I could almost picture her fingers running through Nolan’s hair, her face soft with tenderness.
Disgusted, I pushed her away and looked at the box on the floor.
The watch had fallen out—the one I had always loved, the one Nolan wore. But its cheap shine gave it away.
In this marriage, Nolan received the real watch and true love. All I ever got was lie after lie.
I didn’t even bother to ask who the surprise at the villa was meant for.
“It’s one in the morning.” I looked straight at Kendall. “The honeymoon is over. So is our marriage.”
“Alright, stop being angry. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Her face was filled with distress when she saw the blood seeping from the corner of my eye.
Ignoring how weak I was, she dragged me out of bed by force.
Kendall pretended to act like a caring wife, insisting on taking me to the hospital. I was so dazed I didn’t even grab a coat.
The car was cold, so I hugged the stuffed bear tightly to my chest.
Looking closer, I saw a big cross drawn across its face. It felt like a direct provocation.
Kendall noticed my expression. “Last time I picked up Nolan, he said this bear was cute and just doodled on it. Please don’t be mad at him. I’ll buy you a new one tomorrow.”
“Come on, stop sulking. You’re already old, not earning money to support the family, yet you cling to broken stuffed bears every day. I don’t even dislike you, so what right do you have to be angry?”
That bear had been bought for me by my late grandmother. Kendall knew that.
I quietly wiped its face clean, feeling sorry for it, unwilling to say another word.
Just then, Nolan called.
“Is that old man asleep yet? Forget him, drink with us. Madison and Brooklyn are here, too.”
Kendall glanced at me awkwardly. “He’s next to me.”
“Then bring your brother-in-law. Stop acting like an old man.”
As soon as Kendall saw the location Nolan sent, she turned the car around.
“I don’t want to go. I want to go home!”
The word drink pulled me back to humiliating memories.
That had been my first time meeting Kendall’s friends. I had prepared carefully, but all I got was ridicule. They knew I couldn’t hold liquor, yet they took turns trying to get me drunk.
They even took photos of me in that state and posted them online.
And to send Nolan home, Kendall left me passed out and alone in the bar.
When I woke, my phone and wallet were gone and a group of malicious strangers surrounded me.
Although my manager rescued me that night, the fear still made me tremble. Kendall, however, had long forgotten.
“Don’t be so selfish, okay? What’s wrong with meeting an old friend? I’ve never stopped you from socializing.”
“Then drop me off. I’ll go home.”
My head felt heavy and all I wanted was rest. I had no energy to argue.
“No. If you don’t go, you’re not giving my friend face and you’re not giving me face. You have to come tonight!”
Her stubborn temper flared again. Seeing the look on my face, she added, “Be good. Just say hello and we’ll leave. Don’t upset me again.”
By the time we arrived, it was already past two in the morning.
Nolan greeted Kendall with a warm hug the moment they met.
