Chapter 2

I turned and met Jonathan’s gaze.

He ignored my drenched appearance and scowled. “Why did you come here? I told you before that this is my workplace, not some club.”

He spoke to me so sternly. He seemed completely different from the gentleman he was when he spoke to Garcia.

I should feel sad, just like how I always felt when he neglected me.

However, all I felt was a cold numbness this time.

“You said that you were sick, so I came to visit you.”

I had waited for Jonathan for an entire day at the city hall today. But I only managed to get through to his phone when it was time to clock off work.

When he mentioned that he was sick, I threw caution to the wind and ran over.

I was thankful that I did.

Otherwise, who knew how long he would keep toying with me like an idiot?

He was momentarily stunned before he looked away guiltily.

“You got it wrong. I’m not the one who’s sick. It’s G—”

“You’re right. It’s my fault.” I interrupted him.

Indeed, I was wrong. I had been wrong right from the start.

“I won’t be bothering you two now.”

With that, I left.

Jonathan did not run after me because Garcia started crying. “Is Elena mad at me? It’s my fault… Why do I keep getting sick…?”

Jonathan comforted her gently, “It’s not your fault. She’s just being petty.”

I hurried off.

On my way back, Jonathan called me.

I did not want to answer, but he kept calling.

“Yes?”

“You aren’t busy over the next few days, are you?” Jonathan gently asked.

I responded with silence, so he continued, “Garcia just underwent surgery and needs to be hospitalized for three days. Since you have nothing to do, cook for her over the next few days. She’s a young woman who just joined the workforce, and she has no one to take care of her. You’ll be my wife soon, so you should take care of my student, right?”

He showed such great care for Garcia.

Yet, for his sake, I had argued so fiercely with my parents that I cut ties with them. I would often wake up crying because I missed home so much.

I did not know anyone apart from Jonathan in this city.

Even so, he never showed me such great care before.

A person would only show concern to another if they loved them.

To think that I would only understand this after five years…

Jonathan was about to say something else, but I cut in firmly, “Sure.”

He fell silent.

He must not have expected me to agree to it so readily.

After all, he was asking me to cook for another woman he was close to.

Unbeknownst to him, I had already decided to leave his side.

Before I left the hospital, I had both booked an abortion and scheduled a flight home for three days later.

Jonathan once told me that my love was the only thing that could tie me to him, not a marriage certificate.

Since my love could not tie him to me, I did not want him anymore.

After I got home, I showered in cold water.

The heater broke down half a month ago, and we needed to replace one of the parts for it to work again.

According to Jonathan, we did not need to hire someone for it and he would take care of the repair.

However, many days passed, and he kept saying that he had no time. That was to say, he was busy taking care of Garcia, who kept getting into trouble.

I kept waiting, just like I waited for him to fulfill his promise to marry me.

Unfortunately, our love had fallen to bits and pieces, just like this heater.

I endured the discomfort and went online to find a professional plumber.

The moment the heater was fixed, I finally felt at ease.

So, even if Jonathan was not beside me, I could still survive.

Jonathan did not come back that night.

The next day, I cooked for Garcia, just like I had promised.

The next night, Jonathan still did not return.

On the afternoon of the third day, I went to the hospital with a lunch box and saw him waiting for me by the road.

He was smoking while leaning against his car door, and he looked handsome.

I was a little surprised, as I did not expect him to come out so suddenly.

He hurried over to me and took the lunch box before saying, “Thanks.”

He kept delaying our marriage, but he was so eager to pick up lunch for Garcia.

I found it hilarious, and I laughed soundlessly.

At this moment, he actually reached out to tuck my hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry for standing you up again. Why don’t we get married after Garcia’s discharged?”

I was not as happy as before. All I could think about was how to say no.

Just then, his phone rang.

Garcia’s name was on the screen, and it stung my eyes.

He answered it, and in less than two seconds, he turned around anxiously. “Garcia’s feeling sick. I have to check on her. Go back and take care of yourself.”

Just like the previous sixteen times, a call from Garcia was like an order from God Himself, and Jonathan was her most loyal servant.

I watched him leave. After I went back, I started packing.

Since I had assimilated into his life, I did not have a lot of belongings in the house. It did not take long for me to be done.

I looked around and noticed that nothing about the house changed even after I packed up my things.

It was as if my existence was insignificant to Jonathan.

I wanted to rest for a while, but I received a new friend request on Instagram. I knew it was from Garcia.

I accepted it, but I regretted it at the next second.

I knew that Garcia was not going to say anything nice, but I never expected her to be so direct.