, respectful, and supportive as you two.”
Yes, this was the love I wanted.
Not dependency, not compromise, not endurance.
It was two independent people choosing to walk through life together.
After the wedding, I got a text.
It was from Jared.
“I wish you happiness.”
I replied with three words.
“Thank you.Goodbye.”
Then I deleted his contact.
Some people were just meant to be the past. Some people were meant to stay in the past.
Others were worth your entire future.
I looked at Robert beside me, at the tenderness and steadiness in his eyes.
I knew I had finally found the one who truly understood me, loved me, and respected me.
This time, our story was just beginning.
–The End