Farewell, My Secret Love

Catherine said gently, "Jacob, Mia didn't mean it. No need to apologize."

I blurted out without hesitation, "I can't apologize for that."

I had already told her I couldn't eat seafood.

Catherine looked heartbroken. "Do you hate me, Mia? I prepared this especially for you two."

Jacob forced me to eat those shrimp to make Catherine happy.

Catherine seemed startled by my reaction and flinched.

Jacob hugged her and slapped me with his other hand.

"If you won't apologize, then I'll make you pay!"

I was so angry that I couldn't hold it back any longer. I passed out.

The first time I met Jacob was in my rundown little house.

I came back from school wearing patched clothes.

The village chief showed up at my door with three elegant strangers. They were Jacob and his parents. He told me they'd take me back with them and sponsor my education.

I didn't know why I was so lucky, but I couldn't shake off the fear I felt around them.

I locked myself in my room and didn't dare come out. Jacob came inside, gently patting my head to comfort me.

"From now on, I'm your brother. I'll protect you. You don't have to be afraid."

At that moment, the walls I'd built around my frozen heart began to melt.

From then on, I became like a little shadow following behind him.

Memories always seemed perfect in hindsight.

I'd freeze time and live in those days forever if I could.

I opened my eyes to find Jacob by my bedside, but Catherine was gone.

There was a hint of panic in his eyes.

"Mia, the doctor said you're not fully recovered yet. You shouldn't get so emotional."

I nodded faintly, not saying a word.

He pulled out his phone and fiddled with it for a while before looking up at me with a reproachful gaze.

"Why didn't you say you weren't feeling well earlier? Do you know how guilty Catherine feels now?"

The tenderness that used to be in his eyes was gone entirely, replaced by outright disdain.

I couldn't hold back anymore. Tears welled up in my eyes as I demanded sharply.

"Jacob, I'm the one who's sick!"

"I've already been pushed to this point because of you—do you even have a heart?"

"I told you I was allergic, but Catherine still forced me to eat it. What exactly was she trying to do?"

He didn't used to be like this.

Whenever I got hurt in the past, he would be so distressed that he would hug me in his arms.

"Mia, don't get hurt anymore. It breaks my heart."

But now, he's the one who's turned me into this.

Perhaps overwhelmed by shame and anger, he stood up abruptly.

"Mia, do I need to remind you that you're nothing more than a little pet my family supports?"

"Catherine is my girlfriend and she's the woman I've chosen to marry. Show her some respect."

"If you cross the line again, I'll make you pay for it."

With those cutting words, he turned and walked away.

It felt like a giant hand was squeezing my heart, leaving me gasping for air.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I tried to speak. My voice shook, barely audible.

"Jacob, I think it's time I gave up on you."

I watched him walk away.

While clutching at my chest as a pang of sorrow hit me.

For some reason, I felt like I was about to lose something—something slipping through my fingers no matter how tightly I tried to hold on.

I stayed in the hospital for three days.