Chapter 3

3.

When I woke up, the white ceiling of a hospital room filled my vision.

Seeing me open my eyes, my sister, Gia, rushed forward and took my hand, scolding me with teary eyes for keeping all my suffering to myself.

Just then, Nadia's parents walked in.

Nadia's mother hurried over, held my other hand, and wept softly.

“My poor Gavin, look what you've been through.”

Her father was equally furious, cursing his irresponsible daughter.

Gia had zero goodwill left for the Mercer family and gave them a cold shoulder.

I asked Gia to step out and check with the doctor about my recovery plan.

Only Nadia's parents and I remained in the room.

I gently slipped my hand out of her mother's grasp.

I didn't dare meet her eyes. She had been my late mother's best friend.

Ever since my parents passed away, she had treated Gia and me like her own children.

Arranging the marriage between Nadia and me had been her way of bringing our families even closer, but we simply weren't meant to be.

“Mom, Dad, I'm sorry. I've decided to divorce Nadia.”

Her mother let out a long sigh, her eyes red, and exchanged a look with her husband.

Their response caught me completely off guard. “Gavin, we support your divorce.”

“I know you well, sweetheart. Nadia must have broken your heart beyond repair.”

“She brought all of this upon herself after everything she did!”

A wave of warmth washed over me. “Thank you for understanding, Mom, Dad.”

Suddenly, the door was kicked open with a loud bang.

Nadia stormed inside, seething with rage. “Gavin, your petty jealousy has gone too far!”

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