Chapter 10
After everything, Jason started doing everything he could to win me back.
Every day, without fail, a bouquet of red roses arrived at my apartment.
Because he found out about my gastritis, he pulled every connection he had, called in favors, and managed to get me an appointment with one
of the best specialists in the city.
Of course, I wasn’t stupid enough to turn down good medical care.
He ran around picking up my prescriptions, collecting my test results–doing everything himself.
By the time he returned, he was disheveled and slightly out of breath, looking more exhausted than I’d ever seen him.
Still, he smiled, looking at me like I was the most important thing in the world.
“Jo, the doctor said you really need to take care of yourself.”
He hesitated, then added, “I can learn how to cook for you. Let me take care of you, okay?”
“That won’t be necessary.” I turned him down without a second thought.
His expression flickered–just for a second–but then he recovered.
“At least let me drive you home.”
I wanted to say no, but it was rush hour, and getting a cab would be a hassle.
So I agreed.
His mood instantly lifted.
These days, it took so little to make him happy.
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As long as I let him do even the smallest thing for me, he could ride that high for an entire day.
The entire drive, he kept reminiscing about our past relationship–bringing up old dates, old memories, old promises.
I barely listened.
I stared out the window, watching the city blur past, feeling nothing.
When we pulled up to my apartment, Jason got out of the car with me.
“Jo, you can come back anytime.”
His voice was gentle, hopeful.
His eyes–pleading.
I simply shook my head.
Then, without another word, I turned away.
I had barely taken a few steps-
“You bitch! You ruined my life!”
A shrieking voice cut through the air.
I spun around just in time to see Lily Carter lunging toward me–wild–eyed, unhinged, a knife clutched in her hand.
Before I could react, Jason grabbed me and pulled me into his arms.
A sharp gasp.
A thin line of red bloomed against his shirt.
Jason winced, his brows furrowing in pain.
“Jason?” Lily staggered back, her eyes widening in shock.
Her grip tightened around the knife, her voice rising in disbelief.
“Why is it you!”
She looked between us, realization dawning.
She had meant to stab me.
Jason had taken the hit instead.
Lily’s breath hitched, but her rage quickly returned.
“It’s all your fault, Jo! You ruined everything–I won’t let you get away with it!”
She lunged again.
Jason, despite the pain, kicked her to the ground.
People nearby had already noticed the commotion.
Realizing she wouldn’t win, Lily scrambled to her feet and ran.
It didn’t take long for the police to catch her.
She was arrested and sentenced without much trouble.
Jason’s wound wasn’t life–threatening, but it would take a few months to heal
7:34 AM
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With everything finally settled, I made plans to travel abroad–to breathe, to reset, to move forward.
The day before my flight, I went to visit Jason one last time.
“Thank you for saving me.”
For the first time in a long time, I was being genuine.
Jason smiled weakly, despite the pain.
“This time, I finally saved you.
“Jo… Can we start over?”
I let out a quiet sigh.
“That’s not how this works.
“I can’t, Jason. Because I stopped loving you a long time ago.”
Jason stiffened.
For the first time since all of this started, he truly looked afraid.
“Jo, please don’t go.”
His voice was shaky, desperate.
He tried to sit up too fast, pulling at his stitches.
Blood seeped through his bandages, but he didn’t even seem to notice.
“I was wrong. I was so fucking wrong.”
His voice cracked.
“I thought I could live without you, but I can’t. I can’t. Please, just give me one more chance.”
I glanced at my watch.
It was almost time.
“Jason,” I said calmly, “I have a flight to catch. Take care of yourself.”
I turned away.
No hesitation.
No second–guessing.
Not this time.
Behind me, his voice broke through the air, loud and desperate.
“Jo! No matter where you go, I’ll find you!”
I didn’t look back.
Because the best views in life weren’t behind you.
They were ahead.
The End.
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