Chapter 6
Nicole had always possessed an uncanny ability to wound Abigail’s heart.
Knowing full well that Abigail was desperately awaiting a comes transplant, Nicole not only snatched away her chance at recovery but flaunted it shamelessly. She also enjoyed parading Eric’s obvious favoritism.
A tidal wave of exhaustion crashed over Abigail. The futility of her situation struck her with sudden, brittal clarity.
In their complicated love relationship, she had always been the outsider. What was left to fight for in this losing battle?
“It’s fine,” Abigail said, her voice hollow with resignation. “Enjoy yourselves, I won’t stick around to dampen the mood”
With that, she tumed and lett
How many times had Derrick’s well–meaning attempts to bring her and Eric closer backfired?
Without tail, Eric would inwite Nicole along, transforming what should have been intimate moments into exercises in humiliation.
The script never changed. Nicole would provoke Abigail until her temper trayed, leading to yet another bitter argument with Eric. But not this time. Abigail was done playing her part and decided to leave them alone.
She had barely taken a step when Eric grabbed her wrist. She winced from the pain and turned around to face him.
He snapped, “I’ve already obeyed Grandpa and brought you here. Why are you throwing a tantrum?”
“A tantrum? Are you serious?” Abigail was speechless and in disbelief. “You invited Nicole. I’m just bowing out gracefully so you two can enjoy your little date. How on earth does that make me the villain here?”
Nicole hastily explained, “Ms. Reed, you’ve misunderstood. Eric and I are just friends. He only pities me because I might become permanently blind.”
Then, she turned toward Eric. “Maybe I should leave. I don’t want to cause trouble between you and Ms. Reed”
“Leave? Absolutely not,” Eric said firmly, pulling Nicole behind him protectively
He then turned to Abigail with a solemn expression and said, “Don’t think I can’t see through your schemes. You stayed out all night to get my attention, then tried to leave when Grandpa arranged this outing. You’re just using Grandpa to get at Nicole. You’re still as manipulative as ever
Abigal was stunned by his twisted logic. She was wrong whether she stayed or left.
In the past, she would have argued and even started a heated fight. But today, she was exhausted. She didn’t want to argue or fight anymore. Let him think what he wanted.
“You’re right, I’m manipulative. If you’re so unhappy, why don’t you just divorce me” Abigail retorted.
At the mention of divorce, Nicole’s eyes lit up. Yet she feigned concern, “Ms. Reed, even if you dislike me, you shouldn’t mention divorce so casually. It’s
“There’s no feelings between us, so why would it be hurtful?” Eric blurted out, seemingly eager to distance himself from Abigail in front of Nicole,
As soon as the words left his mouth, a flicker of regret crossed his face. But it vanished quickly, replaced by his usual cold demeanor as he stared at Abigail
Even though Abigail had long since given up on him, his words still sting. She looked at the man she had loved for five long years, her heart heavy with disappointment.
Five years ago, Eric had been her savior, rescuing her from the depths of despair. Now, he was the source of her pain.
When disappointment accumulated, feelings once thought impossible to let go of could naturally fade away.
“Come on, Eric, don’t say soch hurtful things,” Nicole interjected, putting on a facade of concern for them both.
“Why don’t we ride the Ferris wheel? We can talk things out face–to–face in the cabin. Please, Eric? For me?” she pleaded, tugging at Eric’s arm with a
boy pour
Eric glanced at Abigail, then nodded reluctantly, as if making a great concession
Abigall lowered her gaze to hide her pain. Eric new hill well that ever since her father’s suicide, she had suffered from severe PTSD. She couldn’t bear to look down from rall heights.
The Ferris wheel was completely out of the question for Abigail. Yet they mistook her silence for acquiescence
Nicole lupply linked arms with Eric as they headed toward the Ferris wheel. Eric didn’t spare Abigail single glance the whole way.
At that moment, her disappointment in him reached its peak.
To avoid wasting Derrick’s good intentions, she fought back her nausea and forced herself to follow them
Along queue had formed at the Ferris wheel, unsurprising, given its reputation as a symbol of romance for couples.
i a private cabin ti
Compared to the screaming and disheveled faces emerging from roller coasters and drop towers, the Ferris wheel offered couples a admire beautiful views while maintaining their composure,
Nicule clung to Eric’s arm the entire way, chatting and laughing. They looked every bit the picture–perfect couple, drawing admiring glances from
onlookers who whispered about how well–matched they were
Nicole was secretly thrilled. This arrangement made Abigail, the rightful Mrs. Gomez, look like their tag–along.
As the wheel slowly rotated, each descending cabin allowed a new group to board. Nicole, still clutching Erk’s arm, was naturally ushered into a cabl with him by the stall.
Abigail had no intention of joining them. As they boarded, she prepared to leave.
hist then, a creaking sound emanated from the Ferris wheel. The topmost cabin suddenly began to sway violently from side to side.
Screams erupted from the waiting crowd below as the staff’s faces paled with concern. They quickly halted the Ferris wheel and called for emergency
assistance.
Eric and Nicole had only just entered their cabin. She had been hoping to use this opportunity to get closer to him, but their ride was abruptly cut shor Staff members approached, informing them of a technical issue that required an immediate evacuation
Nicole’s face drained of color as she clutched Eric’s hand. “Eric, we
Before she could finish, he speang to his feet, grabbing the staff member’s an. “There was someone else with us. Which cabin is she in? Has she gotten
The staff member looked confused. Hadn’t they arrived as a pair? Since what was there a third person?
We should hurry and join her.”
Before he could ask further, Nicole pointed toward the crowd below. “Eric, I see Ms. Reed. She’s already down there. We
Eric scanned the crowd but couldn’t spot Abigail. Frowning, he exited the cabin, intent on searching more thoroughly. As soon as they stepped off, Nicole let out a shrill and grabbed Eric’s arm “Eric, my eyes! They’re hurting so badly! I think I’ve gone blind. I’m
