When Love Came Too Late

Bethany finally managed to get back all the wedding invitations she had sent out. She was about to head home when Shane called.

His voice was hoarse. “Get back all the invitations you sent out. We can talk about the wedding later. Yelena’s still unstable. I don’t want her to get upset right now.”

Shane had already thought of what he would say if Bethany refused. He would try to guilt-trip her like usual.

However, Bethany showed no emotion. She simply said, “Okay.”

Shane was stunned. Even over the phone, he could sense the change in her.

He knew Bethany hated anyone touching her personal things, yet he had crossed that line for Yelena.

He had sent her money for the dress to stop her from arguing. That trick had always worked before. This time, she accepted it quietly, which felt strange.

Shane licked his dry lips and said awkwardly, “I know Yelena’s behavior bothers you. I promise I’ll make her cooperate with the doctors and get better as soon as possible.”

“Shane, the water is ready. It’s your turn to shower!” Yelena hollered at exactly the wrong moment.

Shane opened his mouth to explain, but Bethany had already hung up.

Bethany found it almost laughable. Yelena’s report clearly stated she had bipolar disorder, yet she had never received any real treatment. Every time, she clung to Shane and demanded he stay with her.

Shane’s promises were empty. He would never keep them.

Thinking about that, Bethany felt her heart grow cold. She started packing.

She had only a few clothes, so just one suitcase was enough.

After six years in this house, her belongings were everywhere.

Photos of her and Shane were on the nightstand. Her pink apron hung in the kitchen. The couple’s toothbrush cups were in the bathroom.

She threw all of her belongings into the trash. She cut herself out of the photos on the nightstand and left only Shane.

Shane’s gifts, no matter their value, were all discarded. Anything burnable went into the fire. Everything else went into the trash.

Even the wedding ring, a symbol of their everlasting love, was sold. She donated the money she got from it.

Sea City had grown colder. Bethany developed a high fever that night, probably from the chill.

Living with Shane instead of her parents had taught her to take care of herself.

Even with a burning, dizzy head, she called an ambulance.

Bethany did not know when she fell asleep or how long she had slept.

When she woke, Shane was at her bedside. He looked worried. Yelena had not come.

Shane’s voice was hoarse, but his concern was real. “Why didn’t you tell me you were sick? I called you, but you didn’t answer. If the security downstairs hadn’t called me, I wouldn’t have known you were in the hospital. Were you trying to scare me?”

Bethany smiled, but her eyes were cold. “What’s the point? Weren’t you with your dear sister Yelena?”

Whenever she needed Shane, he was never there. His care and warmth had never been for her. She had learned to rely on herself over the past six years.

Shane frowned. “Are you blaming me? When I found out you were sick, I booked a flight back immediately. What more do you want from me?”

Bethany sneered. “I didn’t need you to come. I can take care of myself.”

Shane’s heart sank. Was this still the Bethany who had relied on him?

He stayed silent until his phone rang again.

It was Yelena. Bethany could hear her angry voice clearly over the phone.

“Shane, you left me alone in Maldivea just for Bethany?!”

Shane glanced at Bethany lying pale in the hospital bed and lowered his voice.

“Bethany is sick and in the hospital. We’ll talk about this later.”

Yelena snorted and said, “She conveniently fell sick right now? There’s no way that’s a coincidence! Don’t be fooled. She’s faking it!”

Bethany could hear Yelena’s words clearly. She held back her anger and looked at Shane.

Shane frowned and, as always, said softly, “Don’t worry. I’ll come back to you after she is discharged. Be a good girl, okay?”