Chapter 15: The Choice of the Heart

Several days after the dinner at Thompson Villa, Shantelle prepared to leave Rose Hills once again.

Her schedule was already overflowing with surgeries and international conferences.

This visit had lasted longer than expected because of Erick's recovery and the medical summit.

Now, it was finally time to return to Switzerland.

Early that morning, Professor Carter called.

"The research board approved our funding," he announced excitedly.

"We'll officially begin the artificial heart regeneration project next month."

"Congratulations," Shantelle smiled.

"We've been waiting years for this opportunity."

"And there's more," Professor Carter continued.

"The World Health Organization wants you to lead the project personally."

"It's the biggest honor of your career."

"I'll accept," she replied without hesitation.

After ending the call, she looked out the hotel window.

The city of Rose Hills looked peaceful beneath the morning sunlight.

Once, she had believed this city held her entire future.

Now it was simply a chapter she had already closed.

Meanwhile, at Thompson Group headquarters, Evan was reviewing financial reports when his assistant entered.

"Sir," she said.

"Doctor Shant is leaving this afternoon."

Evan paused.

"Which flight?"

"Three o'clock."

He looked at the unfinished documents before quietly closing the folder.

"Cancel my afternoon meetings."

"Yes, sir."

Instead of rushing to stop her, Evan made one final decision.

He drove to the children's cardiac center funded by the Thompson Foundation.

More than one hundred young patients were receiving treatment there free of charge.

As he walked through the pediatric ward, several children waved happily.

"Mr. Thompson!"

"Look! I can walk now!"

"Thank you for my surgery!"

A little girl handed him a handmade drawing.

"This is for you," she said shyly.

"Mom says you're the reason I'm alive."

Evan knelt beside her.

"No," he answered softly.

"The doctors saved you."

"I only helped a little."

Watching the smiling children, he suddenly understood something.

For years, he had chased power.

He had believed success meant becoming richer than everyone else.

But none of those achievements had ever brought him peace.

These children...

Their smiles meant more than every business award he had ever received.

Across town, Shantelle finished packing her luggage.

Daniel Harris waited downstairs.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Professor Carter already checked us in."

Just before they left, Hannah, the former Thompson family housekeeper, arrived unexpectedly.

"Mrs..."

She stopped herself and smiled awkwardly.

"Doctor Shant."

"It's good to see you again," Shantelle greeted warmly.

"I heard about everything you've accomplished."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you, Hannah."

Hannah hesitated before handing her a small envelope.

"Mr. Thompson asked me to give you this only after I was certain you were leaving."

"He said... he didn't want to pressure you."

Curious, Shantelle opened the envelope.

Inside was a single handwritten letter.

"Shantelle,"

"I finally understand that loving someone doesn't mean keeping them beside you."

"Sometimes loving someone means letting them become who they were always meant to be."

"Thank you for teaching me kindness."

"Thank you for teaching me forgiveness."

"Most of all..."

"Thank you for loving me when I didn't deserve it."

"I won't ask you to come back."

"I only hope your future is filled with the happiness I failed to give you."

"Goodbye."

"— Evan."

Shantelle quietly folded the letter.

For several seconds, she said nothing.

"Are you okay?" Daniel asked gently.

"Yes," she answered.

"I think... we've both finally found peace."

At the airport, Erick unexpectedly arrived before boarding time.

"Uncle Erick!"

Shantelle hurried over and hugged him carefully.

"You shouldn't be traveling so much yet."

"I had to see my daughter off," Erick smiled.

"Promise me you'll visit sometimes."

"I promise."

"And remember," Erick added.

"No matter what happens... you'll always have family here."

Shantelle's eyes grew moist.

"Thank you."

"That means more than you know."

The boarding announcement echoed through the terminal.

"That's my flight," she said.

Erick nodded proudly.

"Go."

"The world is waiting for you."

As she walked toward the boarding gate, she turned back one last time.

Erick stood there smiling proudly.

Not far away, hidden behind one of the terminal pillars, Evan quietly watched her.

He made no attempt to approach.

No dramatic confession.

No desperate plea.

He simply watched the woman he loved walk confidently toward the future she had earned.

When the aircraft finally disappeared into the clouds, Evan whispered to himself,

"I hope someday... someone loves you the way you deserve."

Then he smiled.

It was a sad smile.

But also a peaceful one.

Because for the first time...

He had chosen her happiness over his own desires.

And perhaps...

That was what real love had always meant.