Goodbye, My Love

After all, thanks to Judie’s influence, gossip about Loraine was a perennial topic of their idle chats, and the rumors about her were ceaselessly circulated.

But hadn’t Loraine left the village pregnant? If she had returned, wouldn’t she be a crestfallen woman who had birthed a child and was heartlessly abandoned by her affluent partner? How could she now be this poised, dignified, and stunningly beautiful woman?

As the crowd gaped at Loraine, Judie felt her village limelight swiftly being stolen away. Overwhelmed by resentment, she couldn’t contain her venomous words and was first to jeer

“Loraine, weren’t you the one impregnated by some random man before running away? So why did you return?”

Before Loraine could respond, Judie persisted in her mockery. “Ah, it’s clear now. You must have been discarded and had to crawl back to the orphanage, right? You parade around as if you’re lofty and superior, claiming to have a boyfriend… I suppose he’s your benefactor, right?

By the way, how old is this man who’s supporting you? Is he some frail, elderly man in his seventies or eighties? Just don’t bring him here and stage some trick to swindle me, I won’t donate my money to you guys!”

Judie had always been quick to voice her thoughts, and as she wrapped up her speech, it seemed to dawn on the villagers as well.

Indeed, her account aligned with the rumors they frequently overheard.

Either Loraine was abandoned by an elderly benefactor and had to retreat to the countryside and the orphanage, or she returned with her unappealing benefactor to embarrass herself here!

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Suddenly, the villagers’ glances towards Loraine turned scornful, and some women even shielded their children’s eyes, admonishing them sharply, “Don’t take after women like her, they’re shameless and bring disgrace upon our village!”

Loraine was no stranger to such remarks. The enduring poverty of this place had its reasons. People here were ignorant and small-minded, only capable of spitefully conjecturing about others and begrudging their success.

No wonder Henna had struggled vehemently to relocate to the city for a better life.

But an aged man in his seventies or eighties?

So, that’s how they had pictured her so-called “benefactor” as her partner. Loraine couldn’t help but smirk, feigning disappointment as she responded, “Judie, I’m afraid I will let you down. My partner isn’t that old.”

Judie was caught off guard. “What?”

The next moment, Loraine pivoted and called out, “Marco.”

Was this the name of her alleged sugar daddy? What was his full name?

While Judie was still contemplating, she noticed a tall, elegant figure approaching from a distance. Her eyes instantly sparked with interest.

The man had a stern, icy demeanor, and an extraordinary aura that clearly didn’t belong in this rural setting. The only thing seeming out of place was the bag of presents he was carrying.

He scanned the crowd for a moment, his gaze settling on a spot before his frosty facade softened, unveiling a subtle smile as he walked briskly towards it.

As Judie spotted him advancing, her heart fluttered, an inexplicable mix of shyness and excitement washing over her.

Was he drawn to her?

Just as Judie was about to reciprocate, the man’s focus shifted to