Chapter 2

A coworker nearby saw how pale I looked and asked with concern, "Summer, are you okay? You look terrible. You just had a miscarriage—you should be resting properly. Money can always be earned later."

"If Lucas knew you were working this hard, he'd definitely want to get better soon."

Through the window, I watched the man casually pull out a box of cigars from the compartment and light one. With his other hand, he tapped on his phone a few times.

The next second, my phone vibrated several times.

"Babe, I'll come see you at the hospital later. I made your favorite cream of mushroom soup."

I loosened my grip at my side, my heart suddenly aching.

In five years together, Lucas never knew I was allergic to mushrooms.

I felt sorry for him with his immobile legs and didn't want him to go to the trouble. Seeing Lucas's hopeful eyes, I couldn't bring myself to tell him.

So every time, I'd force down the soup despite the discomfort, then secretly take allergy medication behind his back.

I sent a simple reply: "No need to come. Wait for me at home."

When I opened the door, I heard crashing sounds inside, followed by the thud of something heavy falling.

Pots and bowls had fallen on Lucas.

Seeing me home, Lucas lay sprawled on the floor, his eyes suddenly reddening as he pounded his legs viciously.

"Summer, it's all because I'm useless! I can't even help you set out the dishes."

A bowl suddenly fell from the shelf, about to hit his thigh. Lucas instinctively moved his leg out of the way.

Pretending not to notice, I went forward to help him up.

Usually I would frantically sign to comfort him, but this time I suddenly felt exhausted. I just shook my head to indicate it was fine.

Lucas was about to speak when his phone rang. Clear delight flickered in his eyes.

"Summer, I found a really good doctor. She just came back to the country. I want to go see her about my legs first."

I lowered my eyes and signed, "Do you want me to come with you?"

Lucas smiled and patted my head like always.

"You just wait at home for me. I'm afraid I'll disappoint you again this time."

I didn't miss the flash of panic in Lucas's eyes, but I didn't say anything more.

While Lucas was out, I called a car on my phone.

I followed Lucas the whole way, noticing the surroundings becoming increasingly familiar.

Lucas's Maybach finally stopped right at the bar where I worked part-time.

After switching shifts with the manager, I rushed to the changing room, threw on my work uniform, and hastily put on a mask.

As soon as I opened the private room door, I heard unanimous congratulations.

"Congratulations on returning to the country, Miss Ji. Someone can finally stop pretending to be crippled."

In the distance, Lucas sat casually on the sofa with his legs crossed.

My hand holding the tray suddenly trembled, and the bottle of expensive wine shattered.

The manager bowed repeatedly to the person in the main seat.

"So sorry, Mr. Walker. This one's mute and clumsy. Let me get someone else."

At this, one of them laughed loudly.

"Lucas, she's just like your girlfriend—also mute."

Lucas suddenly glanced at me and frowned slightly.

The private room's dim lighting meant I could only see Lucas standing up.

I instinctively gripped the hem of my clothes.

Suddenly a gentle female voice spoke—soft, yet clearly reaching my ears.

"Lucas, help me see if my hair looks good like this?"

Lucas instantly looked away and sat down, waving dismissively at the manager.

I stared blankly as he carefully fixed the hair of the girl beside him, his movements gentle and restrained.

Then I heard someone ask, "Lucas, your girlfriend still thinks you're really disabled. Otherwise she wouldn't keep refusing surgery. What if she finds out and breaks up with you?"

I lowered my eyelids, lost in thought, accidentally pressing my hands into the pile of broken glass.

The pain suddenly brought tears to my eyes.

That's right—we were only boyfriend and girlfriend.

Lucas had always refused to marry me.

I'd proposed to him countless times. He only ever said "wait a little longer."

I never knew what he was waiting for.

Now I finally understood—he was waiting for another girl to stop being angry, waiting for her to come back.

Lucas's cold voice pulled me back to reality.

I heard him sneer, his expression detached, as if discussing something trivial.

"Break up? In her heart, I'm more important than her own life. How could she bear to break up with me?"

"Besides, what right does a mute like Summer have to influence my decisions? The time I've wasted playing this game with her is already compensation enough."

I instinctively clenched my fists. The pain in my palm spread to my heart, making my vision go black.

I cleaned up the broken glass and left the bar.

As soon as I got in the car home, Lucas sent a message.

"Honey, the doctor is really busy. I'm still waiting for her. Go to sleep first."

It was followed by a string of caring reminders, but I couldn't read a single word.

So a person's heart really can be divided in two.

And in his eyes, this was a gift to me.

I mechanically replied "okay," then sent a text to the number I knew by heart.

"I've made up my mind. Schedule the surgery to restore my voice. I agree to your conditions."