Amanda bit her lip and turned her head away. "It’s just a drink with Jayden. Why are you making such a fuss?"
Every word she spoke was like a dagger, stabbing straight into my heart. My eyes turned red as I choked out, “Then what about the past few years? All the things I’ve done for you—don’t they mean anything to you?”
Hearing my words, she scoffed. “You were the one who insisted on sticking around. Don’t act like I forced you.”
She stood up and brushed past me. “I’ve got work to do. I’m leaving.”
I slumped to the floor, watching her walk away without a trace of hesitation. Eight years of my life—all of it felt like a cruel joke.
I didn’t know how long I sat there, but as the cold seeped deeper into my body, my mind grew foggy. Fighting off the suffocating feeling in my chest, I shakily dialed Amanda’s number. But all I heard was the endless busy tone.
Left with no other choice, I called 911 and had myself sent to the hospital.
The doctor said that the untreated wounds on my legs, coupled with the cold, had led to a serious infection. But worse still, I had developed pneumonia from the long hours spent in the freezing wind.
When my fever soared and I started losing consciousness, the nurse said I needed a family member to stay and take care of me. In this city, the only person I could turn to was Amanda.
With trembling hands, I dialed her number once more. The ringing tone now felt like a death knell, ticking down the seconds.
When she finally picked up, I clung to the sound like a drowning man to a lifeline. My voice was weak and pleading, “Amanda, I’m really sick. I feel terrible. Can you come and take care of me for a while?”
There was a brief silence on the other end, then I heard Jayden’s voice. “Amanda, my head hurts. Come rub it for me.”
Her voice turned soft and affectionate. “Okay.”
The next moment, her tone shifted back to the familiar cold indifference she reserved for me. “I’m busy right now. You’ll have to manage on your own.”
“Jayden has one of his migraines again. I can’t leave him.”
“But... I’m really not feeling well,” I murmured desperately.
“Isn’t there a nurse there? Just ask the nurse to help you.”
Her impatient tone stung, mocking my helplessness. Before I could say anything else, the call ended abruptly.
I stared blankly at the phone screen as tears rolled down my cheeks, the salty wetness seeping into the cracks on my lips.
When the nurse came in to change my bandages, she saw my disheveled appearance and she couldn’t help but mutter, “What’s with your family? You’re so sick, and no one’s here to take care of you.”
I gave a bitter smile. All I could think was how I’d misplaced all my love and devotion.
“She’s with someone more important.”
That afternoon, feeling slightly better, I forced myself out of bed to get some air. As I reached the doorway, I froze.
At the end of the corridor, Amanda stood with Jayden. They were leaning close, laughing and talking.
I watched as she gently adjusted his collar, her movements tender in a way I’d never seen before.
At that moment, it felt like the world collapsed around me. Any lingering affection I had for her disintegrated into ash.
I stood hidden around the corner, watching her massage his temples with utmost care.
It was a gesture of love and attention I had never been granted. It shattered any illusions I still harbored about my fiancée.
Suddenly, Jayden glanced in my direction. I quickly turned to leave, but it was too late—I’d been spotted.
“Hey, Yvo! What are you doing here?” Jayden called out, surprising me.
He knew who I was.
“Isn’t that your fiancé?” he said to Amanda, sounding amused.
Amanda followed his gaze, her expression flickering with surprise and doubt.
“What are you doing here?” she asked coldly.
I steadied myself, trying to look composed despite the pain in my legs.
“I…” I stuttered.
“You didn’t follow Jayden and me here, did you? What’s the point of doing something so pathetic?” Her voice was laced with ridicule.
