When Love Comes Too Late

The slap echoed in the ward, freezing Jayden's expression with disbelief and disgust, his cheeks flustered.

When he glanced at me, his eyes seemed like he didn't like it. He said, "Riley, you shouldn't hit people even if you're furious. Please keep that in mind."

I threw the pillow aside and retorted, "What's the matter? Are you scared because the slap wasn't aimed at you?"

Jayden tightened his fists, ready to move closer. Quickly, I pressed the call bell.

The ward doctor intervened, saving me from the confrontation.

As they left, visibly upset, I suddenly felt relief.

It seemed like the slap I delivered had left a psychological impact on him.

During the few days in the hospital, I didn't catch sight of him again.

This morning, Wendy accompanied me for a check-up and the doctor congratulated me on the results.

With a smile, the doctor said, "Congratulations, you can now be discharged from the hospital. What you need to do now is to rest well, supplement nutrition, don't drink or smoke and engage in other activities appropriately. It won't have any impact on your body."

The doctor looked at his eyes and added, "You can't drink alcohol. Please remember that. Don't dare to forget."

That alone made me feel that being discharged or not was still considered meaningless.

"But I want to drink," I replied, glancing at Wendy.

However, Wendy shook her head and said, "There's no way!"

"Fine! All right!" I had no other choice but to tell her.

That afternoon, Wendy handled the discharge procedures for me.

At that time, I could probably speculate that my parents had gone on their honeymoon again. That was fine for me. Besides, I didn't want them to be worried about me.

Later, I called Aunt Cora, who knew about it and reminded her not to tell anyone.

On the other line, Aunt Cora seemed to be concerned. She said, "Riley, where do you live? I'll have Jayden pick you up."

Listening to her words, I felt a bit strange and politely declined.

"No need, Aunt Cora. He has someone he likes. If he comes to pick me up, his girlfriend will be angry," I reasoned out and didn't want it.

"I'm staying at my friend's house. Please keep it a secret, Auntie. Don't tell my parents. They'll worry," I explained.

Aunt Cora sounded apologetic, saying, "Riley, listen to your mother. Jayden's child is just confused. He's always had feelings for you. I'll talk to him."

Why does she still call herself mom?

I glanced at Wendy and muted the speaker.

Aunt Cora kept lecturing, "They argue all the time."

I couldn't bear her mindset. I reminded myself she's my aunt who's loved me since childhood. I couldn't be rude.

After that, I said, "Aunt Cora, you're worrying too much. It doesn't matter to me who Jayden chooses. People can marry and divorce nowadays. Don't always defend my mom. It's not fair to Jayden.”

After that, I hung up the call and went into total silence.

As I looked back at Wendy, she had a relieved expression, which gave me goosebumps.

I reached out and touched her forehead, then mine. I nodded and said, "You don't have a fever either."

"Riley!"

I let go and tried to slip away, but due to physical reasons, I couldn't walk fast and she rubbed my head heavily.