Chapter B

Tears welled in his eyes. He staggered, lost and disoriented, as overwhelming guilt and regret washed over him. He nearly fell. I instinctively wanted to help him, but I stopped myself as soon as my hand rose. If I helped him now, he would never forget it. I couldn't do this.

So I hardened my heart, refused to look at him, and said coldly, “You better leave and spend time with Kaitlin. She doesn’t have much time left. Don’t disappoint another girl who loves you.” Although I used to hate him, I still didn’t want him to become a despised man. After all, we once loved each other.

Rhys’s tears welled, his head hung low; he remained silent. He knew he had no right to speak to me. As he walked past, I heard soft sobbing and choking, and a heavy, uncomfortable weight settled in my chest.

Rhys left. He didn't contact me for a month—no calls, no messages. I learned about Rhys’s situation from Jordan. After that day, he accompanied Kaitlin. Her sadness that day worsened her illness, causing her condition to decline rapidly. Despite the hospital’s best efforts, she was in the late stages of cancer; treatment was futile.

Kaitlin insisted on being discharged after a week, saying she didn’t want to waste her final moments in the hospital. Rhys picked her up and took her on a trip. I simply nodded, saying nothing. Jordan saw my silence and asked no further questions.

Another month passed. Then Jordan called, his voice anxious. “Bridget, are you free? Can you come to my house?”