Chapter 2

Fiona approached the bed, reeking of alcohol. The smell made me wrinkle my nose. Didn't she take Gideon to the hospital? Why is she back drunk? Before I could figure it out, she pulled me up forcefully.

"Jude, what's gotten into you today? Why did you say those things in front of everyone?"

"Why argue with a patient? Don't you have any empathy?"

Fiona's face was flushed, acting all wronged. She questioned me as if she hadn’t been in a sleeping bag with Gideon. Being yanked from sleep, I naturally wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. Besides, I was done with her, not planning to have any more ties.

She was always so proud, thinking I was her loyal dog, no matter how she hurt me, I’d stick around. But seeing her kiss Gideon, my blood froze. I dared not imagine what I’d see if I had come later.

Seeing my silence, she angrily pointed at me and shouted.

"You almost gave Gideon a heart attack, and you're playing silent?!"

I looked at Fiona and coldly replied.

"Aren’t I just helping you two out? You even went hiking and slept together."

"Didn't you say if he hadn’t left, you would’ve married him? We divorce, I give him the spot, isn't that good?"

Fiona hesitated, not expecting me to bring up the past.

"What nonsense! Gideon and I grew up together, there’s nothing like that!"

"We slept together as kids, why can't you let it go!"

She angrily threw a gift box at my face.

"Even bought you a gift to make up!"

The box hit my nose, blood dripping, staining the tie that fell out. I looked at the tie and sighed. I’ve received seven or eight identical ties.

Seeing my nosebleed, Fiona panicked, trying to wipe it but I stopped her. Seeing me hurt, she softened her tone.

"Jude, I don’t want to fight. Let’s each take a step back and move on."

"I promise, once Gideon is well, I’ll leave him alone."

This was the first time she lowered herself, at the cost of my injury. Hearing her say she’d leave Gideon, I chuckled.

"Stop giving him those prescription drugs, and he’ll be fine."

Fiona, as a doctor, secretly gave Gideon illegal prescription drugs with strong side effects and addiction. She knew, but she’d do anything for her childhood friend.

I felt utterly drained, unwilling to talk more, packed and headed to work. Before leaving, Fiona quietly pleaded for me to stay. Seeing my resolve, she glared at me.

"Jude, you’re so ungrateful! Don’t come back if you leave!"

I turned away without regret. She still thought showing weakness would mean I’d forgive her endlessly. But that was based on love. Now there’s none, it’s all empty.