Chapter 3

The car's engine roared to life, and it sped toward the edge of the cliff.

Alex truly meant to stake his life for me.

Rain and tears blurred my vision, but out of nowhere, I found a surge of strength and broke free from the man restraining me.

I hurled myself off the cliff before Alex could take the plunge.

The car's brakes screeched, and the last thing I heard was Alex's desperate, soul-shattering cry.

I was in a coma, and Alex never left my side for two whole years.

Yet two years later, another woman was carrying his child.

Alex was willing to give up everything for me, even his own life.

But he couldn't bear spending year after year by my side, living in a lifeless, emotionless silence that never changed.

*****

It was half a month after I got home that I finally regained my consciousness.

Grandma's old, helpless voice drifted into my ears. "If Charlotte can't wake up, let me take her back to our hometown."

I was used to seeing nothing, but I still instinctively tried to open my eyes, wanting to see Grandma's face.

It had been so long since I last saw her.

To my surprise, I actually managed to open my eyes a sliver.

In the blur, I saw Grandma's face right in front of me.

She looked so much older now, her face etched with deep wrinkles.

But her eyes, even though they were clouded, still held that same gentle warmth as before.

I squinted hard to look at her, my eyes stinging with emotion.

But Grandma's vision wasn't what it used to be. Although she was right in front of me, she still didn't realize I was awake.

With her frail hands, she carefully brushed my hair.

Her voice was hoarse and trembling. "My precious Charlotte, come home with Grandma.

"Alex is still young. He has already stayed by your side for two years, and that's not easy. We shouldn't keep weighing him down."

Alex stood behind Grandma.

When he heard that, he frowned, guilt and anxiety flashed across his face.

"Grace, what are you talking about? Charlotte is my wife. She's not a burden, not at all," he said. "I simply wanted her to hear your voice. Maybe it'll help her come around."

The doctor had already said that I wouldn't wake up. Alex probably knew he was grasping at straws. His voice faltered at the end.

Emily stood right next to him, taking advantage of Grandma's poor eyesight to quietly take Alex's hand that was hanging by his side.

Before, I could vaguely hear their voices. They lied to Grandma, telling her that Emily was my family doctor, and that she was staying here to help me get better.

Grandma let out a soft sigh. "I know how much you care about Charlotte.

"But you've still got so many years ahead of you. Maybe it's time to find a nice girl who can look after you."

Alex looked like he had something to say, but Emily clutched his hand tightly.

She guided his hand to her abdomen and called his name in a soft but urgent voice, "Alex."

Alex finally gave in and played along. "I'll send a doctor with you. I'll come visit Charlotte often."

Grandma got up from my bedside and turned to nod. "Alright. Alex, these past two years must have been hard on you."

As Grandma turned around, Alex quickly pulled his hand away from Emily's, panic flashing in his eyes.

His gaze darted everywhere, from the trees outside the window, to the flowers on the windowsill, to the trinkets on the coffee table.

But he couldn't bring himself to look at Grandma, or at me.

Therefore, he never realized I was already awake, my eyes open.

He stammered, "N-no, it's not hard. I-I owe her."

His voice trembled on the word "owe," and it felt like a cruel joke.

Emily was getting impatient. "Ma'am, how about I get a car so you and Charlotte can go home together?"

Grandma, hunched over, nodded after hearing that.

However, Alex's eyes suddenly grew red. He said in a trembling voice, "M-maybe we should wait a few days.

"We have to move all the medical equipment, and Charlotte just got out of the hospital. All this back and forth might be too much for her to handle."

Emily pouted, feeling a bit wronged.

Grandma's voice was hoarse. "Alright, Alex. We'll do whatever you think is best. I'll head back to our hometown and tidy up a bit, then wait for Charlotte to come over."

Alex nodded and told the driver to take Grandma home.

He and Emily walked Grandma downstairs together.