Chapter 2

At this moment, I suddenly recalled many years ago when Eames had also stayed up all night by my hospital bed.

Back then, I had a high fever that wouldn't break. With bloodshot eyes, he gripped my hand and said in a hoarse voice, "Frostine, don't fall asleep, please."

But now, he was sitting by another woman's bedside, gently peeling an apple, making sure to remove every bit of skin.

I thought it was time for me to bow out of this love triangle.

"Thank you for your hard work. Please give me the notification form."

I crossed out the family member section on the death notification form handed to me by the nurse, and signed my own name with tears in my eyes.

Resolute and determined, as if severing all ties to the past with a single stroke.

"Frostine, Sophie said you posted a photo of yourself lying in the hospital on social media to gain sympathy. Is that really necessary?"

Eames's message came through at 4 AM.

"No one's saying they don't care about you, but don't you think there are more pressing matters? Besides, you're not even sick. What's the point of doing this every time?"

"Sophie is being discharged tomorrow. Remember to pack your things so I don't have to come back again."

I stared at the screen for a long time.

Especially at the three letters spelling "Frostine."

When did the way we addressed each other become so unfamiliar?

In the three years I'd been with Eames, even though his family objected, he had always treated me like a princess.So that's why I came to Boston without hesitation, just to be closer to him after graduation.

Our relationship developed quickly, and my outstanding abilities and sweet, sensible nature quickly won the approval of the Harrington family.

At that time, I had no idea he still had a pure love, his first love, that he couldn't have.

It wasn't until the day after we announced our marriage, which was also Eames's birthday, that Sophie unexpectedly returned to the country.

Her return shattered all tranquility.

Not long after, I was also diagnosed with late-stage cancer, though even now, Eames thinks this is just a ploy for attention and affection.

Early the next morning, Eames appeared outside the hospital room, fully armed and holding Sophie.

Her pale little face was buried in his chest, looking at me like a frightened rabbit.

"Frostine, I didn't know you were here too. If I had known you were also hospitalized, I definitely wouldn't have monopolized Eames all this time."

This is the sharp-tongued Sophie, her words instantly causing Eames to frown.

"What do you mean 'monopolized'? If it wasn't for her meddling and hurting you back then, you wouldn't be in agony every time you have your period."Eames turned to me, his tone cold, "Where's your luggage? If it's packed, let's go. Sophie just got a shot and can't be in the wind."

At that moment, my attending physician hurried over, "Sir, Miss Frost can't be discharged now. Her condition is very serious..."

"Enough."

Eames cut him off, a mocking smile playing on his lips, "Aren't you tired of this game yet? I must say, I'm impressed. You even managed to bribe the hospital staff. I really underestimated you."

Sophie weakly tugged at his sleeve, "Eames, don't be so harsh. Frostine might really be unwell."

"Her, unwell? Every time you have a situation, she has to pull this stunt. It's clear she can't stand to see us happy!"

Eames sneered, turning to the doctor, "Go on, tell me. What's the terminal illness this time?"

"It's stomach cancer. Miss Frost's condition is very complicated."

But the doctor couldn't finish before Eames interrupted him harshly, his laughter dripping with sarcasm, "Can't you come up with something more original? Trotting out the same old cancer story? How childish."

I opened my mouth, but found I didn't even have the strength to explain anymore.