Chapter 6

Andrew dropped the cup in his hand, and the hot chocolate milk splashed right onto my wound.

I was shaking from the pain, but Andrew didn't even notice me. His whole focus was on Maisy. He wrapped her in his arms and murmured, "Why are you so jumpy? What are you going to do when you go abroad all by yourself?"

He didn't even look back at me before taking her out, saying only that he was going to get rat poison.

I stared at their backs, all cuddled up together, and snorted quietly.

Since he only cared about Maisy, I would grant his wish. I would be studying abroad on my own.

As the day of my departure got closer, Andrew rarely showed up at home anymore.

He seemed determined to spend every last moment with his sweetheart, even putting off his regular training sessions.

I was honestly enjoying the peace and quiet.

Since I didn't have to see them much, my wounds healed up for the most part.

For some reason, Andrew showed up today and had dinner with me.

He pulled out a jewelry box from his pocket. "I went to the department store today and picked out a gold ring just for you. Rita, I know things have been tough for you lately, but I'm keeping my promises. Now that we're married, I won't shortchange you on anything you deserve."

I just stared at the ring in silence. It looked so familiar.

In the previous timeline, this was the only time Andrew ever bought me jewelry of his own accord.

I was completely fooled by him. Not until I was on my deathbed did I realize he'd gone shopping with Maisy that day when he bought this ring.

He bought out an entire display case of gold jewelry, just trying to make up for not being able to be with her.

Maisy tossed this ring aside because it didn't fit her, and that was the only reason it ended up with me.

"Andrew, do you really take me for a fool? Am I that easy to trick? Is this tiny ring seriously all you could afford?" I shot back.

He instantly sounded annoyed when he heard that.

"Rita, you already have me, body and soul. What more do you want?" Andrew gritted his teeth and added, "From now on, I'm yours, okay? We're supposed to be together for life, so why sweat the small stuff?"

Listening to him, I could only find it ridiculous.

His so-called lifetime meant keeping me quiet with a fake marriage certificate, while spending every single day hung up on Maisy.

His idea of forever was ignoring me, treating me with utter disgust, and seeing me as nothing but his personal maid.

I was done with a life like that. I was also done with a jerk like Andrew.

Just as I shoved the ring away, the whole house suddenly started shaking.

Andrew shouted, "Earthquake! Rita, run!"

Suddenly, I remembered my acceptance letter and ship ticket were still inside. I called out, "I have something really important inside!"

I dashed back to the bedroom, grabbed the metal box, and just as I hugged it to my chest, the beam came crashing down.

A sharp pain shot through me as the beam slammed into my body.

I was wedged under the wreckage, completely stuck.

Andrew was shouting, "Rita!" His voice was getting closer and closer.

I was too weak to call out, so I just banged the metal box against the ground, praying he'd hear me.

"Colonel Patton! The training ground's taken heavy damage. We need backup right now! And Maisy's hurt!" his aide shouted.

Through the gap, I saw Andrew freeze in his tracks.

He hesitated, shot a quick look in my direction, then immediately turned and left with his aide.

What was I even expecting? To Andrew, I didn't matter at all. To Andrew, I didn't matter at all.

Agonizing pain tore through my back, and before I knew it, everything went black.

*****

The sharp smell of disinfectant snapped me awake.

I opened my eyes and realized I was lying in a hospital bed at the clinic.

When Andrew walked into the room, I was lying there, staring at the ceiling with a blank face. No matter what he said to me, I didn't bother to react.

Eventually, he ran out of patience. "I don't get it. What could be so important that you had to go back for it? It's not like I just left you behind. There were a lot of people at the training ground, not just Maisy. I couldn't just ditch everyone else for you."

Andrew was getting all riled up, snatched the metal box from beside me, and started to open it.

"Let's see what's so damn important that you'd risk your life for it," Andrew snapped at me.

I panicked, trying desperately to grab the box back from him.

Seeing me finally react, he popped the box open.

"A marriage certificate?" Andrew's voice was incredulous.

He stared at the fake certificate, his face going through a whole mess of emotions. While he was still stunned, I snatched it back.

Thank god I'd put the marriage certificate right on top.

"You really risked your life just for this?" Andrew stared at me, totally stunned.

Andrew's heart twisted with bitterness, and for a moment, he was completely lost for words.

I watched his face flicker through a mess of emotions, but honestly, I couldn't care less what he thought. I just silently packed everything away.

"You really love me that much? You'd risk your life just to stay with me?" Andrew's voice was shaky with disbelief.