Chapter 6

When Alex arrived, Liam was feeding me.

I felt awkward but couldn't resist Liam's insistence on feeding me, saying I was a patient.

"I'll do it."

Alex sensed something was off and snatched the bowl from Liam's hand.

"Liam, thank you for taking care of Izzy. I was busy yesterday and couldn't make it."

Alex said, then fed me a spoonful of porridge.

I nearly scalded my mouth.

Liam had always blown on it to cool it down before feeding it to me.

Seeing that I was scalded, Alex put the bowl aside.

Liam spoke in a flat voice.

"Isn't my aunt-in-law Serena?"

Alex took a deep breath.

"Serena just returned to the country. Her parents are gone. No one can protect her except me. The engagement is just a temporary arrangement to help her."

"Otherwise, how could she gain a foothold?"

Liam said nothing, but his sarcasm was evident.

I no longer believed those words.

When I went to the office that day, they were clearly kissing.

"Alex Thorne! Is this how you treat me?!"

Serena stood at the doorway of the hospital room, tears streaming down her face, looking at Alex.

She didn't seem to have just arrived; she had probably heard everything.

"You promised you'd marry me! You said I was the one you loved most! You lied to me!"

With that, she covered her face and ran out.

Alex was uncharacteristically flustered.

He stood up, about to chase after her.

But I grabbed his hand.

"Alex Thorne, you love her, and you're going to marry her, aren't you?"

Alex’s head throbbed.

"Izzy, don't make things difficult for me right now. Whatever it is, I'll talk to you when I get back."

I immediately let go, earning a look of approval from Alex.

"Liam, take care of her."

With that, Alex rushed out.

Five years of affection, easily worn away.

Liam picked up the porridge again and fed me.

"What's Uncle Alex thinking?"

I replied calmly.

"I don't care anymore."

Liam paused, trying to steady his trembling hand.

His heart was pounding.

After finishing my meal, I checked out of the hospital.

Only five days were left until my departure, and I still had some things to pack.

I didn’t have many photos with Alex.

I figured Alex probably didn't want them anyway, so I shredded all of them in the paper shredder.

Watching past memories turn into a pile of fragments, I suddenly felt a sense of liberation.

By the time everything was packed, Alex returned.

He looked tired.

Seeing the three suitcases in the living room and the empty bedroom, a nameless rage flared within him, having just appeased Serena.

"Packed so neatly. Are you really planning to leave for good?"

My cold hadn't fully recovered, and I spoke with a stuffy nose.

"If I don't leave, how will you marry someone else?"

The fire in Alex's heart burned hotter.

He scoffed.

"What's with this act? Who are you doing this for? I told you it was just a temporary arrangement. Izzy, why can't you just be sensible? I'm already so exhausted. Do I have to come home and take care of you too?"

Alex could gently soothe Serena, but I never received such treatment.

In the end, I was the one deemed "unreasonable."

I didn't want to explain, and I didn't know where to begin.

Seeing my silence, Alex laughed.

"Fine, fine. Do you really think this can threaten me? That I can't live without you? If you leave, don't ever come back!"

With that, Alex slammed the door and left.

My nose stung, but I held back my tears.

I didn't want to shed another tear for Alex.