Chapter 3

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying in a hospital bed, feeling a surge of panic.

If Natalie were to find out about my condition, everything I had been holding onto would have been in vain.

I tried to get up, but my body felt as heavy as lead.

Just then, I saw Natalie come and sit down in the chair next to the bed, looking at me with a complex expression.

The disgust and contempt were gone from her eyes, replaced by an indescribable complexity.

"You're awake," Natalie said softly, with a hint of concern that was barely noticeable.

I was stunned for a moment, then quickly recovered and managed a smile. "Yeah, I'm awake."

Natalie frowned slightly. "Why did you suddenly faint? The doctor said you have severe hypertension."

My heart tightened, but I quickly composed myself. "Oh, I might just be too tired lately, not getting enough rest."

But Natalie clearly didn't believe me. She stared at me, her eyes full of inquiry. "Lucas, what are you hiding?"

"Was that medical report really fake?"

I panicked a bit but tried to maintain my composure as I explained, "Of course it was fake. What, don't tell me you're having old feelings resurface and want to get back together?"

Just then, Natalie's phone suddenly rang.

She glanced at the caller ID, her brow furrowing slightly, but she still answered the call.

Simon's voice came from the other end of the line, with a hint of tears. "Natalie, where are you? Are you still choosing him?"

Natalie looked at me, hesitation flashing in her eyes, but she quickly soothed Simon in a gentle voice, "No, don't overthink it. I just came to check on him, after all, he was once my husband."

Simon on the other end of the line clearly didn't believe her, his voice becoming more agitated. "Natalie, don't lie to me. Just tell me, do you still love him?"

Hearing this, Natalie was silent for a moment, then said, "Simon, I love you. Only you. Don't overthink it, I'll be back soon."

I closed my eyes tightly, not wanting to hear her profess her love for Simon.

After Natalie hung up the phone, she still didn't leave.

We stared at each other for a long time, neither of us saying anything.

After a while, I was the first to look away. "What do you mean by this? Didn't you say you were leaving? Why are you still sitting here?"

"Lucas, have you ever regretted it in these five years?" Natalie stared at me calmly. "We were together for seven years. If it wasn't for that illness, I never would have believed that you would be the kind of person to abandon me at a critical moment."

Back then, I had given my heart and soul to Natalie, so after our abrupt divorce, she fell into severe depression for a time.

At this moment, my nails dug deep into my flesh, and only the intense pain allowed me to calm my nervous emotions.

"I'll never regret it, Natalie. When love is gone, it's gone. Why are you so insistent on asking me for an answer?"

She slapped me, her long, sharp nails leaving deep red marks on my face.

Then she turned her back to me, tilting her head back to wipe away her tears.