MAY 1ST, 8:06 PM

As Alicia heard the door open, she lifted her head gently. A faint smile flickered across her lips as she saw Jeff walk in. With a groan, she sat upright and leaned her back against the pillow.

Jeff closed the door behind him, carrying a lunchbox as he approached her.

After Alicia received initial treatment, Jeff had decided she should be admitted for further care under a nurse's supervision. When it got late, he left the hospital briefly to buy her dinner. Since leaving Alicia’s house for the hospital earlier that day, they had not spoken. Now, as Jeff walked into the ward, both were lost in their thoughts, trying to figure out what to say to each other. The room hung in an awkward silence as he approached her bedside.

Trying to distract himself from the discomfort, Jeff let his gaze wander around the VIP ward. The smell of antiseptic and mint hung faintly in the air. Opposite Alicia’s bed, a glass wall offered a stunning view of the city skyline. Beside her bed was a small shelf, and the bed itself looked... Jeff stopped his train of thought as his eyes met Alicia’s. She quickly looked away.

Clearing his throat, Jeff stopped in front of her.

“Are you feeling better?” he asked, placing the lunchbox on the shelf.

Alicia nodded slightly. Noticing that his gaze lingered on her bandaged ankle, she cleared her throat.

“I’m fine,” she said quickly. “Can’t we leave tonight?”

Jeff sighed and sank into the chair beside her bed.

“We could, but I want you to rest,” he replied softly.

“This isn’t the place for rest,” Alicia said flatly. “You know that.”

Jeff nodded. “I know, and I’m sorry. I just want to make sure you’re okay. If I take you home, you’ll push me away, and I won’t be able to look after you. I’d worry. But don’t worry—we’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Alicia heaved a sigh, unsure of how to respond.

“I brought you dinner,” Jeff offered.

“I don’t want it.” She glanced at him, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ve lost my appetite, Jeff.”

“You need to eat…”

“No, Jeff,” she interrupted, shaking her head. “I just... can’t.”

“Is it because of me? Fine! I’m sorry—”

“It’s not you!” she cut him off, her voice trembling. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at him. “I was just wondering... if you hadn’t saved me, would he really have killed me?” A hollow laugh escaped her lips. “It’s just... funny, isn’t it?” She sniffled as tears rolled down her cheeks while Jeff, not knowing what to say, watched her with anger and pain stirring in his chest.

“I gave him everything. Everything! You know that,” she continued, her voice breaking. “Last night at his party...” Alicia took a shaky breath, her gaze dropping to her intertwined fingers. “I saw him with one of his girlfriends—Janet. I... I was furious, consumed with jealousy. She stayed by his side all night while he ignored me. I felt like... like I was the side chick.” She let out a bitter laugh and glanced at Jeff.

“When I confronted him, do you know what he did? He slapped me. Right there, in front of all his guests. He insulted me and shoved me out of the party.” She sniffled, fighting to keep herself from breaking down completely.

“Even after all that, when Alice called him a jerk last night, I defended him. I stomped out of the house in anger.” Alicia shook her head, a grim smile on her face. “He apologised in the middle of the night. I forgave him, Jeff. And this morning, I... I fought you because I was trying to protect him. I was stupid—no, I am stupid—for falling for him. He pretended to be kind and caring at first, but then... he changed. He’s selfish. A narcissist.”

Her breath hitched as fresh tears streamed down her face. She looked up at Jeff, their eyes locking.

“I know you’re angry with me,” she whispered.

Jeff heaved a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair.

“Why?” he asked, his voice trembling. “Why do you love him so much? I’ve been here for you all these years, Alicia. Caring for you. Loving you. And yet, you... you always push me away. You’ve never even given me a chance.” His voice cracked, tears spilling from his eyes. “Not once. Not a single chance!”

Alicia lowered her gaze to her fingers. “You think I don’t love you?” she said bitterly. She scoffed and chuckled hollowly. “You’re a fool, Jeff. A fool!”

Jeff sneered. “Love? Love? I can’t even remember the last time you showed me that.”