318 GOODBYE MS. ZOE CHENG

"Thank you, Zoe. I didn't expect that you'll give the chairmanship position to me."

Cayden bowed down and was trying to thank Zoe with the best that he could, making her chuckle in response.

"I'm sorry if I didn't inform you sooner. I know you're the best fit for the job. And besides, you have worked hard for this hospital way more than me. You deserve it. Papa would be proud." Zoe smiled at him. 

She felt a little sad that she had to leave the company that is the only memory she had with her parents. But deep inside she knew that she would never feel happy and at peace as long as Raigon is on the other side of the planet. 

And she has resolved to choose him more than her own goals and dreams. 

It seemed that the weight off Cayden's chest was lifted as he heaved out a sigh of relief. 

"How about you? Are you planning to go back to your husband's now? Have you already forgiven his family?"

Zoe knew he would ask that question. She had told him about it bleakly as he bombarded him with questions about Raigon's background. 

But she still wasn't ready for the answer. "I would find out once I get there."

She stared outside the window of the hallway they were in. If she would be honest with herself, she doesn't really know if she has. 

There were times that she would think about them and she still felt angry especially when she recalled the scene where they stabbed her father and her mother rolling off the cliff. 

But she would always see Raigon's face that radiated with love and affection for her afterwards. And then King Artair's lovely chuckle and Princess Taia's giggles. Princess Ara was cold to her but there are times that she shows concern for her. And then the Queen -- Zoe sighed.

She shook off the thoughts about her as she found herself already trailing off. She just gave further instructions to Cayden about the case proceedings and encouraged him to push on with it even in her absence. And if her presence is needed, he would just contact her and she would show up if needed be.

"All right. See you soon, Zoe. Take care of yourself." Cayden embraced her tightly as if she would be gone for a long time. And Zoe returned the favor. 

She turned her back and as she walked along the hallway, the staff in the hospitals also bid farewell to her. 

"We hope to see you again soon, Ms. Cheng." One of the Emergency Department staff bowed to her. 

Zoe smiled at him as she wished the same. It wouldn't be so bad to work in the Emergency Department again.

The mother of the boy whom she has helped a while ago also gave her a woolen shawl. 

"I have not much but I made this for you. My son is alive. Thanks to you." She bowed to her, making Zoe glance to the boy beside her and pat his head.

"Live a long life, kid. And help others along the way." The boy eagerly nodded his head.

She thanked the mother and received the shawl as a picture of a woman came to her mind. 

Then she continued walking along the hallway and was about to leave the hospital when she saw the picture of her parents along the way. 

She recalled how they dedicated their lives for this hospital. And a thought occurred to her if she did the right thing of leaving it. Since she has no assurance of what she is leaving it for. 

She wasn't sure if they already found a way for her to stay or if she would still be accepted or not.

'Should I just secure a position here just in case things didn't work out?'

She shook her head to sweep off her doubts and continued walking. And as she did so, she met Koby along the way.

He seemed to be waiting for her as he stood by the exit door of the hospital.

"Are you sure you will exchange your life here and live the rest of it as a Terran?" He asked her as if he is concerned with her future.

Zoe rolled her eyes at him. Ever since he showed up his true color, all traces of friendliness that she has for him vanished in an instant.

"I understand if you don't listen to me now. But I just want you to think about it. You know they live primitively and freedom of access to other parts of the world is forbidden. Why would you tie yourself in a place like that when you're already free?"

As much as she wanted to forget about what he just said, he has a point. But then she also believes that it depends on one's contentment. And she is content just to be surrounded by the people that she loves until she grows old. 

This thought made Zoe's lips lift upward as she stared at Koby. 

"Actually it's the other way around. I want to go there because I want to be free to live with the people that I love. And the greed for more power and money doesn't chain me."

She shook her head and gazed at Koby with a sincere tone. 

"I'm just sad for some people who are. I wonder when they will learn in their lifetime that life is not about getting more. I hope it will not be too late for them. Goodbye, Koby."

But Koby just shrugged his shoulders. "If that's what you want then so be it. Goodbye, Zoe Cheng."

Zoe continued on walking forward until both of her feet were outside the Cheng Hospital. She drew in a deep breath and stared at the sky, thinking about the one underneath it thousands of miles away.

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No amount of money or success can take the place of time spent with the people that matters to you.