Chapter 2

2.

His next words shattered my delusion into pieces.

"Keep dreaming. I didn't come for you. I was on my way to pick up Janelle's reception dress when I ran into a lunatic like you!"

"Let me make this clear, Hadley. Stop using these pathetic tricks to manipulate my pity."

I stared at his hostile glare and let out a silent, bitter laugh.

I actually thought he chased after me out of genuine concern.

How foolish of me.

I had known for a long time that my brother loved Janelle to the point of utter humiliation. He was her devoted lapdog, even though she chose Beckett.

He willingly accepted watching her marry someone else, running errands for her big day without a single complaint.

What a tragically devoted fool.

I didn't say another word. I simply turned and walked step by step into the freezing river.

Harvey probably thought I was putting on a show, shouting mockingly from the bank. "Walk faster! Why are you moving like a turtle?"

"If you're going to die, do it quickly! Don't hold me up from fetching her dress!"

I picked up my pace, letting the icy water swallow my chest and submerge my head.

The cold liquid rushed into my nose and mouth, cutting off all my air.

Finally, I could leave this world.

Suddenly, a fierce grip yanked me out of the depths.

A loud slap echoed as Harvey struck me across the face again.

"You actually dared to do it!"

"Hadley, where the hell did you get the nerve?"

He dragged my soaking body onto the muddy shore, panting heavily.

"Mom gave you this life! You don't have the right to throw it away!"

Mom was the only person in this world who genuinely loved me.

I couldn't bear to leave her either, but I had no choice now.

Since Harvey ruined this attempt, I made an excuse and headed home first.

He yelled after me from behind. "Is all this because Beckett got married? If you love him so much, you should let him be with the woman he truly loves!"

"That's what real love looks like!"

I didn't love Beckett.

I only approached him because I wanted to survive and go home.