Chapter 3

3

So… it was just a free promotional gift.

Uriah's intention was painfully obvious.

Without saying a single word, I ended the call.

Setting my phone down, I began gathering my documents from the drawer.

Felicity appeared behind me out of nowhere.

"Why are you taking out your passport?"

My hand twitched, but I quickly covered it with a calm lie.

"I thought I was traveling with you for business next month. I'm just checking my papers early."

In the past, Felicity made me accompany her on every international trip.

This time, however, she hesitated, looking distinctly uneasy.

"Next month… Uriah is coming with me."

Noticing my cold expression, she quickly added, "Don't worry. I booked a solo vacation for you in Europe so you can relax. We both need some space to cool off."

So that was why she wanted to send me away.

She just didn't want me getting in the way of her romantic getaway with Uriah.

In the past, I would have broken down, screaming and demanding that she prove I was the one she loved most.

This time, I merely nodded quietly and slipped my passport into my bag.

Felicity finally sensed that something was off.

"You always keep our framed photo in your bag. Where is it?"

Our relationship was over.

There was no reason to carry our memories everywhere anymore.

I didn't answer her question and smoothly changed the subject.

"I need to rest. Was there anything else?"

She finally remembered why she had come upstairs.

"Where is my warm honey water?"

Felicity suffered from chronic stomach issues, and her doctor had recommended drinking warm honey water regularly.

For the past five years, I had brewed fresh honey water every single hour, letting it cool to the perfect temperature before pouring it into a glass.

I had made sure she always had a warm cup ready, day and night.

It was exhausting, but I had done it faithfully for five whole years.

I gave a flat excuse. "I just got discharged. I don't feel well."

It wasn't a lie.

I had only rested in the hospital for a day after major surgery, and the emotional exhaustion had taken its toll.

A sharp, throbbing pain flared in my abdomen.

My face went completely pale, and Felicity panicked.

She rushed over and helped me onto the bed.

"Look at you! You can't even take care of your own body, yet you still have the nerve to throw a fit!"

She sighed softly. "Fine. I'll stay and take care of you tonight."

Just then, her phone rang loudly.

I caught a glimpse of the screen.

The caller was saved as "My Precious Uriah."

She answered immediately, and Uriah's dramatic sobs echoed into the room.

"Felicity, I cut my hand, it hurts so bad… can you come over please?"

"I'm so useless, I don't even know how to check in at the hospital by myself…"

Felicity didn't reply right away; instead, she gave me a conflicted look.

I clutched my stomach tightly, cold sweat beading on my forehead.

Forcing the words through gritted teeth, I said, "Just go."

She hesitated for a split second, but her choice was already made.

"I'm sorry, Tristan. Uriah just got back to the country, and I can't leave him alone."

"I'll call our private doctor for you. I'll be back soon."

A few seconds later, the front door slammed shut with a deafening thud.

I curled myself into a tight ball on the mattress, my heart numb.

This wasn't the first time she had abandoned me for Uriah.

I was used to it.

Half an hour later, the family doctor arrived.

Disdain dripped from his eyes, but under Felicity's orders, he reluctantly examined me.

"You've clung to the heiress for five years, yet she hasn't introduced you to high society once. You weren't stupid enough to believe her pillow talk, were you?"

"The Hughes family is drowned in debt. You aren't even worthy of carrying Miss Davenport's shoes!"

"Mr. Croft is her social equal. If you have an ounce of dignity left, pack your trash and get out."