Jessica POV.
The whole of burned with anger. I wanted to vent, and Liam was the only one I could vent on.
I thought after the hurtful words I said to him, he’d leave, but he just stayed there, not moving until night. I stood by the window the whole ti, watching his car remain where it was since evening.
When I heard a knock on the door, I went over, wondering who it was. Hilda wouldn’t knock on her door.
It was a delivery guy. Liam had ordered food. I felt my anger begin to dissipate, replaced by a mix of emotions I couldn’t quite process.
I took the food from the delivery guy, my eyes stinging with tears as I looked at the containers. Liam had ordered all my favorite dishes. I felt a lump form in my throat as I closed the door and walked back to the living room. The food slled amazing, but I didn’t have an appetite.
All I could think about was Liam, sitting outside in his car, waiting for to... what? Forgive him? Forgive myself? I didn’t know, but what I did know was that I couldn’t just leave him out there. I had to go to him.
After all, he didn’t do anything wrong today. He wasn’t the cause of my anger. I was angry because I’d have to live with another man, acting as his loving wife for God knows how long.
What if he asked us to get married for real?
I could say I won’t help him go through this illness but that would an abandoning my older brother’s only friend. Moreover, I called him and told him about it, and my brother begged to help.
How could I say ’no’ to him? They’ve been the ones doing everything for , and I’ve not been useful to them at all. My conscience wouldn’t allow to be a coward and abandon them when they needed the most.
Another reason I didn’t think it was too bizarre, maybe it was because I didn’t actually consider myself married. I was only married to Liam on papers, my heart still loves him though, but I don’t consider myself his.
But just as I was about to open the door, Hilda walked in. She was startled for a mont before she forced a smile.
"Hey. You’re ho," she said.
I frowned a bit. Why did she look nervous? And why was she trying to sound so cheerful? I raised an eyebrow, my instincts telling that sothing was off.
"What’s wrong with you?" I directly asked.
Hilda’s smile faltered for a mont before she regained her composure. "Nothing. Work was hectic," she said, waving her hand dismissively.
I narrowed my eyes, not buying her excuse. But before I could press her further, she exclaid.
"Wow, this food slls yummy. Did you order this? I’m starving."
She didn’t even wait for to speak before she grabbed the containers and started opening them, releasing the savory aromas into the air.
I watched her, my annoyance growing. What was she trying to do? Distract from questioning her?
"Co, let’s eat," she called out.
I waved my hand, "Go on. I’ll be right back." I said and went out, but when I got downstairs, Liam’s car had left. I raised my phone to call him, but stopped myself at the last minute. I sighed and went back inside.
"Where did you go?" Hilda asked as she ate the food.
"Liam was here. I went to see him off, but he already left," I replied begrudgingly and sat on a couch, staring at my phone screen.
"Did you two fight again?" she questioned and I shook my head, then nodded.
She clicked her tongue, "If you two are going to continue fighting, I’d say, it’s not worth it. Moreover, I don’t understand why you’re giving him a second chance after what he’s done to you."
I sighed deeply. Nobody would understand a heart in love, with their first love, especially Hilda. She would never understand as she’s never been in a relationship before.
"Why don’t you leave your job? The stress is getting too much, don’t you think?" I suddenly changed the topic.
"What job can a person like get? I an, getting a good job without a degree, and connection in this city is like finding a needle in a haystack." She said casually.
I stared at her without speaking. The scene of her leaving the hospital and entering a sleek black car and driving off replayed in my mind. The last I rembered, Hilda didn’t know how to drive, let alone a luxurious car.
"That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll get my brother to find you a stress-free job." I said but she shook her head.
"Do you want to be a charity case?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of pride and a touch of bitterness. "I can take care of myself, Jess. I don’t need your brother’s help or anyone else’s. I just need to figure so things out, that’s all."
She returned her gaze to the food and continued eating. I didn’t push it. I was like her too. I hate to be pitied and also don’t like owing people favors. Maybe that was why we got along.
But I still couldn’t let go of what I saw earlier at the hospital. The fact that Hilda lied to ...
"I want to learn how to drive. I’m wondering if you could teach ," I said, casually, testing the waters.
"Teach you?!" Her eyes widened, "Are you making fun of , Jessica?" she was looking upset now.
"No, Hilda, I’m not making fun of you," I said quickly, holding up my hands in a calming gesture. "I just...I didn’t know you couldn’t drive. I thought you learned after I went away." I explained, trying to reassure her.
Hilda’s face was still pinched with hurt, and I could tell she was feeling embarrassed and defensive.
"It’s not a big deal, Hilda, really. I’m not trying to mock you. I also don’t know how to drive, despite my years married to a rich man. Please, don’t take it to heart." I said softly, trying to comfort her.
Hsr face slowly started to relax but my heart grew cold. Why did she react so strongly to the suggestion that I was mocking her, when she actually knew how to drive? What was Hilda hiding from ? Would she deny it if I told her what I saw at the hospital?
Liam’s warning suddenly rang in my head:
"Don’t be so trusting, Jessica, be a little thorough, even with those you trust the most."
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