Chapter 8

"Yeah, I do… I really do… My photo gallery is full of your photos, and my notes record all your likes and dislikes. Your chat has been pinned at the top for over a decade. "Every time you text me first, I get so giddy that I can't sleep the whole night. I even wrote you tons of love letters. Maybe I'll show them to you one day," Damien murmured. In the eight years Juliet had known him, this was the first time she had ever seen him so lovesick. She stood silently, listening to his drunken self spilling out the truth. For a moment, the memory of her confession flashed before her eyes. Back then, he only fixed a calm gaze on her. There hadn't been the slightest ripple of emotion in his eyes. She used to believe that if she waited long enough, she'd warm his frozen heart one day. But now, she understood that no matter how long she waited, it'd never happen. Not all love could cross distances, so how could she ever change the heart of a man so deeply in love with someone else? Juliet didn't stay any longer. She turned and slipped back into the private room. Knowing she didn't like such gatherings, Henry made an excuse to take her home early. They had just stepped out and were about to grab a cab when a commotion caught their attention. Damien and Callie seemed surrounded by a gang of drunken men. Something they said made Damien snap as he grabbed a bottle and smashed it over one of the drunkards. The drunken men were instantly infuriated and lunged at him. Chaos erupted in an instant. Curses and screams rang out as bottles and chairs clattered across the floor. Henry's expression darkened at the chaotic sight. He threw off his coat and left Juliet with a single order before joining the scene. "Go upstairs and get help!" Heart pounding, Juliet turned and ran to call for reinforcements. By the time she arrived with help, she noticed one of the drunk men swinging bottles wildly as blood streamed from his head. He was aiming straight at Callie, who was hiding in a corner with fear written across her face. Juliet's heart clenched in terror. Her eyes widened, just in time to see Damien hurling himself forward. He threw his body over Callie and completely shielded her from the blow. Blood sprayed, dying his white shirt a terrifying red. Witnessing the sight, Juliet stood frozen and could barely breathe. Her heart lurched as she watched his bloodied self take hit after hit without flinching, shielding Callie. It was only now that she truly believed Damien's love for Callie ran so deep that he'd gladly sacrifice his life for her. She stood absentmindedly and still. By the time she snapped out of her daze, she found herself in the hospital. The light above the operating room flicked off just as a doctor came out, wiping his sweat. There was relief in his voice as he announced, "The surgery was a success. Oh, and is Callie the patient's wife? He kept murmuring her name while unconscious. We recommend she stay by his side in the ICU. Keep talking to him to get his attention, and it'll help him wake up sooner." The moment they heard that, the buddies urged Callie to hurry inside and watch over Damien. After they left, Juliet tugged gently at Henry's sleeve and muttered, "Let's go, Henry." Henry paused briefly before nodding and leading her away. When they got home, Juliet took out her suitcase and started packing her stuff. Henry couldn't feel assured as he watched her busy herself. He couldn't help hovering nearby and checking on her. Knowing what he was worried about, Juliet calmly turned to him and said, "Don't stare at me like that. I'm fine. I'm leaving in a few days. We won't see each other for a while, so you'd better visit often, or I'll miss you too much." Henry's heart ached terribly as he reached out and gently ruffled her hair like always. "Of course. I'll visit whenever I can and even check on how you're getting along with that friend of mine!"