Chapter 8

Christian had once been so worried over Tabitha. Yet now, regret overtook his every being.

With the cat feeling heavy in his arms, Christian put the ball of fur down and frantically searched for Tabitha’s medication.

Color only returned to Tabitha’s complexion once she had her inhaler.

Christian carefully helped her to the bed for some rest.

“I’m sorry, Tabitha. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.

“The cat belongs to Kelsey. She freaked out when she couldn’t find her cat, so I got a little worked up earlier.”

Keeping to herself, Tabitha simply stared blankly at Christian.

Christian felt exposed under her piercing gaze.

He excused himself to make a call and stepped out of the room.

Moments later, Tabitha picked up on his muffled voice outside the door.

“Save me the talking. Just get over here and pick your cat up.”

For the days to come, Christian became Tabitha’s shadow, attending to her every need with utmost care.

Her occasional cough would heighten the anxiety within Christian.

He suggested postponing the wedding until Tabitha was all better.

Tabitha was completely against the idea.

“I’m fine. The wedding should go ahead as planned.”

The fact that Tabitha cared so much about the wedding assured Christian.

A couple of days passed, and Kelsey showed up outside their home with a basket of fruit.

“I’m sorry, Tabitha. It’s all my fault for not keeping an eye on the cat. I didn’t mean to trigger your allergy.”

Kelsey seemed apologetic. Her eyes were swollen from crying.

However, Christian didn’t buy her story.

His voice was indifferent.

“Your carelessness nearly cost Tabitha her life, Kelsey.”

Kelsey choked with sobs. “I’m sorry. I never meant for things to turn out the way they had. I—”

“That’s enough. Tabitha’s well-being is where I draw the line. Her safety means more than anything.”

Kelsey’s body language went stiff. She stared at Christian in a daze, the words failing her.

Less than two seconds later, tears rolled down her cheeks.

She shook violently and bolted out in tears.

“You!”

Christian rose to his feet, shocked by Kelsey’s outburst.

Without hesitation, Christian went after Kelsey.

The whole thing unfolded in mere seconds.

The drama was all too familiar to Tabitha.

After much contemplation, Tabitha trailed behind Christian.

Kelsey’s weeping and Christian’s whispers of assurances echoed from the back garden.

Tabitha watched as Christian brushed the tears from Kelsey’s face.

He hooked his arm around Kelsey’s waist and pressed his lips against hers.

…

It took half an hour before Christian entered the room.

Sitting against the headboard, Tabitha scribbled away in her notebook with great concentration.

“What are you writing, Tabitha?”

It might have been his eyes playing tricks, but Christian thought he saw what looked like a travel visa.

“Nothing.”

Tabitha put away her notebook and took her time before looking up at him.

Christian asked with a smile, “Our wedding is the day after tomorrow. Are you nervous?”

Tabitha shook her head. Then, she was struck by a thought. “Let’s have dinner together tomorrow.”

The dinner would mark the end of their relationship.

Christian failed to notice the depth in her eyes.

He agreed to the dinner plans without a second thought.

“Sure thing.”