After I

Chapter 4

Nicolas spent the night in the hospital with Lisbeth and was jolted awake by her soft moans, Ile quickly called for a nurse.

In a delicate voice. Lisbeth said, “Nicky. I’m fine. You should check on Eleanor. She was in the water yesterday too.”

“She can swim and was wearing a life jacket. Even if she fell in, she can take care of herself. Don’t worry about her.

Nicolas’s tone was indifferent, his words cold. It was clear he didn’t care about my well–being.

Strangely, this realization brought me a sense of relief. A man who has moved on is preferable to one who remains indecisive and tom between two women. The latter is truly detestable.

At that moment, his phone rang. I drifted closer and saw it was a call from my subordinate. Jack. I thought they might have found my body.

Sure enough, after Nicolas answered. Jack’s hoarse voice came through the receiver.

-Mr. Wood, Director Ms. Knight’s relatives are nearly in hysterics. Do you want to come back and see her?”

Nicolas frowned, clearly irritated.

“Liz’s arm is fractured. She’s still worried about these trivial grievances. Tell her to come to the hospital and apologize to Liz immediately. If she doesn’t, I won’t forgive her so easily next time!”

With that. Nicolas ended the call.

I listened, bitterly smiling through my pain. He had no right to ask me to apologize. The one who truly needed forgiveness was him!

Yet, his face was as dark as ink, as if I had committed some unforgivable sin.

Meanwhile. Lisbeth continued her pretense, propped up in bed and speaking on my behalf in a high–pitched voice.

“Nicky, don’t be angry. It’s understandable that Eleanor is upset. I’ve been too clingy, but I have no one else here. Besides. you. I don’t know who else to rely on…

Nicolas paused, gently stroking her head with the utmost tenderness.

“Don’t worry. I’ll stay here with you for the next couple of days. I’ve been ton lenient with Eleanor. This time, let’s give her some time to reflect.”

If it weren’t for my inability to confront him directly. I would have wanted to slap him twice.

I should have reflected on this more carefully. Had I known things would turn out this way, I should have broken up with him the moment Lisbeth joined the company.

But Nicolas was so oblivious to his own actions, as if he was deliberately provoking me. He stayed in the hospital with Lisbeth attending to her every need–serving tea, cutting apples, and never leaving her side.

It wasn’t until after noon that the company called, reporting an urgent issue with a project I was responsible for, that

Nicolas finally left the hospital, albeit reluctantly.

However, on his way to the company, he passed my office and, finding it emply, grew even more frustrated. He pulled out his phone and sent in a text

ing

Eleanor, you’ve gone too far this time. Over such a trivial matter, you’ve neglected your work responsibilities. Do you have any sense of responsibility left?”

After sending the message. he went to his office to address the work issues.

The employees exchanged glances ajid whispered among themselves.

“Why does Mr. Wood seem so unaffected?”

le probably doesn’t care about Director Ms. Knight anymore. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be absent for such an important

maller.”

hapter 4

Ah. I really feel sorry for Ms. Knight. She’s such a good person…”

Jack’s comment brought me some comfort. At least my frequent purchases of hams for him had not gone unnoticed. Unli Nicolas. to whom I had devoted myself, I hadn’t even received a kind word before my downfall.