Chapter 2

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a hospital room. The first thing I noticed was Freya's gaze—seemingly innocent, but charged with a subtle challenge. "Janice, you're awake," she whispered. "You must be furious... but you misunderstood Niall. Choosing me first was just a temporary move. "He's a good man. There's no way he would ever abandon you. This is all on me. I was the one who upset you so much that you fainted." Tears gathered in her eyes, and she lowered her head, her sobs barely audible. Niall's gaze softened, flickering with sympathy. "Freya, none of this is your fault. Don't blame yourself. Janice, it's all on me. Please, don't hold Freya responsible." I watched them both in silence, a faint smile playing on my lips. Niall held my hand, visibly uneasy. "Janice, are you feeling okay?" "Let's talk." His eyes quickly darted away, pretending not to hear me. "You must be hungry. I'll go get you something to eat." "Niall, you can't keep running away." "I'm just stepping out to get you some food." Ignoring me, he grabbed Freya's hand and fled in panic. I knew right then he wouldn't be coming back today. There was a time when he truly loved me. He had once been pursued by ruthless business rivals. When danger came too close, he stood in front of me without a moment's hesitation. Not once did he look down on my background. Instead, he pulled me out of the toxic family I was born into. Despite his parents' objections, he gave me a lavish wedding and treasured me like a priceless gem. Every single moment of those five years was a testament to his love. But despite everything, he still chose to leave me for Freya. I wiped away my tears and took a cab home. He never returned, nor did he answer any of my calls. At 1:00 am, my phone rang. It was one of Niall's childhood friends. "Janice, please, you have to come see Niall. If he keeps drinking like this, he won't survive much longer." It was clear he was punishing himself, hoping his self-destruction would earn my forgiveness. "Janice, Niall really does love you. Please come." I sighed helplessly after ending the call. Though I no longer loved him, I didn't want him to die. After all, he had once been a good man. I decided to drive to the bar. Just as I reached the private lounge, Freya's voice cut through the noise. "Niall, stop drinking! Are you trying to kill yourself?" Through the crack in the door, I watched Niall yank his hand free from Freya's grasp, his anger burning bright. "Get out of my sight. If it weren't for you, Janice wouldn't have turned her back on me. I'll never forget the resolve and heartbreak I saw in her eyes. This is all because of you! Why did you have to come back? Why?" "Niall, calm down. You were the one who chose me that day. Don't you already know the answer? Did I ever force you? Come with me—now." At that moment, Niall finally lowered the bottle and went quiet. He had always been distant and cold to everyone but me. This was the first time I'd ever seen him make a compromise for another woman. Even his childhood friends looked shocked. "Niall, my stomach hurts… Do you think something could be wrong with our baby?" Baby? Freya was expecting. He had actually gotten her pregnant. All this time, they'd been together behind my back. At that moment, it felt like I was sinking into a cold, endless void. Without hesitation, Niall scooped Freya into his arms, concern written all over his face. "Don't be afraid. I'll take you to the hospital." "But you've been drinking. You can't drive." "Then don't just stand there like idiots. Call a cab right now!" He was like a furious lion, his eyes burning with rage. His friends were left stunned by his outburst. "O-Okay, we'll get one for you!" I had no idea he cared so much about Freya. It only made me feel even more like a joke. Feeling numb, I climbed back into the car, my eyes fixed on him as he gently but urgently helped Freya into the back seat. He held on to her tightly, worry written across every line of his face. He kissed her forehead and the corner of her mouth. Drawing near, he murmured gentle, reassuring words. I followed them in silence all the way to the hospital. They never came out of the building that night. Alone, I stayed in my car until dawn.