Chapter 3
Avery lowered her eyes. “I understand. I crossed a line before. From now on, I’ll remember my place. Congratulations to you both.”
Hearing her response, Jake’s friends began teasing mercilessly.
“What line did you cross, Avery? Was it calling Jake at midnight asking for rides? Or getting drunk and announcing you’d marry no one but him? Or maybe when you went to his family’s house
quizzing the staff about his preferences?”
“Come on, Avery. Your crush has a family now. If you keep chasing him, you’ll only embarrass yourself and your family. Don’t be selfish–you wouldn’t want to ruin the friendship between your brother and Jake over this!”
Each mocking comment felt like salt in Avery’s wounded heart.
She instinctively looked at Jake, who stood just steps away, his expression cold and distant.
For a moment, she felt like he’d become a completely different person from the one who had always
looked out for her.
But thinking more deeply, she realized he had always been this cold toward his other admirers, never giving them any hope.
Perhaps his previous tolerance of her pursuit was merely out of respect for her brother, and he couldn’t bring himself to be harsh.
Now that he was with the woman he loved, he needed to draw a clear boundary.
After all, in his heart, Hannah was more important than anyone else, right?
With that thought, a wave of bitterness washed over Avery. She simply nodded and walked away.
The birthday celebration was in full swing. Nathan, arriving fashionably late, was busy greeting guests and hadn’t noticed his sister’s distress.
Meanwhile, Jake eagerly introduced Hannah as his wife to everyone they met.
He intercepted drinks meant for her, fed her delicate pastries, gently adjusted her dress when it
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Chapter 3
slipped, and massaged her shoulders when she mentioned they ached…
Everyone praised him for being such a devoted husband, telling Hannah how lucky she was to have married him, calling them a match made in heaven.
Avery watched from a distance, a bitter taste in her mouth, forcing herself to look away.
She sat alone in a corner until Hannah approached with a glass of champagne, breaking the silence.
“It’s your brother’s birthday, yet you’re sitting here saying nothing. Are you upset?”
Avery hadn’t expected Hannah to approach her and instinctively moved back a step.
“I’m not upset. I’ve completely let go of my feelings for Jake.”
Hannah paused, her expression becoming complicated.
“But Jake told me you’ve been pursuing him for years, determined to be with him.”
“That was before. Once I learned he’s been in love with you for years, I gave up. I wish
happiness.”
you
both
As Avery stood to leave, Hannah caught her hand.
“You said Jake has loved me for years? Where did you hear that? Did he tell you himself?”
Avery had no desire to continue this conversation. “Everyone says so. Ask him yourself. I don’t
know.”
But Hannah wouldn’t let her go, insisting on getting a clear answer.
As they struggled, the chandelier above them suddenly came loose and plummeted down.
Looking up to see the rapidly falling mass, Avery froze.
Before she could react, Jake, who had just approached, saw what was happening. His face drained of color as he lunged forward–to protect Hannah, pulling her away to safety.
The heavy fixture crashed directly onto Avery, knocking her to the floor.
Blood pooled around her as agonizing pain shot through her body, feeling as though every limb was breaking. She lay trembling in the pool of blood, hearing terrified screams around her.
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As her vision blurred and consciousness faded, the last image she saw was Jake holding Hannah, comforting her in hushed tones.
eyes
Some time later, Avery hazily regained consciousness to find Nathan by her bedside, his red
from crying.
“I’m so sorry, Avery. I failed to protect you. You got hurt so badly because of me.”
Avery shook her head, her voice weak and raspy.
“It’s not your fault, Nathan. It happened so quickly, and you were too far away to help.”
Hearing his sister’s words, Nathan recalled what had happened before the accident, making him feel
even more guilty.
“I was too far, yes, but Jake was right there and he didn’t try to save you. If Hannah hadn’t kept you
talking, you might have avoided the whole thing…”
Avery shook her head, gently reassuring him: “Nathan, when both his love interest and I were in danger, he instinctively saved the person who matters most to him. He did nothing wrong. I was
delusional before, but after this experience, I’ve truly let go.”
“Alright. As long as you can move on, whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.‘
Nathan squeezed her hand, nodding firmly.
Avery managed a faint smile, gradually calming her emotions.
As her condition stabilized, Nathan, who had kept vigil for days without rest, finally went home to
get some sleep.
The hospital room fell quiet again. Avery took out her phone and booked a flight departing in ten
days.
When the airline called to confirm her reservation, she listened carefully, not noticing the footsteps
at the doorway.
“Yes, that’s the earliest flight to London on the 19th, first class.”
“What first class?”
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