Chapter 6

I pulled myself out of my lingering thoughts.

Back in the hospital room, I continued looking after my dad.

Thankfully, his condition was getting better. He could finally have some liquid food, and honestly, he was pretty much out of the woods.

As I started to calm down, I remembered how I'd impulsively suggested an arranged marriage with the Reed family.

The Reed family was seriously high-profile. Marrying into their family would be way out of my league.

But Evan and I, honestly, there was never anything between us.

If his family forced him to marry me, he'd end up hating me forever.

It'd be really unfair to mess up his life just because of my drama with Thomas.

After thinking it over, I figured the best thing was to meet him in person, have a real conversation, and see where he really stands.

On the afternoon of the third day, after making sure my dad was stable, I decided to pay another visit to the Reed family.

But the Reed family moved fast. They showed up at the hospital to let me know.

They told me Evan had already gotten his leave approved from the base, and once everything was sorted out, he'd be able to come home in a week.

The border was at war with the neighboring country, and they were desperate for every available soldier, so getting time off was no easy feat.

I didn't know if Evan was coming back because he wanted to, or if he was just being forced by his family.

So I just asked for Evan's address down south, booked a train ticket for the next day, and decided to go see him myself.

The caregiver would look after my dad, and I also asked the Reed family to help keep an eye on him too.

Evan's mother, Casey Reed, tried time and again to stop me, yet she could not persuade me to change my mind. Still unable to set her heart at ease, she insisted on accompanying me.

I went to the station, got my ticket, and made my way back to the hospital alone.

As soon as I stepped into the hospital, Thomas was already there, stopping me in my tracks.

He kept showing up these past few days, trying to see me again and again.

I didn't want anything to do with him anymore, and I wouldn't even let him set foot in my dad's hospital room.

Thomas glanced at the ticket in my hand, looking genuinely surprised.

"Nina, are you heading out of town?" he asked.

I could not understand his intentions. He was practically engaged to someone else, yet he kept coming back to me over and over again, putting on a pretense of deep affection. What on earth was he trying to do?

Or maybe he actually believed I'd stoop so low as to be his mistress.

I slipped the ticket into my pocket and said flatly, "It's none of your business."

Thomas' voice softened. "I know you're mad at me.

"But my grandma's getting on in years, and Grace had been raised under her care since childhood.

"It's just that some things aren't so simple."

I was totally fed up and just cut him off, my voice icy.

"This has nothing to do with me anymore. Save it," I said.

People were coming and going all around us.

Suddenly, Thomas reached out and grabbed my arm, not caring who saw us.

We'd been together for five years, but our relationship had never seen the light of day.

This was the first time he'd ever held my hand in front of other people.

But between us, it was truly over now.

I didn't try to pull away, just furrowed my brows and gave him a sharp look. "Let go."

People walking by glanced over, curious about what was going on.

Thomas looked a bit lost, like he didn't know what to do. "It's just a bracelet. Is it really that big of a deal to you?" he asked.

I scoffed, "Just a bracelet? That's all it means to you?"

Thomas grabbed my hand, refusing to let go.

He looked like he was anxiously trying to explain something.

Then, out of nowhere, an old lady came rushing over.

Before I could react, she slapped me hard across the face.

Then, her voice burst out, shaking with rage. "I knew it! Thomas is already in his thirties and still not married. It's all because of you, you little temptress!"