Lahat ng Kabanata ng When I Finally Chose Myself: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

Jared's voice carried through the door, sometimes clear and sometimes faint. "Does it really matter if there's no spark? We've been together this long. I'm used to her by now."I heard a bitter little laugh. "Carolyn, you're still young. You don't have to spend all your time thinking about me. You're amazing. Plenty of people are going to like you."By the end, his voice had gone slightly hoarse, almost as if he was reluctant to let her go.I didn't stay to hear any more. I pulled out my phone and booked a flight. Then I opened my chat with my department head and sent a reply."I'll take the five-year overseas assignment. Once I get my diploma in three days, I'll leave right away."When I got home, I opened my laptop to look for an apartment overseas.That was when I realized I was logged into Jared's account. Right there on the screen was a booking for a trip for two to Pavrelle the following week.It was the trip we were supposed to take together.Two months earlier, Jared ha

My hand stopped halfway to the glass."So this is why you came? To tell me to back off so Jared and Carolyn can be together?"Melissa frowned, clearly annoyed, and set the glass down hard on the coffee table."Scarlett, you're smart enough to understand this. You're not as considerate or easygoing as Carolyn, and everyone can see it. Jared's been with you for years. Can't you tell whether he's happy?"Think about it. Who would want to spend the rest of their life with someone like you?"I stared at her as if she were a stranger.Just then, Melissa's phone rang.Jared's voice came through, cold as ice. "Put Scarlett on."I took the phone, but before I could say anything, he cut me off. "Scarlett, I already said I'd stay with you. Why can't you leave Carolyn alone?"Someone reported her for academic misconduct this morning, and the evidence came from your email account. You know what that could mean for her! Her graduation could be delayed. She might not even get her degree!"I

Tears still streaked Carolyn's face, but the corner of her mouth stiffened for a split second.Then she started crying even harder, her whole face scrunching up. "I didn't do it! Why would I sabotage myself? Someone must've hacked my account! Jared, you have to believe me!"She lunged toward Jared and tried to grab his hand, but he stepped back. She missed him and nearly fell off the bed.Jared stared at her, and suddenly, he felt like he was looking at a stranger. "So you've been lying to me all along?"At that moment, Jared almost wanted to laugh. He'd given up on me after I'd quietly waited for him all this time, all for someone like Carolyn.By the time Melissa reached the hospital, everything was already in chaos.Carolyn sat on the edge of the bed with her hair a mess, tears and snot smeared across her face. She kept pleading with Jared.He leaned against the window, his face set in anger, and said nothing.The hospital room door was open, and several passing nurses had a

Jared suddenly raised his hand and slapped himself. His cheek turned red instantly."I know anything I say now is too late."His voice broke, and for a moment, he could barely go on."But I really can't live without you. Ever since you left, I haven't been able to sleep. I keep scrolling through photos of you on my phone. I—""While you were lying awake at night, my ankle still hadn't healed."I glanced down at it. The scab had long since fallen off, leaving behind a faint pink mark."That day, I sat alone in an empty living room with blood running down my ankle while you took Carolyn to the hospital. Jared, do you really think I slept that night?"His mouth opened, but no words came out.I looked away and started to close the door, but he stopped me."Scarlett, just give me another chance. Even if it takes a year or two, I'll win you back!""Win back what? There's nothing left."I reached for the door again. "Jared, the person you want back is long gone. You killed her. If