Chapter 6
The day Victoria got discharged, she was packing up her stuff when a nurse handed her a bouquet of flowers.[]
The nurse grinned. “Ooh, secret admirer?
Victoria glanced at Askhan’s name on the card: “My fiance.”
“Your fiancé?” The nurse looked surprised. “How come he never visited?”
“He’s in London,” Victoria managed a small smile. Tm flying out there next week.
Right as the words left her mouth, this deep voice came from behind her.
“Who exactly are you flying out to see?
Victoria spun around–Kerian was standing at the end of the hallway, looking like he wanted to murder someone.
She froze for a second, then said calmly: “You must’ve misheard.”
Kerian stormed over, his face dark “Vic, about the accident the other day, 1-
“Don’t” Victoria cut him off. “I totally get it She’s young, she freaks out easily, and hell, she’s your wife. Obviously you’d pick her first.“]
“What wife?” Kerian suddenly raised his voice, making people stare. 1 only married her to help her graduate! You’re the only one I give a damn about!”
He grabbed her wrist, his voice dropping to that coaxing tone
“Look, I know I screwed up last time. Your birthday’s coming up–name it and it’s yours. Just stop being pissed at me, okay?”
Victoria stared at that familiar puppy–dog expression and felt completely drained.
She used to love it when he sweet–talked her like this, but now she felt absolutely nothing.
On her birthday, Kerian threw an even more elaborate party than
Lasual
Victoria didn’t want to go b
but all her girlfriends had been invited, so she felt obligated to show up.
But when she walked into the ballroom with her best friend, her blood turned to ice.[]
The massive crystal banner that should’ve said “Happy Birthday Victoria” was now flashing “Happy Birthday Sophia!”
“What the hell?” Her friend stared at Victoria in shock.
Kerian rushed over, looking apologetic: “Vic, Sophia never really got proper birthdays growing up, you know? When she saw your party setup, she got really emotional and asked if she could celebrate too…”
“Just let her have this one, okay? We’ve got forever together–one birthday’s not gonna matter.”
Victoria stood there frozen, her ears ringing.
“Kerian!” Her friend was shaking with rage. “Are you out of your goddamn mind? Do you even remember that Vic is your-
“Forget it” Vic
iL” Victoria gently touched her friend’s arm and shook her head. “I seriously don’t care anymore.“]
Her voice was quiet, but it cut through Kerian’s chest like a dull blade.]
“Victoria!” Sophia came skipping over in a pink princess dress, linking arms with Kerian all lovey dovey. “Kerian, time to cut the cake!”
Kerian instinctively looked at Victoria, but she just nodded calmly.
In that moment, Kerian felt this weird panic wash over him
Like something incredibly important was slipping through his fingers.]
At the party, Kerian danced the opening dance with Sophia, gave her the gifts he’d originally bought for Victoria, and even promised in front of everyone
“Whatever wish Sophia makes, I’ll make it come true.”
Sophia’s eyes lit up: “Really?”
“Absolutely.”
Sophia hatted
her eyelashes: Then I want the entire new Tiffany collection!”
“Done.“]
“And all of Chanel’s spring line for next year!
“All yours.”
The whole room burst into envious applause
Sophia blushed and suddenly stood on her tiptoes, whispering in Kenan’s ear: “One last wish… I want you to kiss
- me.
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