Chapter 5
After what seemed like forever, Cella was weakened by the stabbing pain.||
Opening her eyes, she found herself in a hospital with Maxics worried fare above
“Celia, how the you
Π
I’ve been?:||
know how worried I’ve be
in feel? You’ve been unconscious for two days. Do you li
Looking at his anxious expression, all she could think about was that moment on the street before she lost consciousness. The irony almost made her laugh
evere injuries ||
At the edge of life and death, she wasn’t the one he rushed to save; as she lay lus a pool of blond, he hadn’t even noticed her severe
In his world, she had peeet imtered:||
the actually be worried?|||
so, how could he actually b
She took a shallow breath and hoarsely whispered, “Tim fine, to take care of Brooklyn.“]
Mason was stunned. He assumed that she was upset that he had not saved her and rushed in explain. “Brooklyn’s fine. You were the one who got hurt. I stayed here to look after you.”
1
Im red i just want to rest. Celia simply shook her head and shut her eyes.
a light lunch for her. After that, he
He did not press her farther. Instead, he gently tucked the blanket around her, poured a glass of warm water, and ordered a light li answered a phone call, told her that something urgent had come up at work, and said he would be hack the next day
When the nurse came
ne in for her rounds, the saw that Mason had left everything ready. She smiled and remarked about how lucky Celia was to have such a thoughtful husband.]
he had just of
Celia did not say a single word. She had
opened the container holding soup he had left for her when her phone buzzed. It was a text from Brooklyn.]]
“Oops, sorry! That whole car thing totally freaked me out, so I messaged Mason. He’s having lunch with me now, and later, we’re going to an amusement park so I can blow off some steam. After that, we’ve got a movie lined up. You get some rest at the hospital, okay?“]
Attached was a picture of a beautifully set table from one of the city’s upscale organic restaurants Only Mason’s hands were visible, but Celia could tell that he was sitting across the table, peeling a massive plate of Brooklyn’s favorite shrimp.
Celia stared at the screen for a long time. Eventually, she replied with just two words.
-Have fun.“]
For the following week, Mason dropped by the hospital every single day. Even an, he never stayed longer than ten minutes
Meanwhile, Brooklyn never missed a chance to send her updates. [
He would take her to watch the sunset by the sea, collecting shells to spell out their names on the beach
He would drive her to the countryside, buying flowers and balloons to cheer her up like she was a prineris ||
He would t
I take her to flower fields for hot air balloon rides, taking thousands of photos–every one of them just of her []
Everything he did wasn’t overtly romantic like lovers. However, it was still far too intimate to be called friendship
Something deeper lingered between them, somewhere between friendship and the kind of love cells had never known. After all, in all the time they were together, Mason had never done any of that for her
The contrast between love and obligation could not have been more apparent, and for the first time, Celia felt genuinely glad she had agreed to that ridiculous.
On her final checkup, the doctor handed her the discharge forms and prescriptions. []
“Nothing serious left to worry about just have your husband fill this out and
a out and pick up the n
meds, and you’re good to go. [
Celia took the papers and flatly said.
my husband, We’re divorced.“]
He’s not my h
The next moment, the hospital room door burst open.
Mason walked in, shocked. “Divurred? What divorce>[]
Cella had not expected him to appear so suddenly and was taken aback. It’s nothing. You must heard it wrong.
Seeing her calm expression, Mason didn’t think much of it. “Tve been working on a new project. The schedule has been crazy. There are many late nights and meetings. That’s why I haven’t been around to take care of you.“]
Watching him lie so effortlessly. Cella’s eyes dimmed.
Then don’t bother coming anymore. I can take care of myselir.-
She meant every word, but Mason thought that she was simply upset. He quickly o with you.“]
comforted her, I’m n sorry y. The project’s almost wrapped, so I’ll spend more time
Then he arranged for Ruth to deliver several designer handbags for Celia to choose from.
Looking at these dazzling luxury items, Cella calmly refused.
when she said that she did not like them, Mason immediately called for new options.
“What about other gifts? Jewelry? Clothes? Let’s buy them all–there must be something you like?“||
Yet none of it moved her anymore.
For three years, he gave
gave her the same thing for every birthday, anniversary, or holiday–designer labels and seasonal collections. Her walk–in closet looked more like a showroom than a wardrobe, stacked with similar silhouettes and familiar logos.
Back then, she had thought this was his way of showing he cared, so even without interest, she would happily accept them.]
But today, she finally understood that he did not care enough to learn what she liked. In fact, he only picked what was expensive and easy. She figured he thought purchasing expensive items was a safe bet.
This time, Celia was direct and said. “Don’t bother. I don’t want any of it anymore, and I never will. No need to trouble yourself.“[]
Mason was startled, having never heard her speak this way. A strange sense of pante crept into his chest.
“You’re my wife. It’s natural for me to give you gifts. How could it be a bother?“]]
Then, what if I’m not anymore?
How ironic, Mason, If only you knew that you’ve already signed
dour divorce papers.]]
