Chapter 6

Those whispers sliced through Cheyenne's heart like knives. She turned to Nolan, who stood tall and composed beside her. The irony of it all was almost too much to bear. To the outside world, they seemed like the perfect couple. But Cheyenne knew the truth. Their marriage had been a lie from the very beginning. Nolan had never really let go of Georgia. From day one, that unspoken barrier had kept him and Cheyenne apart. When someone fell out of love, that was the end. A heart that had wandered could not be reclaimed. After the auction, Nolan stepped away to take a call. A staff member appeared, carrying several beautifully wrapped jewelry boxes. The weight of them dug into Cheyenne's wrist, making it ache with every step. Just as she moved toward the exit, a familiar voice floated to her ears. Through the half-open door of the private booth, she saw Georgia. Tears filled her eyes as she yanked her hand from Nolan's grasp. "You told me you had to work late, but you were actually at an auction with Cheyenne!" Georgia exclaimed, her voice quivering with tears. "If I hadn't come to pick out my wedding ring, I'd never have known what you were really doing behind my back!" Nolan sighed, his fingers tracing the tears on her cheeks. "I really do have to go back to the office soon," he said. "I only brought Cheyenne here to make up for a missed birthday gift. Please don't be upset." Standing in the shadows, Cheyenne watched as Georgia's expression gradually softened. "Then why didn't you tell me beforehand?" Georgia asked, tugging at his sleeve. "I saw you bidding on the ring I liked. It made me so angry." "It's all my fault," Nolan murmured, ruffling her hair. "I'll give you the ring soon." "I also want that sapphire necklace…" "Alright." "That pair of diamond bracelets is pretty nice too…" "They're yours." As Cheyenne stared at the heavy gift bags in her hands, a bitter smile crept across her lips. When Georgia got upset over something trivial, Nolan could understand and apologize willingly. But when Cheyenne asked even the smallest question, he acted as though she were being completely unreasonable. Whatever Georgia wanted, he gave it to her without hesitation—even the so-called belated birthday gifts meant for Cheyenne. Since when had Cheyenne ever been overbearing or intruded on his space? At the heart of it, he simply no longer loved her. No matter what she did, he would never make the effort to understand her again. Without listening any further, Cheyenne turned and walked downstairs. Just as she was about to flag down a cab, Nolan caught up to her. "Yenne, something urgent came up at work. Can you get home on your own?" Cheyenne nodded. As he glanced at the bags in her hands, he carefully added, "I ran into a couple of business partners. Their wives mentioned they really liked some of the jewelry I bought today. "Since you didn't seem particularly interested in any of them, I told them they could have them. Next time, I'll bring you back so you can pick something you actually like." Cheyenne didn't bother calling out his lie. She handed him the bags without hesitation. "It's fine. There won't be a next time." Nolan froze. "What did you say?" Cheyenne shook her head. "It's nothing. Just go handle your work." As his figure disappeared into the distance, she answered him quietly in her heart. Soon, they would each walk their own path. The future they once imagined together would vanish. Back home, Cheyenne succumbed to a fever. She spent the next several days confined to her bed. She wandered through a haze of dreams, with 16-year-old Nolan never far from her side. He spoke gently, guiding her as she took her medicine. He was attentive, keeping track of her temperature and wiping the sweat from her skin. But when Cheyenne opened her eyes, the space beside her was vacant. Only an empty glass and a few scattered pills lay on the floor. Her throat felt as though it were on fire. She staggered toward the stairs, desperate for a sip of water. But before she could take another step, her vision went dark, and she tumbled down the staircase. The fall left her bruised and broken, a deep wound splitting open on her forehead. Blood trickled down, soaking her clothes and skin. Lying in a pool of her own blood, Cheyenne felt as though every bone in her body had shattered. She couldn't even lift a finger. Startled by the noise, the housekeeper, Miranda Gomez, hurried to the scene. Horrified, she swiftly called 911 and rushed Cheyenne to the hospital. In the ambulance, she kept dialing Nolan's number over and over. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable…" The mechanical female voice repeated itself 37 times. With what little strength remained, Cheyenne clutched Miranda's hand. "Don't bother. He won't answer." Having cared for Cheyenne since childhood, Miranda was no stranger to Nolan's constant pampering. Seeing him absent now, tears sprang to her eyes. "Mr. Pierce must be tied up with something. Don't worry, Ms. Brooks. Once he's finished, he'll come to take care of you. He cares about you more than you know. "Remember when you cut your finger? He was so worried that he insisted on taking you to the hospital. Whenever you had period cramps, he never left your side. He would make herbal tea and gently massage your abdomen to help you feel better." Cheyenne shut her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks. Unfortunately, the Nolan who had once been so devoted to her was now nothing more than a memory.