Chapter 2

To ensure I can work properly, Mason always went to the hospital alone.

Back then, I only hated myself for not being capable enough to take care of him completely.

Now, I feel like a clown, a dog without dignity.

From everyone's fawning attitude towards him, it wasn't hard to guess that Mason's identity was either wealthy or noble.

Even though the private room was well-heated, I felt cold all over.

"Hey, why are you standing there like an idiot? Don't you have any common sense?"

"Hurry up and pour Mason a drink, you're such a waste. No wonder you'll be working for others all your life."

One of the rich kids called out impatiently.

I snapped out of my memories and stiffly poured drinks for this group of spoiled brats.

As I passed by Mason, I caught a whiff of his familiar scent, and for a moment, I felt dazed.

My hand trembled, and I accidentally spilled some wine on his suit.

The woman beside him immediately stood up, pointing at my nose and cursing loudly.

"Are you out of your mind? Mason's suit costs more than half your lifetime's salary. Can you afford to pay for it?"

I hurriedly got up, intending to use tissues to wipe the wine stains off him.

But that woman slapped me hard across the face.

She yanked me away from Mason and contemptuously poured the rest of the champagne over my head. "You lying bitch, just look at yourself. Even streetwalkers are more presentable than you. Did you really think those cheap tricks would seduce Mason?"

The crowd erupted in laughter, and I wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

Champagne trickled down my cheeks, smearing my cheap makeup. My face must have looked absolutely horrendous now.

I saw the man in the center of the VIP booth chuckle softly, seemingly amused.

I used to be captivated by Mason's voice.

Especially when he'd hold his second-hand guitar and sing to me on the balcony of our tiny rented apartment.

But now, that familiar laugh pierced my ears painfully.

Just as I was about to quietly retreat with my tray, Mason's icy voice rang out.

"Hold it right there. You think you can offend me and just walk away? As if you could ever make amends."

"Tell you what, drink this bottle of liquor and we'll call it even for tonight."

He pushed an unopened bottle of hard liquor in front of me.

I stood frozen, hesitating to take the drink.

With a trembling voice, I said,

"I'm sorry, I'm allergic to alcohol."

But the deafening electronic music drowned out my words.

Mason furrowed his brow, seemingly unable to hear what I'd said.

The woman who had thrown her drink at me earlier heard me, though. She sneered,

"Allergic to alcohol? Who are you trying to fool? Isn't it just about trying to get Mason's attention?"

Mason waved his hand dismissively, pointing at the overturned fruit platter on the floor.

"Since you can't drink, why don't you get down there and eat those fruits?"

My heart sank.

Before I could react, someone shoved me to the ground.

"Stop messing around and eat!"

A man roughly grabbed my hair.

I struggled to get up, but was firmly held down.

Someone grabbed fruit from the floor and forcefully shoved it into my mouth.

"No... I can't eat mango..."

I mumbled, but no one paid attention to my words.

Cold, sticky fruit pulp covered my cheeks and lips.

Someone gripped my jaw, forcing me to swallow the fruit in my mouth.

I felt my throat start to itch, breathing becoming difficult.

I curled up on the floor, coughing violently, feeling my airways begin to swell.

Panic and despair overwhelmed me as I knew the allergic reaction was rapidly setting in.

Mason looked down at me from above, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if surprised by my reaction.

But he quickly averted his gaze, as if I were just an insignificant interruption.

My dignity, trampled under the feet of the man I loved most.

That bitter emotion in the depths of my heart could no longer be suppressed. I curled up on the ground, finally catching my breath. Fighting the churning in my stomach, I struggled to my feet.

My legs shaking, I prepared to leave, but Mason called me back.

"You did well. Here, take this watch as a reward."

"Sell it and you'll live comfortably for the rest of your life."

I stared at him blankly, searching that familiar face for any trace of the Mason I once knew.

Sadly, I found nothing.

Just as I reached out to take the watch, he chuckled softly.

"You remind me of my girlfriend. You're even allergic to alcohol and mangoes, just like her."

"But she's not as materialistic as you. If it were her, she definitely wouldn't accept it."

Girlfriend?

I laughed bitterly to myself.

How ironic.

I silently withdrew my hand, but Mason tossed the watch into my arms.

"It's filthy. Take it and get out of here."

Just looking at the watch, I could tell it was incredibly valuable.

A luxury item far beyond what someone like me could ever afford.

In that moment, I realized that this single watch was worth more than what I could earn in a lifetime of hard work.

I turned to leave. Before I got far, I heard someone ask:

"Mason, seriously, that girl was willing to sell even the heirloom her mother left her for you."

"Are you really not moved at all?"