Chapter 2

To escape the commotion, I conveniently used my injuries as an excuse to check into a hospital.

My phone was constantly ringing with calls-I knew they weren't checking in on me; they were either looking for drama or ready to chew me out.

The messages proved it.

"Liam Thompson, how dare you treat Chloe like that! She cried herself unconscious! You need to get over here and apologize now!"

I couldn't have cared less.

Chloe crying over me running away? Impossible. She was probably thrilled I was gone.

In this life, she and that Ryan finally had their chance to be together. They should be thanking me, honestly.

If you ask me, they owed me a massive thank you.

Just as I was lost in this fantasy, my hospital room door swung open.

My mom and dad stood there, both furious.

"Liam Thompson, you've really got some nerve! Running away from your wedding, jumping out of a window? Who are you trying to make a fool of?!"

I hadn't expected them to track me down so quickly. I instantly felt like shrinking into the bed, quickly begging for mercy.

"Stop yelling, I'm in the hospital already."

I pitifully revealed my bandaged arm, hoping to stir some parental love.

But they just scoffed.

"Your injuries are your own fault. Chloe is also in the hospital because of you. You need to take responsibility."

Only then did I understand why they'd arrived so fast.

Wow, Chloe's acting was truly next level. This way, no one would suspect she didn't want the wedding either.

Then I heard my parents issue a direct order:

"As soon as you're discharged, you're having the wedding with Chloe again."

"No way."

My firm refusal left my parents momentarily bewildered.

After all, my marriage to Chloe had been largely my doing.

I transferred to Chloe's school in senior year, fell for her at first sight, and spent five years secretly crushing on her.

It wasn't until her family's company faced a crisis that the Millers approached my parents, proposing an alliance between our families.

At the time, I was overjoyed by the news and worked hard to convince my parents to agree.

Now, though, I was a completely different person.

They couldn't accept it.

"Why?"

The question came from a female voice.

My parents quickly stepped aside, revealing Chloe. She had changed out of her wedding dress and into a hospital gown.

Her figure was already slender, but now she looked especially frail, as if a gust of wind could carry her away. She swayed, a fleeting pang of tenderness and sadness piercing my heart for a split second.

Her eyes were fixed on me as she asked again:

"Why won't you marry me?"

I frowned, my heart still hard.

"Because I don't love you anymore."

At my words, Chloe's body seemed to lose all support. She collapsed weakly, passing out cold.

My parents shot me a fierce glare, then rushed to help the nurse get Chloe back to her room.

For a moment, I considered following them, but I resisted.

Still, I couldn't shake the thought: when did Chloe become so fragile?

Was she acting?

For the next few days, my parents were furious with me and didn't visit again.

My friend came to see me, giving me a thumbs-up.

"You're something else, Liam. You really pissed Chloe off. I thought you were crazy about her, chased her forever. Why give up now, right before the wedding?"

I waved him off.

"Too easy. Lost interest."

"Then, it's my turn to chase you now."

I looked up. Chloe, just discharged, stood smiling at my doorway.

"I don't want to see you."

I didn't hold back, practically kicking her out.

She didn't seem offended. She walked in, carrying a thermos, and started pouring soup for me.

"I made you some bone broth. Drink it while it's hot."

My friend, sensing the awkward atmosphere, quickly made his escape.

Leaving me alone with Chloe.

I kept a stony face.

Chloe brought the bowl closer to me, coaxing me like a child:

"Smell it. It's delicious."

A familiar aroma wafted into my nostrils.

In my previous life, Chloe and I had been married for over twenty years, the 'model couple' in everyone's eyes.

Even I thought so.

She was meticulous in everything she did, though she often missed holidays and anniversaries due to work. But she'd always apologize and prepare gifts-without fail, things I liked or had mentioned offhand.

Chloe, a pampered girl who had never lifted a finger in the kitchen, had even learned to cook. When she was home, she'd make the meals herself. She said she worried about my sensitive stomach, so she'd specifically learned to make all kinds of soups.

This bone broth was my favorite.

I once believed this was a sign of her love for me, but later, I learned the truth.

The thought made the soup lose its appeal.

I turned my head away.

"I don't want it, and I don't want to see you. Just leave."

Chloe bit her lip, trembling slightly. After a long moment, she managed a faint, strained smile.

"You don't have an appetite now. I'll put it aside. Remember to drink it when you're hungry."

I didn't want to hear her speak, so I pulled the blanket over my head.

Chloe didn't leave for a while; I heard her tidying up outside.

Only when the door clicked shut did I peek out.

The room had been cleaned by Chloe. She'd even placed a bouquet of fresh flowers where I could see them the moment I looked up.

I scoffed.

"What an actress."