As he turned to leave, I called out to him, my voice catching. “Harry… I went to the hotel today. Those roses were beautiful.”
His steps faltered and he turned back, his expression guarded. “Oh? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? Did you see anyone?”
“No.”
A visible wave of relief washed over him, his shoulders relaxing as he forced a smile. “Next time, let me know in advance. I’ll have the staff line up to welcome you properly.”
I watched him carefully, my heart sinking as his façade of composure slipped back into place. He tucked the blanket around me with practiced care before heading downstairs.
The moment he was gone, I reached for my phone, dialing my mentor’s number with trembling hands.
“Teacher,” I said, my voice low but resolute, “I want to apply for the research confidential program. And I need to cancel all my identity information.”
There was a pause on the other end. “Are you sure, Clarissa? Once you make this decision, there’s no going back.”
“I’m sure. I just… I need to disappear completely.”