Chapter 2

At the hospital, I endured the large red rash on my neck and worked through the pain.

When the IV was almost finished, I received an expected call from my brother.

The man on the phone chuckled. "Iris, you lost."

Six years ago, when I returned home for a friend's party, I was in a car accident.

Trapped in the car, Frederick risked his life to save me.

From then on, I fell for him, hopelessly in love.

After graduation, despite my family's objections, I decided to stay.

I was willing to work as his assistant at Frederick's company, taking care of him.

My brother never liked him and didn't think our relationship would work.

But I was obsessed and wouldn't listen to any advice.

So I made a confident bet with my brother.

Within seven years, Frederick wouldn't fall in love with anyone else.

If he lost, he'd give me ten percent of his shares.

If I lost, I'd listen to him and go home.

When Frederick's proposal made the headlines, it was hard for my brother not to know.

My relationship with Frederick ended in the sixth year.

I accepted my loss and paused before replying.

"Yeah, after my trip in three days, I'll fly back."

That evening, when I dragged my exhausted body back to the hotel...

I found Frederick in my room.

The company came to Colmar for team building, and my colleagues and I stayed at a hotel.

Frederick, being particular about cleanliness, stayed alone at his own estate.

Hearing movement at the entrance...

The man didn't look up and asked coldly, "Where were you?"

Taking off my shoes, I casually brushed him off. "Nowhere."

I didn't elaborate, and Frederick didn't seem to care.

He casually handed me a pink gift box.

"Sherry specially picked this for you. See how thoughtful she is."

"About the headlines—arrange for someone to handle it quickly."

"Don't let it affect her. She can't handle stress right now."

Opening the gift box, I saw a green preserved flower.

If I remembered correctly...

Yesterday, Frederick had given her ninety-nine of these flowers in different colors.

Sherry had even complained online that the green one was the ugliest.

And today, Frederick turned around and gave it to me.

I said "Mm" indifferently and set it aside without another word.

Frederick sensed my mood wasn't right and, for once, explained.

"Are you upset? Sherry and I really didn't..."

As he approached, the smell of alcohol hit me.

Mixed with the scent of Sherry's favorite jasmine perfume.

Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed the bright red marks on his neck beneath his disheveled collar.

I pushed him away subtly and pretended to get water.

I answered first. "I know. There's nothing between you two."

I paused and added, "I'm not upset."

Because I'd memorized his answer by heart long ago.

Every time he abandoned me for Sherry, this was his explanation.

"We're just friends. If something was going to happen, it would've happened already."

But after hearing my words, Frederick somehow exploded again.

Impatience colored his expression.

His tone turned cold. "So what's your attitude right now?"

"You know there's nothing going on, but you're still acting like this?"

I felt somewhat helpless.

Just because I didn't go along with him, he thought I was giving him attitude?

Taking a deep breath, I was about to speak.

His phone rang with Sherry's special ringtone.

Frederick shot me a cold look, turned his back, and answered tenderly.

"Frederick, my stomach suddenly feels uncomfortable."

"Can you come check on me and take me to the hospital?"

"Okay, wait for me. I'll be right there!"

As he spoke, Frederick's footsteps had already reached the entrance.

As he was about to open the door, he unusually paused to glance at me.

"There's a problem with a partnership. I need to go handle it now."

"Go to sleep. Don't wait up for me."

Without waiting for my answer, he grabbed his coat and left in a hurry.