Chapter 4
The doctor chimed in, “There he is. You were the one who signed the informed consent form for the surgery, so I assume you must be her husband. Didn’t I tell you to keep watch over the patient all the time while she was unconscious? Why did you leave her side? Thank God nothing happened. Now you should settle the admission procedures.” He handed Preston the admission slip and left the ward.
“He’s not my husband!” Jolene tried to explain, even though the doctor was gone.
Preston felt uneasy. “Enough. I’ve taken you to the hospital, yet you’re still trying to play hard to get? You should know when to stop.” He placed his bag on the table. Noticing the bandage on her head, he softened. “The food’s still warm. You should eat it before it gets cold.”
Seeing the familiar logo, Jolene was stunned. In the past, she’d always lost her appetite when sick. Preston would then travel miles, lining up for hours at that very shop for their croissants to cheer her up. However, in both lives, he’d never been that gentle since he learned of their arranged marriage.
Staring at the steam rising from the bag, Jolene didn’t move. Slowly, she closed her eyes.
Suddenly, she heard Preston’s hesitant voice. “About yesterday, Simone didn’t do it on purpose. Don’t hold it against her.”
He was doing this for Simone.
Opening her eyes, Jolene laughed. “Preston, that was intentional! I will make a police report so she gets the punishment she deserves!”
Preston’s expression darkened. Infuriated, he shouted, “I’ve bought you food and apologized on her behalf. Jolene, don’t take this too far!”
He couldn’t maintain the pretense. Jolene laughed at his realization. In silent protest, she stared at him with reddened eyes.
Preston seemed to know her stubbornness. After a while, he massaged his brow and sighed heavily. “If that’s the case, let’s compromise. You’re just making a scene so I marry you, right? In that case, the wedding shall go on. I’ll show up at the family wedding you long for. There, happy?”
Noticing his forbearance, Jolene lowered her gaze. She remembered the past. In her previous life, Preston hadn’t shown up at their wedding. He detested her and resented their marriage. Even now, it was only because of Simone.
Back then, he’d married her without love, likely due to family pressure. Simone, the housekeeper’s daughter, was his only weakness, easily controlled. They didn’t worry about his obedience.
But in this life, Jolene wouldn’t let history repeat itself. “There’s no need. My groom isn’t you. Whether or not you show up won’t affect anything!”
Infuriated, Preston was about to explode when his phone rang—Simone. He instantly forgot everything and left.
As the door closed, Jolene called the police. After explaining, she received surprising news.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Miller. That incident was considered an accident. Your fiancé signed a mediation agreement, so we can’t open a case.”
Jolene was furious. Frustration consumed her. She hurled her phone against the wall, smashing it. Waves of pain surged through her body. She cried out loud in the empty ward.
For the next few days, Preston brought fruit and nutritious food. He even consulted doctors about her condition. Having regained control, Jolene ignored him.
Seeing her coldness, Preston grew anxious, unsure why she was angry. Still thinking she was unwell, he endured it.
He finally lost it on the day of her discharge when she refused his car.
Unable to contain his frustration, he demanded, “I’ve already given in, so how long are you going to act up? Aren’t you worried I’ll get fed up and not marry you if you continue behaving like this?”
Jolene knew he wouldn’t believe her, so she hung her head, pretending not to hear.
Preston thought she was yielding, and his mood improved. He spoke less harshly. “You should never act up again. Uncle Cedric is coming back today. I’ll take you to our family dinner. He’s the head of our family and will announce our marriage tonight. I promised I’d be at the wedding, so I’ll make sure it’s grand. Are you satisfied now?”