Chapter 2

Early in the morning, the sound of the door opening woke me up. Andrew was back.

His handsome face was tinged with guilt. I shot him a glare and shut my eyes again.

Andrew hesitated, his words stumbling out, "I know you're mad, and I can explain. Emelia's parents have been putting a ton of pressure on her these past couple of days, and she's been acting like it's the end of the world.

"I was worried she might do something crazy, so I stayed with her. That's why I didn't contact you. But she's better now, so I came home right away. Olivia, we're getting married soon. Don't let something this trivial get between us, okay?"

With my back to him, I answered calmly, "Okay."

Andrew thought I'd given in, his face lighting up with joy. He tried to climb into bed and kiss me.

But I shoved him away before I even knew what I was doing. My body moved faster than my mind. I started dry heaving, tears streaming down my face.

I guessed I really didn't love him anymore. Otherwise, why would I recoil from him like this?'

Andrew froze for a second, but then he looked worried. "Did you eat something bad? Are you feeling sick? Let me take you to the hospital."

I pushed his hand away. "I've just been pulling too many all-nighters. I'll be fine after some rest."

Last night, I saw a post on Emelia's social media about Andrew's IVF sperm retrieval appointment.

I knew he'd been caught up with the whole IVF thing these past couple of days, and I knew he was just making up excuses.

It didn't matter. I'd been running myself ragged these past couple of days, too.

I returned all the wedding stuff I'd personally picked out, and canceled the hotel, the dress, everything.

With a single tap, I deleted every photo, video, and chat history I'd saved on my phone over the years.

My photo album was empty, my chat screen with him was empty, and just like that, I was empty inside, too.

That girl who once came to Annter all alone for him, dreaming of a future together, had vanished forever.

But Andrew didn't notice a thing. He just let out a relieved sigh and gently patted my head. "I'll go grab you some breakfast. Just get some rest."

When he came back, he was carrying a cake and a bouquet of lilies tucked under his arm.

He handed me the flowers, his face lit up with a big smile. "Your favorite cake, and some beautiful lilies, all for the woman I love most."

"I've already eaten. I'm not hungry," I replied, my eyes lingering on the lilies. "We've been together for so long. How could you not know I'm allergic to lilies?"

If I remembered right, lilies were Emelia's favorite flower.

The air froze for a moment.

Andrew stiffened and then quickly tossed the lilies out the door. "I just thought they looked beautiful when I bought them. It completely slipped my mind that you're allergic. Would you like me to get you some roses instead after work tomorrow?"

Tomorrow, once my resignation went through, I would be out the door with my suitcase.

Plus, James's flight got delayed for hours, but he would be landing in Juanarby this afternoon. Tomorrow, we would discuss marriage.

Andrew should just save those flowers for Emelia.

I didn't say a word. I just started packing my clothes, ironing each one carefully before folding it into my suitcase.

Andrew set the cake down. "I've been having some work issues lately. Can we push back our wedding a few days? Olivia, I know you won't make things difficult for me."

No matter what kind of argument or disagreement we had, I always ended up backing down. I never put Andrew in a tough spot because I loved him.

Even when it came to our wedding, if anything went wrong, at most I'd call him out for putting work ahead of my feelings, then, without another word, I'd just iron his suit and watch him walk out the door.

But now, everything was different.

Andrew had braced himself for a fight, but when I didn't say a thing, he looked a little thrown off and came over. He frowned. "Why are you only ironing your own stuff? What am I supposed to wear when I head out?"

I replied calmly, "There's another iron. You can use it."

He bit his lip. "It's just some flowers, no need to get worked up. If you don't want to iron my clothes, whatever. Just come with me to the hospital to see Emelia later, alright?

"A bunch of our old friends will be there, and if you don't show up, she might feel awkward."

I paused for a moment. "Sure."

To be honest, I was actually curious to see just how pitiful Emelia had become, to make my ex-boyfriend bend over backwards for her.

So, I went to the hospital with him.

As soon as we reached the hospital room, Emelia rushed into Andrew's arms, stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Andrew, you finally came back. I missed you like crazy," Emelia blurted out.

Andrew stiffened and quickly pushed her away. "Emelia, Olivia's here to see you, too."

Emelia finally noticed me standing next to him, looking guilty as she apologized, "It's just how we say hi as friends. We've done it since we were kids. Olivia, you're not mad, right?

"Andrew and I go way back, just childhood friends, nothing more. And honestly, if anything ever did happen between us, you wouldn't stand a chance anyway. So really, you don't need to worry."

Her words sounded all sweet and pitiful, but the look she gave me was a full-on challenge.

The friends around us picked up on the tension and went quiet.

I just smiled, not bothered by their little drama, but I couldn't help firing back with some sarcasm. "He told me you got in a car accident and were acting all dramatic, like you might do something crazy.

"I figured you must be seriously hurt, needing him to watch over you 24/7. But look at you now, bouncing around like nothing ever happened, full of energy."

Andrew frowned. "Olivia, she's a patient. Don't be so cutting."

Emelia latched onto my arm. "I really did hurt my head, and I've got scrapes all over. They're probably going to scar. I was just so happy to see you both today. That's why I..."

She pinched my hand as she was explaining, and I shook her off, not holding back at all.

Emelia cried out, falling hard to the floor.