Chapter 3

When I woke up again, I found myself in the hospital.

The doctor frowned as he cautioned:

"Your heart is weak. How could you go skiing? It's such a risky activity. Luckily you were brought in on time. You only have a mild concussion and a few fractures. If it had been any later and your heart was affected, even a miracle worker couldn't have saved you!"

I thanked him profusely, clinging to my last shred of hope as I asked the doctor who had brought me in.

"Of course it was the ski resort staff."

My hope shattered. I called Asher.

When the call connected, besides the howling wind, I could hear Vivienne's voice.

"Asher, I've learned how to do the falling leaf!"

Asher's voice was indulgent:

"Good girl. I'll come check your progress later. If you little fool don't do well, don't blame me for being hard on you!"

Then, as if just noticing me, he pulled himself away from the flirtatious banter and asked carelessly:

"What's up? I'm with a student. If it's nothing urgent, I'll hang up."

I gave a bitter laugh:

"Asher, I'm in the hospital."

There was a long hesitation over the phone before he continued:

"Send me the location. I'll come see you after I finish with my student."

...Asher arrived at the hospital late in the evening, looking haggard and worn. As soon as he entered the room, he rushed to my side, anxiously asking:

"What happened, Aria? How could you be so careless?"

The strong scent of women's perfume clung to him. I covered my nose and pointed to the cast on my leg and the bandage on my head, then asked:

"Are you familiar with this kind of injury?"

His expression shifted constantly. Clearly, as a ski instructor, he knew all too well that these injuries could only be caused by skiing.

"You went skiing? Which resort did you go to?"

He probed cautiously.

I stared at him intently, the answer unspoken but clear.

Like a cat with its fur standing on end, Asher suddenly leapt up, pointing at my nose and demanding:

"Aria, you followed me!"

His face, now contorted beyond recognition, overlapped with the memory of his youthful features. My heart filled with an indescribable bitterness.

"Asher, you said you'd give me a home. Now you're kissing someone else in public. Why? Why have you changed so much from when we were young? Is it because she's rich, young, and beautiful?"

Asher became irritated, his voice shrill:

"The kiss was an accident! Can't you stop bringing up the past? People change!"

"Yes! She's richer than you, younger than you, and prettier than you! Most importantly, I love freedom and excitement. She can accompany me on any adventurous and thrilling activities. What about you?"

"Your heart isn't in good condition. I have to think twice before even speaking loudly to you, let alone accompanying me on adventures around the world. Aria, you're great, but you don't have a vibrant spirit!"

"A fine fowl perches only on a fine tree. If you were me, you'd make the same choice."

"But..." I wiped my tears, "But, back then, between you and Garrison, I still chose you without hesitation..."

Mentioning the past, Asher's attitude noticeably softened. He sat back down on the edge of the bed, head lowered, holding my hand, his tone dejected.

"Aria, Vivienne and I are impossible. The gap between us is too wide. Her family would never accept me. I just admire her, but my feelings for you have never changed. I just wanted..."

"I just wanted to make the most of things now, so I'd have the means and confidence to be with you later. Can you wait for me a little longer?"

Looking at his face, I could no longer suppress my disgust. I started to retch from physical nausea.

How could anyone justify having their cake and eating it too so brazenly?

My reaction provoked him. He left angrily, dropping only one sentence:

"I'm going on a business trip next week."