Chapter 8
“Yes, I like you… very much…”
“My phone is full of your photos, my notes filled with all your likes and dislikes. Every time you texted me first, I couldn’t sleep all night. I’ve written you dozens of emails I never sent. I could show
them to you sometime… if you want.”
In the eight years she’d known Jake, Avery had never seen him reveal such innocent, lovesick
emotions.
As she silently listened to his drunken confessions, she recalled her own past confessions to him.
He would stare at her steadily, his eyes clear, showing not the slightest emotional response.
Back then, she thought if she just persisted, one day she’d be able to warm his heart.
But now she understood–even if she waited another eight years, eighteen years, or twenty–eight
years, her wish would never come true.
How could she possibly move the heart of a man who loved another woman?
Avery didn’t linger. She returned to the private room alone.
Nathan, knowing she wasn’t comfortable in such settings, said goodbye to everyone and left with her.
As the siblings went downstairs and were about to call a taxi, they noticed a commotion ahead.
Hannah and Jake were surrounded by several drunk men, with both sides arguing heatedly.
Something triggered Jake’s anger, and he grabbed a bottle from the table and smashed it against one
man’s head.
The group was instantly enraged, swarming to attack him.
In seconds, the entire hall descended into chaos–curses, screams, bottles and chairs flying everywhere.
Seeing the mayhem, Nathan’s face darkened. He took off his jacket and joined the fight, calling back to Avery:
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Chapter 8
“Go upstairs and get help.”
Heart racing, Avery hurried back to find assistance.
When she returned with a group of people, she saw a bloodied drunk man grabbing several bottles,
preparing to throw them at Hannah, who was huddled in a corner, crying hysterically.
Avery’s heart leapt to her throat, and as her eyes widened in horror, she watched Jake rush forward
without hesitation.
He threw himself over Hannah, using his body to shield her from all the attacks.
Blood sprayed like a fountain, soaking his white shirt red..
Witnessing this, Avery froze, her breathing stopped.
Watching him stand before Hannah, covered in wounds yet refusing to retreat a single step, her heart trembled violently.
Only in this moment did she finally believe that Jake’s love for Hannah had truly reached the point
where he was willing to sacrifice his life for her.
She remained in a daze for a long time. When she came to, she found herself in a hospital.
The surgery light had just turned off, and the doctor emerged wiping sweat, his voice filled with relief.
“The surgery was successful. By the way, is Hannah the patient’s wife? He kept mumbling that name while unconscious. We suggest she stay with him in the ICU, talk to him to help maintain his attention–it might help him wake up faster.”
Hearing this, the group of friends all urged Hannah to go to the room immediately.
After watching her leave, Avery tugged at Nathan’s sleeve.
“Let’s go home, brother.”
Nathan paused for a few seconds, then nodded and left with her.
Back home, Avery took out her suitcase and began packing her belongings.
Watching her busy herself, Nathan felt uneasy and stayed nearby, helping while observing her
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Chapter 8
condition.
Avery understood his concerns and maintained a calm expression.
“Stop watching me so closely, I’m fine. I’m leaving in a couple of days, and we won’t see each other
for a long time. I’ll miss you–make sure you visit me often, okay?”
Nathan’s heart ached. As always, he gently rubbed her face.
“Of course. Whenever I have time, I’ll come see you–and check how you’re getting along with my
bro too!”
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