Chapter 6
In it, I was piecing together this massive puzzle that formed Elwood's portrait, but the piece for the heart was missing, and no matter how much I hunted, it was gone.
That realization pierced my own heart, and slowly, I opened my eyes.
The world was a hazy sea of white. The face leaning in was eerily flawless—like an angel bending down to kiss a sinner's forehead.
"You're awake?"
"Bru... Bruce?" I stammered, startled as it sank in that I was really up.
If that puzzle piece was lost, oh well—forget it.
Aside from Bruce, the room had a few doctors in white coats, their receding hairlines screaming top-tier expertise.
"From now on, checks every half hour. Make absolutely sure there are no long-term issues."
At that, I quickly thanked him, assuring him I felt fine and it wasn't necessary to go to all this trouble.
He waved it off, telling his bodyguards to grab some food, then bustled around for what felt like forever before finally leaving.
A young nurse suddenly blocked his path, handing over a form for him to sign.
"What's your relationship to the patient?"
Bruce paused with the pen in hand for a second, then said softly, "I'm her guardian."
The nurse looked stunned, glancing back and forth between us before flashing a confused smile.
From my bed, I watched him walk away, took a deep breath, and asked, "Have I already had the surgery? Who's been taking care of me these past few days?"
"Mr. Matthews, obviously."
"Which Mr. Matthews?"
They both had the same last name—I needed to clarify.
"The one who just left," the nurse said, exasperated. "He lost it when he heard about the accident—pulled together every specialist in Urgbert city in under half an hour. Hasn't slept in more than 24 hours."
"Thanks."
Yeah, Bruce scared me a little, but I tucked away this favor in my mind.
I'd repay it someday, for sure.
The following days were low-key—just resting up in the hospital until the night before the wedding.
Elwood popped in a few times, still with that half-dead attitude.
Patrica, on the other hand, was super active, spamming me with messages every day.
Nothing but photos and videos.
I didn't open a single one, but I saved them all anyway.
The day before the wedding, I got discharged.
It was rehearsal day, and the Crown Hotel was buzzing with preparations. A massive poster of me and Elwood hung over the terrace—tomorrow, that was where I'd make my jump.
We were scheduled for 2 p.m., but I arrived early on purpose, found the manager, and handed him a USB drive.
"How about switching out tomorrow's 'sweet moments' video with this one? I want to surprise him."
As the bride-to-be, he didn't question it—just smiled and swore he'd keep it secret.
With that, everything was set.
I wandered around the hotel; the setup was gorgeous, from the flowers to the decorations, perfectly capturing the dream wedding Elwood and I had once planned together.
Being surrounded by it all, I felt a bit dazed.
I'd been so thrilled back then, daydreaming about our married life—never imagining that in just a few months, our ten-year relationship would fall apart completely.
While I was spacing out, the hall doors suddenly swung open.
Elwood walked in, suited up in custom tailoring, holding hands with Patrica.
I quickly hid behind a pillar.
What the heck? Why were they here early too?
"You naughty boy, why bring me here?" Patrica pouted, her jealousy flaring at the magical scene.
Elwood grinned smugly. "This is where Justine and I tie the knot tomorrow. Then I can pretend the setting triggers my memories, 'recall' everything naturally, and ease right back into life with her.
"Right now, you're standing in for her—let's rehearse it once to work out any glitches."
He guided Patrica to center stage, and they dove right into the performance.
I was only a few yards away; a quick side glance let me catch their heartfelt acting. I had to admit, these two drama queens had real talent.
Especially Elwood's dramatic kneel-down confession, repenting for his "amnesia." If I didn't know better, I might've fallen for it completely.
Then Patrica—playing me—forgave him graciously.
"If you ever get restless later on, you can always call me," she cooed.
"There won't be a later."
Elwood's voice turned cold as he tilted her chin up. "I told you—tomorrow ends it all. After that, I'm committed to Justine for good. Drop the schemes; tonight's your last, then you're gone."
Is that so?
I retorted silently in my mind.
You've had your fun and now you want to come crawling back? You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Don't let me down with your reaction tomorrow.
Elwood, goodbye forever.