Jovana had once twisted her ankle by accident. It wasn’t serious, but Armando had panicked like the world was ending. His eyes had turned red with worry as he carried her on his back, sprinting straight to the infirmary.
After they started working, when other women faked injuries to get close to him, he’d always brush them off coldly, not sparing them so much as a glance.
But now, that singular devotion he’d once reserved for her was being lavished on someone else.
Jovana squeezed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her face.
Her heart felt like it had turned to ice.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Armando. It read, “Vana, something came up at work. I’ll come pick you up later.”
Jovana let out a bitter laugh.
Her heart ached, numb with pain, as she typed back,‘No need.”
She thought, Armando, I don’t need you anymore.”
Rain had started falling outside.
Jovana walked aimlessly down the street, drenched to the bone, yet feeling no cold whatsoever.
Back home, she took a shower.
She stood before the calendar and marked an X on the 26th.
Only twenty–seven days left.
Soon, she’d leave this place that had broken her heart.
Jovana thought bitterly, “By then, Armando and his darling Juliette could live their perfect little life in peace.”
That night, Jovana tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Her head throbbed, and a fever burned through her.
In a haze, she reached for the space beside her, murmuring, Armando, I feel awful…….. Armando….…….*
But all she felt was cold, empty sheets. The moment her fingers brushed against that icy linen, reality slammed into her like a wave.
She suddenly remembered Armando was with Juliette now.
She thought, “Now they are probably tangled up in bed, lost in their passion.
‘Armando has likely forgotten all about me.”
A bitter taste flooded her throat.
Jovana bit her lip, threw off the covers, and got out of bed. She changed and headed to the hospital alone.
She registered alone, saw the doctor alone, got admitted alone, and sat through her IV drip alone.
If this had happened in the past, Armando would have been beside himself with worry.
He used to treasure her like something priceless, like she was the one person in the world he couldn’t bear to lose.
Jovana gave a hollow laugh.
Pushing her IV stand, she stepped out to grab a bottle of water.
But as she left her room, she froze. Armando was there, supporting Juliette, his eyes brimming with concern as they chatted and laughed.
Jovana’s steps halted, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.
Juliette noticed her and paused, then clung tighter to Armando’s arm.
Her face was pale and innocent as she said sweetly, “Ms. Atherton, I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you feeling unwell too?”
Armando stiffened at her words. His gaze snapped to Jovana.
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