Chapter 419
Hearing that, Bryant seemed to freeze for a moment, a mix of shock and disappointment crossing his face.
After a brief silence, he looked at me unexpectedly. “Not even a lie?”
“You were never much of a liar,” I replied with a smile, feeling at ease.
In the past, I had heard too much. He always was someone who disdained lying.
“She ran away from home, I have to find her.”
“She got a divorce, I’m worried she might do something rash.”
“She got into a car accident while speeding, I can’t rest easy if I don’t go see
her.”
And later on, he didn’t even bother with excuses, it was just: “I’m going to see
her.”
It was always about his sister. He couldn’t just ignore her.
It seemed that having this connection meant that if I showed even a slight concern, I was being petty. To object was unthinkable, almost akin to committing a crime.
Quite ironic. This was the boomerang effect everyone talked about online.
Bryant probably never thought this day would come. His grip on his cutlery loosened, and with a clatter, it fell onto the porcelain plate, the sound crisp and out of place in the quiet, music–filled restaurant.
He rarely lost his composure, his voice hoarse, “Do you really have to go?”
As I stood up, grabbing my purse, I half–jokingly said, “This is just unfair. I never stopped you when you wanted to leave. Besides, I’m single now.”
Since it’s a boomerang/might as well be buy one, get one free.
I didn’t look back to see his expression as I strode out of the restaurant.
My car was parked at the rehabilitation center, and today being a holiday, the traffic was a nightmare.
1/4
09:13
Chapter 419
If I went back for my car before heading to Gregory’s, it would take an extra two or three hours. Might as well go straight to Gregory’s.
Even getting a ride–share took forever because of the long queue. The streets were crowded, and every now and then, young couples would share a quick kiss, then look at each other with dopey smiles.
Youth is wonderful. Their love was so open and enviable.
When I arrived at the location Gregory gave me, I realized that this apartment complex was the same one he had given me a unit in two years ago.
I got out of the car and texted him.
[Edith, what’s the apartment number?]
He replied instantly, [Building 6, Unit 1, 5th Floor]
Same building, same unit. Just below mine.
If it weren’t for the one–apartment–per–floor setup, we’d probably be across the hall from each other.
I put my phone away and confidently made my way to the door, ringing the bell.
As if on purpose, it took several minutes before the door was pulled open, accompanied by a lazy, “Who is it?”
The man leaning lazily in his wheelchair lifted his sharp, piercing face, appearing casual but with a hint of impatience.
Pretending ignorance, I played along, “Edith said your leg was hurting, asked me to check on you.”
He glanced at me, “I don’t need it.”
“Oh, okay.”
I nodded, smiling, “Then I’ll be going.”
As I turned to leave, a hand with distinct knuckles grabbed my wrist, pulling me into the house with a bit of force.
Stabilizing myself at the entrance, I asked, “I thought you didn’t need it?”
2/4
09-13
Chapter 419
Gregory’s gaze was deep, his tone cold, “Suddenly my leg started hurting again. Is that a problem?”
“Nope.” I smiled and nodded, pointing to a pair of house slippers on the floor and asking, “Can I wear these?”
“They’re Edith’s.”
Gregory maneuvered his wheelchair, opened the shoe cabinet, and handed me a new pair of slippers, “Wear these.”
“Thanks.”
I slipped off my high heels and changed into the slippers. As I was doing so, Gregory, with a smirk, said, “Heard you and Bryant went out for Valentine’s Day?”
“Not true.”
I couldn’t easily explain the events of the past two years, but this was simple, I openly responded, “He brought a specialist from abroad to the rehab center today to check on Ramona. Said she’d be better in a month, tops.”
“So, it was out of gratitude?” he probed.
“What else?”
I pushed his wheelchair towards the living room.
Gregory laughed mockingly, “Who shows gratitude by going to a couple’s restaurant?”
I paused, “Couple’s restaurant?”
I hadn’t been in Vista Town long and didn’t know much about its eateries, assuming that the one we went to was just a fancier French restaurant.
Gregory eyed me, “You didn’t know?”
I honestly replied, “No idea. I didn’t even know today was Valentine’s Day until we got to the mall.”
Two years single, those holidays hadn’t mattered to me anymore.
Gregory’s demeanor softened, though his tone remained playful, “You’re as clueless as ever.”
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09:13
I didn’t want to argue, so I removed the blanket from his legs, sat cross–legged on the carpet, and started massaging his calf. Mid–way, something felt off, “Why has your injury gotten worse?”
Logically, such injuries should heal over time.
Gregory seemed to recall something, glaring at me, “It’s all your fault.”
“My fault?”
I frowned, “How does that have anything to do with me? Did I somehow make your injury worse?”
That seemed to hit a nerve, and he snapped, “Just shut up, will you? You’re annoying.”
I was going to drop it, but then remembered something crucial. “Do you remember that person Dorothy found to replace me in my identity?”