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Chapter 16
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Start Over Without You Chapter 17
Margaret quickly dialed Eloise's number, demanding the details."As you know, Gavin's been looking for you this whole time. He's like a madman, and no one could stop him," Eloise said. "Last night, he collapsed on-site and was rushed to the hospital—""Cut to the chase," Margaret interrupted impatiently. "Why is Marjorie missing? Gavin's always been so protective of her.""Well, because he's been so busy looking for you, he's been neglecting Marjorie." Eloise clicked her tongue. "Honestly, is it possible there's some misunderstanding between you and Gavin? From the way he's acting, it doesn't look like he has no feelings for you at all."Margaret fell silent for a moment and was about to speak when a knock at the door interrupted her.She hesitated, peering through the peephole. When she saw that it was Malcolm, she let out a deep breath of relief."From now on, you don't need to report anything to me about him," Margaret said, cutting the call and pulling open the door.Malcolm
Start Over Without You Chapter 18
Gavin knelt on the ground, his white shirt stained with blood. His back was streaked with fresh lashes from the whip, each line a testament to the pain he had endured.Standing nearby, his father, Virgil Hartley, wore a stern expression. "Gavin, how dare you hide Marjorie away for all these years!" Virgil's voice was cold with fury.On the other side, Marjorie's mother, Phoebe Page, let out a bitter laugh. "Gavin, I trusted you, but you kept Marjorie from us. What were you planning all this time?"Her mental health is in ruins now. Have you even made sure she received proper treatment all these years? I know you took her to see a foreign doctor over a month ago. The doctor clearly said that staying there for treatment might help her improve. Why did you bring her back instead?"You didn't want Marjorie to get better, did you?" Virgil's whip cracked again, the sound sharp in the tense air. Gavin winced at the pain, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, but he remained s
Start Over Without You Chapter 19
"My dad is dead."That was the first thing Marjorie had said to Gavin.He paused for a moment, then responded with a quiet hum.The reason Gavin had hidden Marjorie away all those years was simple. It had been Marjorie's request. Her father had always had a tendency toward domestic violence, and when he found out that Marjorie had developed schizophrenia, he wanted to send her to a mental hospital. Marjorie had refused. So, she had begged Gavin to keep her hidden.As time passed, the Pages' business shifted more and more overseas. Phoebe had eventually come to accept the possibility that Marjorie might have died. The entire Page family moved abroad, and from that point on, they had no further contact. Gavin hadn't known that Marjorie's father had passed away. So, when Phoebe had asked, he had said nothing. Now, he finally felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest."That's good," he said quietly."My mom says she'll take me abroad for treatment. She wants to go to th
Start Over Without You Chapter 20
Margaret's preparation for Olivia's birthday party went off without a hitch, and it received rave reviews from everyone. Olivia, in particular, was thrilled. She absolutely adored the Maravian dishes Margaret had prepared. After the party, she wouldn't let go of Margaret's hand, pulling her close. "Margaret, you really should come by more often. I heard you like red roses. Well, a few years ago, Malcolm planted an entire garden of them in the backyard. If you're interested, you should come pick a few and take some seedlings home to plant yourself."Malcolm gave her a helpless look. "Ever since my mom got sick, she's been a little scatterbrained. Don't mind her," he said."Of course not!" Margaret laughed. "I understand what your mom means. Since you have so many roses here, how about next time, I come by and make a rose dessert for her?"Olivia's eyes lit up. "That sounds wonderful!" She paused for a moment, casting a quick glance at Malcolm before leaning in slightly to whisper t
Start Over Without You Chapter 21
The first time Margaret met Malcolm was on the day Gavin had his rare moment of true sincerity.Malcolm had come to deliver flowers.Driving a pricey, stretched Lincoln to drop off flowers—someone like that was hard to forget. So, Margaret pulled him from the depths of her memory."Back then, my mom's company was researching new desserts. She was planning to create a whole line inspired by flowers. I wasn't great with business, but I loved experimenting with food. So, I went back to the country, bought some land, and started planting flowers. I even opened a flower shop to sell them. It was a whole new experience," Malcolm explained, his voice filled with a hint of nostalgia.That day, the shop assistant had made a mistake with the rose color. They had delivered yellow roses instead of red. Looking back now, it was possible that the assistant wasn't the one who made the mistake. Maybe it was Gavin after all. The assistant had urgently asked Malcolm for help, saying he could
Start Over Without You Chapter 22
The reason Eloise hadn't been calling Margaret anymore was simple—she was planning to run.Gavin had been in a serious car accident, and he was still lying unconscious in the ICU.During this time, no one was there to keep an eye on Eloise. She saw her opportunity and made a quick trip to Gavin and Margaret's house, gathering up all the valuables she could find. She packed a huge suitcase, filled to the brim with enough expensive items to fetch a small fortune.She had already bought a train ticket and was ready to leave when she opened the door and ran into Gavin's assistant."Ms. Chapman," the assistant said with a smile. "Mrs. Hartley sent me to bring you back to the hospital."Eloise quickly replied, "I'm not Margaret..."The assistant nodded. "I know. Mrs. Hartley knows, too. But she said it would be fine to have you here. At least you look like her."Eloise's face went pale.Outside the ICU, the sounds of machines beeping and hurried footsteps echoed through the halls. El
Start Over Without You Chapter 23
On New Year's Eve, a night for family reunions, Margaret prepared a feast for all the staff at her Maravian restaurant.Though the staff couldn't reunite with their family, there was still a sense of togetherness in the air here.Malcolm even brought Olivia along to celebrate the holiday at the restaurant."May the new year be better than the last!" The final dish was brought to the table by Malcolm as Margaret was gently ushered into the seat of honor."I want to thank everyone for their support and understanding over the past six months," Margaret said, lifting her glass. "In the days to come, I ask for your continued support as we work together to make the restaurant stronger and more successful!"Just a few days ago, Malcolm had brought some good news.Margaret had agreed to participate in an international culinary competition after the New Year."With your skills, Margaret, making it to the top three is a sure thing," Malcolm said, only to be nudged into the corner as Mar
Start Over Without You Chapter 24
Gavin's entire body trembled, his already pale face draining of what little color it had left.His dark eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Margaret like a crouching wolf ready to strike.Margaret wasn't intimidated. She simply spoke, her tone cold and distant, "I don't know what happened between you and Marjorie. I don't know why she suddenly showed up in Endrophia... I don't know anything about your life anymore. But the one thing I do know, without a doubt, is that I'm not going back with you."We're over," she added, a mocking smile flickering on her lips. "No, to be more precise, this act of ours? It's done."Gavin's body trembled uncontrollably, and in a low voice, he whispered, "Margaret, let me explain…"Margaret just stared at him, as though genuinely waiting for an explanation.But as soon as the words were on his lips, he swallowed them back.His fists clenched, veins standing out as frustration built up. The hundreds of things he wanted to say all melted into useless ex
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Start Over Without You Chapter 29
Margaret was at an international culinary competition. Following the address sent by his new assistant, Gavin charged through the bustling crowd. He pushed his way through person after person, each time with growing disappointment. He searched the entire competition venue, his heart sinking more and more. Finally, he stood there, cold to the core. Another letdown. In the past ten years, he had felt this way countless times. With a sigh, Gavin lifted his head, only to have his gaze fall on a familiar figure standing on stage.He stopped dead in his tracks. "Let‘s welcome today‘s champion, Chef Marge!" She went by Marge now. Gavin stared at her with an almost greedy look, watching her up there. She had changed. She was more mature now, her hair styled in big, wavy curls, wearing a stunning red dress that shimmered under the lights. When she smiled, her eyes shone with confidence. Down below, people were whispering, "That‘s her. She‘s won multiple championships and is c
Start Over Without You Chapter 28
Three months later, in the small town in Endrophia, the snow had melted, and life had begun to bloom once again. The world had turned a new page, welcoming another year, looking completely different from the last. Margaret's Maravian restaurant had transformed into a local bistro. Leaning heavily on a cane, Gavin hobbled toward the door and rang the bell. A blonde, blue-eyed woman greeted him with a smile. "Welcome, sir. What can I get for you today?"Gavin slowly made his way to a corner table—the same one where he and Margaret had once sat together. The setup was unchanged. The furniture, the decorations, everything was just as it had been. Only the sign was different. But somehow, everything felt… lost. Nothing was the same anymore. For the past three months, Gillian had kept a very tight leash on Gavin, to the point where he couldn't even leave his hospital room. But despite that, he had his assistant keep searching for any news of Margaret. He couldn't give up.
Start Over Without You Chapter 27
Margaret had made up her mind to leave the small town. The reason was simple."I've been happy these past few months. I feel like I've found a new version of myself—one that has purpose, self-worth, and a sense of identity. I can't go back to what I was. I don't want to become that woman anymore—the one everyone in Sparrowville envied."The kind of recognition I got back then, it was all because of another man. Don't you think that's ridiculous?" Malcolm stared at her, stunned. "But the international culinary competition—are you still going—""Of course I'm going," Margaret interrupted, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm planning on moving somewhere Gavin won't be able to find me. Well, he might still track me down eventually, but life's long. Eventually, he'll give up looking, don't you think?"Malcolm hesitated, watching her with admiration. Several times, he gathered the courage to speak, but the words wouldn't come.Finally, it was Margaret who asked the question."So, I wan
Start Over Without You Chapter 26
Malcolm walked in just as Margaret finished her last order.She had changed into her clothes and, turning around, caught sight of the hesitant expression on Malcolm's face.Margaret raised an eyebrow and said, "Spit it out."Malcolm sighed, clearly frustrated. "Gavin's wound got seriously infected. He was in the ICU for two days, but he's been moved to a regular room now. His assistant has already contacted his parents, so they'll probably be here soon."She waited for him to continue, her eyes still fixed on him."His right leg... they might have to amputate it.""I see." Margaret nodded without any sign of surprise. She'd noticed something was off when she saw him the other day. Gavin's walk had been strange, almost like he was favoring one side."He's been asking about you," Malcolm spoke slowly, his tone a little softer. "He wants to know how you've been, if you're facing any problems. I told him everything, just like it is. His assistant even managed to find your phone nu
Start Over Without You Chapter 25
That night, Margaret had trouble sleeping.It was probably because Gavin had reappeared in her life, dragging up some of the worst memories she had. But she wasn't sad about it—she was just irritated. She had already moved on and started a new life, so why did Gavin feel the need to come back and disturb her?She drew the curtains open. The snow outside was falling heavily, the streets blanketed in a thick layer of white.She lit another cigarette. Just as she was about to take a drag, she caught a flicker of light in the distance.In the vast sea of white, there was a patch of black—Gavin.Even from a distance, Margaret recognized him immediately.He must have been keeping track of her movements, because the moment she turned on the light, Gavin looked up, locking eyes with her.As the wind howled and the snow swirled around him, his figure stood unsteadily, as if the storm could blow him away at any moment.Margaret glanced at him only for a split second before quickly dr
Start Over Without You Chapter 24
Gavin's entire body trembled, his already pale face draining of what little color it had left.His dark eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Margaret like a crouching wolf ready to strike.Margaret wasn't intimidated. She simply spoke, her tone cold and distant, "I don't know what happened between you and Marjorie. I don't know why she suddenly showed up in Endrophia... I don't know anything about your life anymore. But the one thing I do know, without a doubt, is that I'm not going back with you."We're over," she added, a mocking smile flickering on her lips. "No, to be more precise, this act of ours? It's done."Gavin's body trembled uncontrollably, and in a low voice, he whispered, "Margaret, let me explain…"Margaret just stared at him, as though genuinely waiting for an explanation.But as soon as the words were on his lips, he swallowed them back.His fists clenched, veins standing out as frustration built up. The hundreds of things he wanted to say all melted into useless ex
Start Over Without You Chapter 23
On New Year's Eve, a night for family reunions, Margaret prepared a feast for all the staff at her Maravian restaurant.Though the staff couldn't reunite with their family, there was still a sense of togetherness in the air here.Malcolm even brought Olivia along to celebrate the holiday at the restaurant."May the new year be better than the last!" The final dish was brought to the table by Malcolm as Margaret was gently ushered into the seat of honor."I want to thank everyone for their support and understanding over the past six months," Margaret said, lifting her glass. "In the days to come, I ask for your continued support as we work together to make the restaurant stronger and more successful!"Just a few days ago, Malcolm had brought some good news.Margaret had agreed to participate in an international culinary competition after the New Year."With your skills, Margaret, making it to the top three is a sure thing," Malcolm said, only to be nudged into the corner as Mar
Start Over Without You Chapter 22
The reason Eloise hadn't been calling Margaret anymore was simple—she was planning to run.Gavin had been in a serious car accident, and he was still lying unconscious in the ICU.During this time, no one was there to keep an eye on Eloise. She saw her opportunity and made a quick trip to Gavin and Margaret's house, gathering up all the valuables she could find. She packed a huge suitcase, filled to the brim with enough expensive items to fetch a small fortune.She had already bought a train ticket and was ready to leave when she opened the door and ran into Gavin's assistant."Ms. Chapman," the assistant said with a smile. "Mrs. Hartley sent me to bring you back to the hospital."Eloise quickly replied, "I'm not Margaret..."The assistant nodded. "I know. Mrs. Hartley knows, too. But she said it would be fine to have you here. At least you look like her."Eloise's face went pale.Outside the ICU, the sounds of machines beeping and hurried footsteps echoed through the halls. El
Start Over Without You Chapter 21
The first time Margaret met Malcolm was on the day Gavin had his rare moment of true sincerity.Malcolm had come to deliver flowers.Driving a pricey, stretched Lincoln to drop off flowers—someone like that was hard to forget. So, Margaret pulled him from the depths of her memory."Back then, my mom's company was researching new desserts. She was planning to create a whole line inspired by flowers. I wasn't great with business, but I loved experimenting with food. So, I went back to the country, bought some land, and started planting flowers. I even opened a flower shop to sell them. It was a whole new experience," Malcolm explained, his voice filled with a hint of nostalgia.That day, the shop assistant had made a mistake with the rose color. They had delivered yellow roses instead of red. Looking back now, it was possible that the assistant wasn't the one who made the mistake. Maybe it was Gavin after all. The assistant had urgently asked Malcolm for help, saying he could
