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Chapter 7
This was the second time in just a few days that I found myself at the hospital, all alone, to bandage up my wounds.
Surprisingly, my mood had adapted to it.
Back at the apartment, I started packing my personal belongings into my luggage. I burned every single thing that reminded me of this ridiculous love affair.
Photo albums, love letters, birthday gifts–nothing was left.
After cleaning up, I looked at the now spacious room and felt a sudden lightness.
The last thing was to cancel my residency registration.
Once sure no one could find me, I left for a foreign land.
There, I had a new future and a free life.
This time, nothing could make me return.
***
In Ayleen’s hospital room, Kenneth was massaging her arm. Suddenly, he remembered the bloody wound on Everly’s arm.
Thinking of Everly cutting her arm without hesitation, pain filled Kenneth’s heart.
Had he lost control of his emotions?
Why did he care if that bitch Everly was in pain?
It must be because he had seen her too often recently, always feeling disturbed.
But, if no one looked after that bitch, what if she ended up dying?
At this thought, Kenneth’s fingers tightened, making Ayleen yelp, “Kenny, you’re hurting me.”
“Sorry,” Kenneth said, his attention elsewhere. “Ayla, I’ve got to deal with something at the
company. Wait for me, I’ll be right back.”
He left without looking back.
As soon as he closed the door, he heard whispers behind him.
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Ayleen’s mother, Marge, said, “Ayla, Everly is petty. She harbors a grudge because you took her graduate spot. Aren’t we all family? Whether you or she goes to graduate school, it should make no difference, right? Over something so petty, she’s got it in for you everywhere. She’s truly
narrow–minded.”
Chapter 7
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Kenneth froze.
What did that mean?
Wasn’t it because Ayleen passed the graduate exam and Everly didn’t, that she always held a grudge against Ayleen?
Didn’t Everly even push Ayleen down the stairs on the first day, causing her to miss the opening ceremony?
That was what Ayleen’s parents told him.
Kenneth’s mind was confused, and a possible truth was emerging.
Before he could fully grasp it, Greg walked out of the room.
He held the same medical ki 6
as Kenneth.
It was clear who he had come out for.
Kenneth sneered. “Oh, look who it is! Greg, your affection for Everly is so heartwarming. But, you
know, if Everly ever found out that your so–called love is actually for Ayleen…”
Kenneth lowered his voice, “Do you think she’d end up hating you for it?”
Greg’s expression was calm, showing no emotion.
Only he knew that hearing those words sent a chill through him, like being trapped in an icy cave. His heart tightened in agony, making it hard to breathe.
Greg replied firmly, “My relationship with Everly is none of your business,” and then turned to
walk away.
This obviously upset Kenneth.
Kenneth clenched his jaw and said through gritted teeth, “Aren’t you worried I might tell Everly the real reason you asked her to marry you?”
Greg took a deep breath, but he could no longer contain his frustration. He set down the medical kit in his hands, turned around, and punched Kenneth in the face.
This punch, a release of pent–up emotions, was completely unrestrained.
Kenneth tilted his head, wiped the blood from his mouth, and laughed.
Good, he never liked Greg anyway.
Logically speaking, since Ayleen chose him and not Greg, he should simply disregard Greg entirely.
But for some reason, Kenneth deeply resented Greg.
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Especially when he saw Everly look at Greg with tenderness.
After all, he was Everly’s first love. Why should Greg be the one to make her fall in love with him and end up marrying her?
Kenneth flexed his wrist and punched.
Two impeccably dressed business magnates, soon–to–be husbands of the Olson family’s two daughters, fought fiercely in the hospital, unleashing their fury without restraint.
