Roman's awkward response made Erin feel uneasy. She thought about the burns on her face and body. Following that, her gaze visibly dimmed."Paulo, you shouldn't make jokes like that. You can clearly see what I look like right now. I'm grateful enough if I don't scare any of you away."After finishing her words, Erin slowly hobbled away with the support of her crutches. With her back turned to the two men, she said, "I'm a little tired. It's time for me to get some rest."Her intention was clear; she was telling Roman and Paulo that they could leave.Roman stared at Paulo in silence, his eyes filled with restrained anger. However, he spoke ever so gently to Erin, "Okay, we'll be leaving. Rest well."Supporting himself with crutches as well, Roman left. Paulo, who remained standing in place, felt awkward about the turn of events.After Roman left the ward, Paulo apologized as he looked at Erin's retreating figure, "I'm sorry. I was just joking earlier."That was all he could say n
One week later, Erin finally uploaded her comic to the Internet. This was her first time using the Internet ever since she came to the Garden of Eden.Previously, she'd consistently rejected the idea of engaging with the online world. Now, as she started to get back online, she had to get used to seeing various photos of beautiful women all over the Internet. Every time she saw those photos, she couldn't help but be reminded of her own disfigured face.The sight of those beautiful faces assaulted her already wounded heart relentlessly, but she had to learn to face it calmly. She had to keep adjusting her emotions so that she would be able to remain composed when she came across such photos again.Everything tended to be difficult in the beginning. Erin kept taking difficult first steps, overcoming obstacles and conquering them time and time again. This made Erin feel more and more like a warrior. She was being brave for herself and the people who loved her!Very soon, her comic was
In these seven years, Erin didn't slack off. She had now become a famous online comic artist. The comic she drew was still ongoing and hadn't come to a conclusion yet.Three years ago, she even managed to write two movie scripts, both of which were bought by film and media companies.Due to the need to keep her identity a secret, Roman had been representing her in signing contracts with film companies and comic websites. He would receive the remuneration for her work on her behalf and then transfer it to her.Although Holly and Simon got engaged back then, they agreed to part ways on peaceful terms the night before their scheduled wedding registration. Holly still couldn't cure Simon's peculiar condition, which made her feel disappointed and defeated. Moreover, Simon also confessed to Holly that he'd never loved her. He said that breaking up was the best choice for both of them. Simon explained that a marriage without love would only result in mutual loneliness for both parties in t
At 8 pm that night, Erin left the Garden of Eden with a suitcase.Paulo stood by the window; he stayed in his office without seeing her off. The reason was that there were three things he hated the most—weddings, funerals, and farewells.Although he didn't personally see Erin off the island, Paulo remained standing by the window, watching the helicopter depart from the small island until it disappeared completely into the darkness. He stood there motionless for a whole hour, and his expression was so calm that it was terrifying. Paulo had wanted very badly to go back with Erin, but he didn't act upon it.Erin hadn't seen her family and friends for a whole seven years, and she'd never left his island that whole time. Paulo was her closest friend whom she spent most of her time with.From the perspective of the amount of time spent with Erin, Paulo had no doubt triumphed over Chandler and Roman.A faint smile appeared on Paulo's lips as he recalled what Roman had told him all those
As Chandler spoke, Roman kept his gaze focused on Erin's eyes, trying his best to decipher what she wanted. At that moment, Erin's face had turned pale, but her eyes could barely contain her excitement, and she burst into tears in just a few seconds.Her reaction immediately made Roman say, "I've just arrived home, so you and Asa can come over."Roman and Chandler had always been neighbors. They assumed that Chandler and Asa were still in Shornland and didn't expect the father and son would return to the country so soon. Right now, they didn't know if they were back for good or for a short visit only."Okay, see you soon." Chandler hung up.It was eerily silent in the car. After some time, Erin regained her senses and asked, "Why did you agree?"Roman said seriously, "Remember, you are now my good friend, Pamela Eastwood. You're not Erin. Since you're not Erin, you can meet Chandler and Asa openly and honestly because they're not related to you in any way! Haven't you always wante
One hour later, Erin and Roman arrived at the private hospital where Alana was admitted. This private hospital was established by Alan three years ago. He'd transitioned from being a chief doctor at Liberty General Hospital to becoming the director of a private hospital.The facilities in this private hospital were of the highest international standards. It was safe to say that this hospital wasn't intended for ordinary people. It catered to individuals with a high spending capacity, elites from various industries, and even wealthy foreigners and celebrities.Alana's ward was in the VIP ward section. And so, Erin and Roman took a dedicated elevator to go upstairs. Prior to their arrival, Kyle had informed the security and elevator staff to allow Erin and Roman to enter the hospital. It was evident that this private hospital placed great emphasis on patient privacy.Even before the elevator arrived, Kyle was already waiting at the elevator entrance.Ten seconds later, the elevator d
Unexpectedly, she'd run into Sean at the hospital where she least expected it of all places.Erin quickly lowered her gaze, concealing the trace of astonishment in her eyes. Seeing the bouquet of flowers by her feet, she understood Sean's intention. He must have come to visit Alana.Applying some force, Erin pushed him away. Then, she said in a rather formal tone, "Sir, you can let go of me now. I'm fine."When Sean saw Erin's eyes, he was already somewhat mesmerized. Hearing her voice, he couldn't help but softly call, "Erin—"Erin's body stiffened, but Sean still held onto her. Her tone indicated that she was getting annoyed. "Sir, please let go of me!"Her gaze turned cold, and in an instant, Sean released her, but he could still feel her warmth on his palms. He felt a bit embarrassed as he said, "I'm sorry ... Your eyes and your voice really resemble a friend of mine."A faint gleam shimmered in Erin's slightly lowered eyes. Her heart palpitated violently. In the hospital roo
Chandler's words stirred up ambivalent emotions in Erin's heart. A voice in her head kept urging her to reveal the truth to him. She wanted to tell him that she was indeed Erin very badly!But as soon as she thought about her current appearance and the fact that Alana was already pregnant, her heart sank. Even if Alana wasn't in the picture, could she still resume her relationship with Chandler?Every time she thought about Chandler returning to Coandria to enter into a fake marriage, it made her blood boil without fail. Not to mention there were also Tessa and Jack, who had almost succeeded in ruining her entire life. Tessa sought revenge because of Chandler's rejection and the humiliation she suffered due to his merciless words.A butterfly effect ensued, borne of Tessa's immense hatred, and Erin was unfortunately caught up in it, ultimately made to suffer hardships inconceivable to the average Joe.Even though she was starting anew now, she couldn't forget those painful experien