جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

When I snapped out of my daze, Jacob was standing in front of me. With a sigh, he explained, "We only get one Labor Day weekend a year, Daphne. I can't ruin everyone's fun."He quickly strode off to join Charlene and the others without even waiting for my response.As their figures gradually disappeared from view, I turned and headed back to the cable car station. Along the way, I found a kind-looking elderly woman who agreed to accompany me, allowing me to take the cable car down the mountain without any trouble.My phone kept buzzing with notifications about Jacob's latest social media updates.The first was a group photo. Standing in front of the wishing wall, Jacob stared at Charlene as she bowed her head to make a wish, his eyes full of affection. Beside them, Riley and Simon looked genuinely happy for the couple.The second photo was a group selfie the four had taken back at the campsite. They had a barbecue going, and exactly four servings of everything had been prepared.

I spent three days in the hospital. In all that time, not a single one of them sent me a message.Riley was the kind of person who posted practically every detail about her life on Instagram.Out of a lingering sense of resentment and indignation, I checked her Instagram religiously. Sure enough, I had a rundown of everything they'd been doing so far.Their itinerary was packed every single day. They visited all the tourist destinations, and each photo had a new background. The only thing that never changed was the way Jacob gazed tenderly at Charlene whenever the four of them took a group photo.Their cheery smiles never left their faces either.My absence hadn't affected them in the slightest. After completing the discharge procedures, I took a cab back to the hotel we'd booked for the trip.I found them in the hotel restaurant. They were about to dig into a hearty feast, with the star of the meal being a massive tureen of spicy seafood boil.When they saw me, their faces we

Sunview Island was a popular tourist destination, known for the scenic views along its coast. Edna told me that this island was considered a must-see at least once in life.As soon as I got off the ferry, I heard Simon's voice. "See, Jacob? What did I tell you? Daphne is perfectly fine now, isn't she? She's even secretly followed us to Sunview Island!"Jacob walked up to me and said, "Daphne, I know you're upset, but Charlene is leaving as soon as this trip is over. I promise I'll cut off all contact with her after that. Just let me spend the last three days reliving the memories of my youth with her."Riley held Charlene's hand and pleaded with me, "Daphne, we've been best friends for over ten years, and I've never asked you for anything. Love is the most precious thing in the world. Can't you find it in your heart to do them this one small kindness?"I stared at the people in front of me. We'd known each other for so many years, but I was only now realizing just how much of a str

When Jacob found Charlene, she was curled up in Simon's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Simon's hands hung stiffly at his side, but his eyes gave him away. They were filled with affection for Charlene.Jacob lost his temper and punched Simon in the face. The two immediately broke into a brawl. As the situation started spiraling out of control, Charlene panicked."Stop fighting! Please, I'm begging you! Stop!" Her tears fell once again, but this time, no one paid her any attention.In the end, Riley, who had rushed over after hearing the commotion, was the one who finally put an end to the farce.Jacob was still demanding answers. "I've always treated you like a brother, Simon, and yet you betrayed me?"Simon's expression shifted, but his voice remained firm. "It's true that I have feelings for Charlene, but I never betrayed you. You're the one who won't give up on Charlene even when you already have Daphne."He finally voiced the resentment he'd been bottling up this whole time. "I

The days continued to pass in peaceful serenity. Life was simple but filled with comforting joy.Then one day, a familiar figure showed up at my office.Jacob gestured toward me and said, "I want her to handle the negotiations."In the conference room, he handed me a contract. "I know you're at an important stage of your career right now. This deal will give you the boost you need to climb upward."The now-visibly skinnier Jacob continued, "I know I hurt you deeply, Daphne, but I'll do everything in my power to make it up to you."I shook my head and pushed the contract away. "Mr. Fowler, I think you may have misunderstood something. I'm at an important stage of my career as a result of my own capabilities. I have what it takes, and I don't need your help. In fact, what you're doing now is an insult to me."I stood up. "This is no different from how you always thought I couldn't live without you—just like how, even before you decided to hurt me, you already assumed I would forgiv