After her hospital discharge, Emerald Pierce spent three months recuperating at home before finally attending a gathering with friends.
As she entered the room, her gaze immediately fell on Kody Young, surrounded by a group of people. His usual black shirt was swapped for a white one, with the collar buttons neatly fastened, giving him a sharp, handsome look quite unlike his usual laid-back style.
Next to him stood a young woman, barely in her twenties, as fresh and vibrant as a ripe peach. She watched Kody down drink after drink, gently tugging at his sleeve with concern, her cheeks gradually flushing pink.
Kody quickly noticed her worry, setting his glass down and grinning at his friends. “Alright, alright, I’ve quit smoking and had enough to drink today. If I have any more, my girlfriend here is going to get upset. She’s gentle; it’s hard to calm her down once she’s mad.”
His tone was playful, amused rather than annoyed, appreciating that someone cared enough to worry about him. The young woman’s tears gave way to a shy smile as she nudged him gently.
Emerald stood quietly in the shadows, watching their easy rapport. During her relationship with Kody, they'd often argued about his smoking and drinking. When he grew tired of her nagging, he’d storm out, only to return hours later with her favorite treats, like spiced honey cake, trying to make amends, though he never promised to give up his vices for her.
Emerald hadn’t known Kody was back from his trip abroad, let alone that he’d show up with a new girlfriend. She was about to leave when someone in the room noticed her.
“Emerald, you made it! Come over and join us.”
The room fell silent for a moment. All eyes were on Emerald, then shifted to Kody and his girlfriend, anticipating the awkwardness. Everyone knew about her five-year relationship with Kody. Back then, he had bravely taken multiple stab wounds protecting her, barely escaping death. Their love was intense and passionate; everyone believed they were destined to be together.
But half a year ago, in a desperate attempt to make him commit, she had donned a Victorian-style dress and stood on the rooftop of a six-story building, only for him not to show. She fell, suffering a severe spinal injury, and lost the month-old baby she was carrying.
Rushed to the hospital, Kody was escorted by his mother, Nova Young, but he stayed only briefly before leaving the country for six months. Now back, he had Alanna Lewis by his side.
Hearing her name called, Kody glanced at her, his eyes indifferent, as if she were a stranger, before turning back to Alanna with a whisper and a laugh. Alanna stayed close to him, cautiously observing Emerald, yet wary.
Taking a deep breath, Emerald forced a smile and greeted her friends before taking a seat in the corner. She sipped her coffee slowly; its bittersweet taste enveloping her senses.
After about ten minutes, considering an excuse to leave, Kody unexpectedly approached her with Alanna.
“You’re out of the hospital? How are you doing now?” His tone was polite but distant.
Emerald tightened her grip on her purse. “I’m fine.”
Kody smiled. “When can you come by to collect your things from my place? My girlfriend is moving in, and it’s awkward having your stuff there. Or give me an address, and I’ll have it sent over.”
Alanna looked embarrassed, tugging at his arm. “Kody, it’s fine. Ms. Pierce just got out of the hospital; don’t be like that.”
Kody, still holding her hand, spoke with affectionate indulgence, “What can I do? I can’t let my girl feel slighted because of someone else.”
Emerald exhaled slowly and smiled. “Today would be fine.”
She had driven herself and offered to take Kody and Alanna to the apartment they used to share. Kody, slumped against Alanna due to the alcohol, murmured sweet nothings, complimenting her scent. Alanna flushed, sneaking glances at Emerald in the rearview mirror, soothingly kissing him and murmuring, “Behave yourself; someone’s watching.”
Emerald focused on the road ahead, memories flooding back of Kody holding her, nuzzling her ear, and insisting she promise never to leave him. Yet the one who vowed never to let go was the first to release her hand.
She gripped the steering wheel, her heart aching with a relentless, dull pain. The apartment felt eerily unchanged despite her absence.
Using some boxes, Emerald methodically packed her belongings. Once, Kody couldn’t bear to see her exert herself, yet now, he stood idly by, impatience etched on his brow. Alanna nudged him before he reluctantly helped carry boxes to her trunk.
“Make sure you clear everything out so there’s no reason to return,” Kody said softly.
“If I’ve left anything behind, feel free to toss it,” Emerald replied quietly.
Kody glanced at her. “Alright.”
With that, he pulled Alanna back inside, laughter in his voice. “Happy now?”
Emerald watched them retreat, then got into her car. The fall from the rooftop had left her injuries still healing, and exertion brought a cold sweat to her brow. The gust of wind that followed felt like needles against her skin, making her shiver.
Just then, her phone chimed. It was a message from Gavin Pierce.
“The wedding gown has arrived. Come by the shop tomorrow to try it on.”
She lightly tapped the screen, responding with a simple, “Okay.”
