Revenge: Start by Not Loving Him

Jeremy was caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He loved Jessica, yet he hated her too. She had witnessed all his humiliations and vulnerabilities. Once, he believed that as long as Jessica loved him, nothing else mattered. But now, when he couldn't get the answer he desperately sought, the past felt like a dagger lodged deep in his heart.

"What am I supposed to do with you?" he murmured softly, staring at the woman lying motionless on the bed, but no one could answer him.

That day, she had called him "Jery," a name she had used since childhood, back when he was just a servant in the Unikon palace. After they fell in love, she had switched to calling him "Jeremy," never uttering "Jery" again. Hearing that name slip from her lips had jolted him back to his days of servitude, a painful reminder that he was no longer her Jeremy. It was that realization that had driven him to lash out so violently. He didn't even recognize himself in that moment, as if he had lost his mind, nearly costing her life.

Perhaps the sugar water had worked its magic, for Jessica's breathing seemed a bit stronger. Jeremy called for the doctor, who checked her pulse and prescribed more medicine.

For three days, Jeremy took care of her, but the mounting issues in the court forced him to leave her in the care of Amy, his trusted aide.

Despite his busy schedule, he made it a point to visit her every day. Each time he saw her improving, a sense of relief washed over him.

On the fifth day, when he returned, he found Jessica awake.

Seeing her lying there after so many days of silence made his heart race. He felt a wave of anxiety wash over him, unsure of how to approach her.

He had been too harsh that day, and now he wanted to say something—anything—but the words eluded him. He longed to apologize, but the damage was done, and a simple "I'm sorry" felt utterly inadequate.

Jeremy stood there, grappling with his thoughts, when he noticed Amy Stone, the maid, watching him closely.

"She's been like this since she woke up," Amy said quietly. "She hasn't said a word. She drinks when offered water and eats when given food, but she just won't speak."

Jeremy's gaze shifted back to Jessica. He took a few tentative steps closer, trying to sound casual. "Jessica, how are you feeling?"

Jessica kept her head down, avoiding his eyes. The moment he entered the room, she had glanced at him once, then quickly averted her gaze, refusing to look up again.

When she heard his voice, she buried her face even lower, not uttering a single sound.

"Jessica, what do you want to eat tonight?" he tried again.

Still, she remained silent. But as he moved closer, he noticed her body tense up, her small movements betraying her anxiety.

A sinking feeling gripped Jeremy's heart. Is she afraid of me?

He didn't want to believe it, but as he stepped closer, he could see her trembling. Just as he reached out to touch her, she suddenly turned and scrambled onto the bed, burying her head in the curtains, a clear sign of her desire to hide from him.

The sight of her fear pierced his heart. She was genuinely terrified of him, avoiding him like he was a venomous snake.

Jeremy hesitated, rooted to the spot, watching her shiver. Deep down, he knew that if he truly wanted to hurt her, she wouldn't be able to escape. That realization made her fear all the more painful.

He longed to pull her out from her hiding place, to comfort her, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he took a step back, turning to Amy. "Take good care of her. I'll be leaving for now."

The last part of his statement was directed at Jessica, though she couldn't hear it.

"Understood," Amy replied, her voice steady.

Jeremy cast one last glance at the figure cowering on the bed before striding out of the room.

Once outside, he didn't rush away. Instead, he made a small peephole in the paper of the window to watch her reaction. He couldn't shake his anxiety.

After a long wait, Jessica finally moved. She cautiously turned her head, peeking around the room to make sure it was safe. Seeing only Amy still present, she took a deep breath and surveyed her surroundings more carefully. Only when she was certain the coast was clear did she slowly get out of bed and return to her place by the bedside.

Jeremy watched for a while longer, noting that she remained still. With a resigned sigh, he turned and left.