Chapter 2: Greg and his lover at the hospital

Sylvia*

“No, thank you. I can help myself,” I protested, clinging to whatever dignity I had left.

“Stay quiet. You’re hurt. You’re not in any position to worry right now.”

His deep voice slid through me like a sudden electric current. I bit my lip and lowered my gaze to his neck, refusing to let him see the reaction he stirred. But he noticed anyway—because he chuckled softly before carefully lowering me into the car.

“Where are we going?” I asked, even though I already knew.

Anything—anything—to break the awkward silence.

“To get you treated, my lady.”

“Did you just call me your lady?” I asked, blinking.

“Yes. You heard right.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re a lady.”

I scoffed. “Are you shooting a drama or what?”

“For someone in pain, you sure have a lot of talking strength,” he smirked.

“Oh—my bad. Sorry. I’m just… you know… um.”

“Uncomfortable?”

“Something like that.”

At the hospital, he lifted me again and carried me inside as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Get the nurse,” he said to the man following us.

“Yes, sir.”

“Is that your brother?” I asked.

“No. My P.A.”

“Oh. Wow… you must be someone important.”

“Well—whatever.”

“Why did you help me?”

“Because you’re beautiful.”

“What?!” I yelped.

He only smiled.

The nurse arrived, treated my elbow, and asked me to rest.

“I’ll be back to check on you,” he said calmly. “I have something to attend to. Don’t worry about the bill—it’s been settled.”

Before I could process his words or even thank him, he was gone.

I exhaled slowly, my chest tightening as everything sank in.

Greg chose his ex-lover over me—after five years of marriage.

All I ever did was love him, and all I got in return was humiliation. I was foolish to believe he would ever love me the way I loved him. There was nothing left to hold on to now. Divorce was the only way forward. Let him love her freely.

Then a familiar voice jolted me.

Greg.

I was sure of it—but where was it coming from?

Wait… did he bring Arias to this same hospital?

Great. Just great. Now it would look like I was stalking them.

Thankfully, my room door was closed. If I stayed put, no one would notice me. But life has a cruel sense of timing—because why did I suddenly feel the urgent need to pee?

I stepped out, and the sight from the next room pierced straight through my chest.

Arias lay comfortably against Greg’s body, surrounded by our high school mates.

My legs carried me closer before I could stop myself. I pressed my ear gently against the wall.

“Greg, love,” Arias pouted, “when are you coming back to me? Sylvia keeps hurting me, and you don’t even seem to care.”

“Don’t worry,” he replied softly. “It won’t take long. I can even marry you if you want.”

“And Sylvia?” she asked.

“She’s just there,” he said dismissively. “She can’t do anything about who I love or choose.”

My heart clenched painfully. I stepped back—but my hand slipped. The door knob turned, and the door creaked open.

“Sylvia? What are you doing here?” Arias gasped, her eyes glittering with mock triumph. “Don’t tell me you followed us to the hospital.”

I steadied myself, forcing my voice to behave.

“I—I just needed to ease myself. I was admitted to the next room.”

“Admitted?” she laughed cruelly. “Who paid for that? How could you even afford this hospital? Quit acting, Sylvia. You’re not even wearing a hospital gown.”

That was when it hit me—I hadn’t changed.

“What are you doing here?” Greg asked coldly.

“Greg, I—uh…” My voice failed me.“Go home and wait for me,” he ordered. “Leave here.”

“And why should I?” I asked.

He froze. He wasn’t used to this version of me. I’d always obeyed—always stayed quiet.

“I told you, I was admitted too,” I said. “And frankly, I don’t care what you do with your mistress. Just let me be.”

His hand struck my face.

“Greg—wha—”

“How dare you call Arias a mistress!” he snapped.

“

Did you think I would’ve even noticed you if Arias was around? You forced yourself on me, and now you dare insult her?”

Murmurs followed us as people walked past.

“Must we do this here?” I asked weakly.

“Whatever,” he scoffed. “Now go home like the good lady you are and wait for your husband.”

“Husband?” I said quietly. “I don’t have one anymore.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Whatever you make of it,” I hissed and turned away.

“Sylvia!” he shouted, grabbing my hand.

“Let me go!” I screamed.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Let her go!”

A commanding voice rang out as someone twisted Greg’s wrist.

“Aaah!” Greg screamed.