Chapter 2

"I don't want it. I don't like things that are the same as everyone else's."

Just as Tiernan was about to argue with me, a notification sound suddenly rang out.

He glanced down, his eyes and brows softening with tenderness.

His fingers tapped the screen, replying to something unknown.

But I was certain the message was from Cadence.

When he looked up again, his expression had reverted to impatience.

"Fine, fine, fine. My bad for buying something you don't like without asking."

"Here's a card. Buy whatever you want. Let's just forget about this!"

With that, he tossed a bank card at me and turned to go into the bathroom to freshen up.

When he came out, he had changed clothes and was ready to leave.

I remembered how I couldn't see for a while when I woke up, and recalled what the doctor said last night. I felt a twinge of fear.

I decided to go to the hospital for a scan.

So I asked Tiernan, "Where are you going?"

Tiernan's whole body tensed, eyeing me warily with a hint of anger in his gaze.

I explained nonchalantly, "If it's on your way, drop me off at the hospital. I need to get a brain CT."

Hearing my words, Tiernan hurriedly walked towards me.

"What's wrong?"

I brushed my hair aside, deliberately showing him the lump on my head.He inhaled sharply, revealing a pained expression, and gently blew on the spot.

Then he said softly, "I'll go to the hospital with you."

In an instant, my eyes welled up with tears, full of grievance.

But halfway there, Cadence called.

At first Tiernan didn't answer, but when the phone rang a second time, he couldn't resist.

"What's the matter?"

He asked Cadence in a cold tone, putting on an act in front of me.

The other end of the line was quiet for a moment, then a spoiled, aggrieved voice came through.

"Why are you being so mean! I cut my finger, and it's bleeding a lot."

Tiernan could no longer maintain his cold demeanor, and coaxed her gently: "Stop the bleeding first, I'll be right over."

The sunlight on the windshield was so glaring that I quickly averted my gaze and looked out the window.

Tiernan looked at me, hesitating to speak.

"If you're in a hurry, pull over now."

When we reached the hospital entrance, I got out of the car without saying a word.

Tiernan gave me a surprised look and quickly grabbed my wrist.

"Wait for me at the hospital, I'll be back soon."

"You know, Cadence doesn't have any family here, and her parents have been so good to me. I need to take extra care of her.I scoffed coldly, unable to hold it back.

Tiernan always used this as an excuse. At first, I foolishly believed him.

Now I don't care anymore. I've realized how clumsy Tiernan's previous excuses and acting were.

I remained silent, but Tiernan grew anxious.

He grabbed my shoulders, pleading, "Will you wait for me at the hospital?"

As he finished speaking, the phone on the center console rang again, and he immediately answered it.

The next second, the car sped past me without hesitation, kicking up a cloud of dust.

After the brain CT scan, the doctor looked at my images with a slight frown.

"You have a blood clot in your brain that's pressing on your optic nerve. You could suddenly go blind."

I was stunned.

The doctor continued, "You need to be admitted for observation. Call your family."

I pursed my lips, thought for a moment, and sent a message to Tiernan.

He didn't reply, so I made several more calls.

The phone rang for a while before turning into a cold "user powered off" message.

In the end, Tiernan didn't come, nor did he answer my calls.

Back from the hospital, I collapsed onto the couch.

Five hours had passed since Tiernan said he'd be back soon.

The sudden bad news and the thoughts weighing on my mind left me utterly exhausted.I had just finished my shower and was about to lie down for some rest when Tiernan stormed in, fuming.

"I looked all over the hospital for you and couldn't find you anywhere! And your phone was off when I tried to call!"