Chapter 1216 The Pain of Separation
Tina's face was all worry as she explained, "You passed out right next to Violet!"
"Passed out?" Austin was shocked. He tried hard to remember but came up blank.
Tina nodded, "Yeah! You were fine, then suddenly you just collapsed. Scared me extremely! The doctor said you've been under too much stress, both physically and mentally exhausted, not resting well, and not eating right, so you just keeled over."
"The doctor also said, no matter what, you need to take care of yourself, stay calm, and stop pushing yourself so hard."
She continued, worried Austin might not believe her, "These past few days, you were out cold and couldn't eat, so Charles had the family doctor give you three days of nutritional injections. Feeling any better now?"
Austin raised his hand and looked at the back of it, noticing the needle marks.
He sat down by the bed and rubbed his temples.
He couldn't remember a thing.
It seemed like he had fainted by Hannah's bedside, and everything after that was a blur.
Even though Tina had lied to him once because of Harper, deep down, she was still the person he trusted the most.
So, after hearing her explanation, he thought for a moment and then believed her without a second thought.
Tina sat beside him, holding his hand gently, "Austin, let's go! Let's go to Country S, just the two of us! I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll stay by your side, never leaving you."
Austin turned to look at her.
Tina's face was worn out from sleepless nights taking care of him, but her eyes were filled with pure love for him.
In the past, Tina's feelings for him were subtle, restrained, and well-hidden. No one could see it except herself.
But today, she openly showed her feelings in front of him.
Austin's calm heart was thrown into chaos.
He had always known Tina had feelings for him, but since she never said anything, he pretended not to know.
Now, with her openly expressing her feelings, his heart raced uncontrollably, unable to stay calm.
Austin lowered his gaze, not daring to meet her loving eyes. After a moment of silence, he nodded, "Alright! We'll leave tomorrow."
There were too many painful memories here.
He wanted to leave this place of sorrow.
Maybe after leaving, he would slowly forget Hannah and start a new life.
Tina was thrilled that he agreed so quickly, "I'll buy the tickets right now! We'll take the earliest flight tomorrow."
She was so excited that her body and voice trembled slightly.
Feeling her joy, Austin's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile.
Tina booked the flight for ten o'clock the next morning.
From Sunset Bay to Country S International Airport, there were only two flights a day, one at ten in the morning and one at three in the afternoon.
Tina just wanted to leave here with Austin as soon as possible and start a life belonging to just the two of them.
Even if it was just as friends, she was willing.
When Lassie heard they were leaving the next day, she was reluctant, her eyes red as she held Austin's hand. "Leaving so soon? I can't bear to see you go! Can't you stay a few more days?"
Austin smiled to comfort her, "I had planned to leave earlier, but got delayed! If you miss me, you can come visit! It's easy to fly between Country Z and Country S! I'll come back to see you and Dad whenever I can!"
Lassie felt sad, her nose tingling.
She sniffled and nodded, "Alright! Your dad said there's a big project over there that needs his personal attention. Since you're going, you can handle it!"
"Listen, if you run into any trouble, let me know. Even though we're not related by blood, I've always thought of you as my own son."
"No matter what happens, I'm your mom! Your rock!"
"After everything that's happened, it's finally over! I hope you'll have a peaceful and smooth future, forget the past, and look forward to what's ahead."
Austin was deeply moved and nodded firmly. "Mom, I'll take care of the company for Dad and won't let you down."
Lassie hugged him tightly. "Good boy, I really can't bear to see you go."
Austin hugged her back, his voice choked with emotion, "I can't bear to leave you either."
They hugged for a while. Once Lassie's emotions had stabilized, she spoke again, "Austin, Tina is a good woman. I can see she cares about you.
She took care of you tirelessly these past few days, losing a lot of weight and looking very worn out.
Whether you like her or not, I hope you won't hurt her.
Back when she and Charles worked together to trap Harper, it was a betrayal, but her intention was for your good! You can't hold onto that forever.
Listen to me, cherish the present, and don't let yourself regret it!"
Austin's body trembled, "Mom, I understand, I know what to do!"
After saying goodbye to Lassie and Carter, Austin packed his luggage and prepared to leave with Tina.
Austin stood in the yard of Rose Garden Manor, looking back at the home he had lived in for twenty years.
This time, he truly felt the sadness of leaving.
Once he left today, he might never return.
This place where he grew up would only exist in his memories.
Every time he left before, he never felt this way.
But today, the feeling was particularly strong.
Tina carried a small bag, standing behind Austin, also looking back at Rose Garden Manor. She couldn't help but ask, "Do you want to see Violet one last time?"
After all, their last meeting was just a brief glance, and then she had mixed things up.
Now he was leaving, and he hadn't said goodbye to Violet.
Austin shook his head, "No need! Not seeing her is my best blessing for her!"
With that, he picked up his suitcase and got into the black sedan parked at the door with Tina, driven to the airport.
Lassie and Carter stood behind the curtains of the second-floor window, watching the black sedan drive away, their eyes filled with the sadness of parting.
Lassie leaned against Carter, crying uncontrollably. "My son, he's really leaving me forever!"
Carter gently patted her back to comfort her, "It's not like you'll never see him again. If you miss him, we can go visit! It's not like he's gone forever! Last time he went to study abroad, you weren't this sad."
Lassie hit his chest lightly. "That time was different! That was studying abroad, this time, this time..."
Studying abroad meant he would come back.
But this time, he might never return.
Although they could visit him, it wasn't the same as being together at home.
Moreover, Austin and Violet had such a falling out, they might never see each other again.
No parent could accept that.
Carter sighed deeply, "I can't bear it either! But this is the best outcome for now!"
Lassie cried as she spoke, "Why didn't Austin let me see him off, making me stand here secretly watching?"
Carter held back his own sadness and comforted his wife, "Maybe he was afraid he couldn't bear it. With Tina by his side, I can be at ease."
Lassie didn't say anything more, crying as she watched the place where Austin disappeared, unable to move her gaze for a long time.
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