Chapter 2

Just then, my assistant, Quentin Solomon rushed in, dragging a young doctor behind him.

The doctor's eyes were clear in that naive, vaguely clueless way unique to college students. A large "Intern" badge hung conspicuously around his neck.

Kathy stared in disbelief. "An intern? Where's Dr. Langley?"

Quentin looked embarrassed. "Mr. Tanner had the hospital director gather all the senior physicians for Grace's consultation. I tried contacting the others, but they all said they weren't available."

"What?"

Kathy was stunned. "Did you tell him Audrey was seriously injured? That she needs immediate treatment?"

"I did," Quentin said awkwardly. "Mr. Tanner said… Grace took a hard fall. Her health's always been delicate, and he's worried about lasting complications. He wanted the specialists to give her a full workup."

His gaze shifted to me, filled with pity, but I couldn't hide. I felt exposed, cold down to the bone.

Aaron and I had been known as one of the power couples in our circle—respected not only for our love but for our seamless partnership in business.

Everyone believed he treasured me like life itself.

There was even a time I'd been kidnapped, and he'd come alone to trade himself for me. He'd taken the beatings without hesitation, shielding me with his body, bloodied and broken.

No one could understand how that same man, the one who once risked everything for me, could now act as if I didn't even exist.

Worse still, knowing how badly I was hurt, he had rerouted every capable doctor… to Grace.

But I knew why.

Because Aaron had fallen for Grace—just like the novel's plot had written it. In that world, the male lead revolved entirely around the heroine. To him, her needs always came first.

The pain in my chest was sharp, splintering. My breathing turned erratic. My heart rate spiked.

"This is bad," the young doctor said urgently. "She's crashing—we can't wait. We need to operate now!"

They wheeled me into surgery. The sharp scent of antiseptic hit me first, then the searing sting of disinfectant washing over my wound. I couldn't stop myself from groaning—it hurt so badly. Too badly.

The intern stitched as he spoke softly, trying to soothe me. "Hang in there. Almost done. You'll be alright."

The operation lasted ten hours. Critical condition notices were issued again and again.

I, however, was long gone to the world.

When I finally opened my eyes again, I was back in a hospital bed.

Kathy's worried face swam into view. "You're awake. Finally. How do you feel?"

Every inch of me ached. My mouth was dry. Instinctively, I wanted to ask if Aaron had come to see me. But the thought of it made me bite my tongue.

Still, Kathy saw the hesitation in my expression. Her face darkened.

"That bastard stayed by Grace's bedside for a whole day and night. He didn't visit you once. What kind of husband does that?"

She realized she'd gone too far, and her voice faltered. Then she added, "The private rooms here are soundproof. Maybe… maybe he didn't hear Quentin? Maybe he didn't know how bad your condition is? I'll ask him. I'll get the truth."

I shook my head weakly. "There's no need. Whether he comes or not doesn't matter anymore."

Kathy looked at me with tears in her eyes. "But your injury was serious. You hit your head hard. It was bleeding so badly… The doctor said if they'd waited even a little longer, you might've ended up in a coma…"

I lowered my gaze. "I know. I'm lucky."

But I already understood—what happened that day had made everything painfully clear.

Aaron and I were over.

That falling shelf hadn't just cracked my skull. It had jolted me awake.

I'd bled for a love that had long slipped away. Left in ruins, a mess of blood and dust.

Later that afternoon, I leaned quietly against the pillows, eyes closed, pretending to rest.

Two young assistants were whispering just outside.

"I'm so jealous of Ms. Whitman," one of them said. "Mr. Tanner is so handsome and so in love with her.