Simon spent his days in the hospital coming up with ways to draw attention to himself. The nurses and his attending doctor eventually gave up on placating him and led me take over instead.
Each time they came up to me and begged me to talk sense to Simon, I refused. They must have grown tired of his antics, for they urged me to go see him once. Just once.
That day, I entered the inpatient ward and sat on the chair with my arms crossed. I closed my eyes, hoping to get
some rest.
Simon picked up an apple and carefully peeled it before handing it to me. He flashed me an earnest smile as he said, “You must be tired, Olive. Here, have an apple.”
I opened my eyes and scoffed at his gesture. “If you know I’m tired, why are you so hell–bent on giving me more work? Just recover and get out of here already, Simon. I’m sick of seeing you here.”
His eyes turned red as he said slowly, “I wanted to see you, so I…”
I pinched the space between my brows but did not take the apple. My wedding was the following day, and I was due for a break after that. Simon should be discharged by the time I return to work, and I would finally be free from him.
My shift ended with me placating Simon. Aaron was already waiting for me by the hospital entrance. He jogged over to me and held my hand, saying softly, “You’re officially on holiday now! At last, the great Dr. Langston has time for her beloved husband.”
I snaked my arms around his waist and took a deep breath. I hummed in response and said tiredly, “I finally get to take a breather. I’m exhausted.”
Aaron eyed me worriedly and asked me if anything was wrong. I gave him a brief run–down of Simon’s shenanigans at the hospital. Having heard the full story, he grew grim and pulled me into his arms.
“Get some rest. I’ll talk to Simon after he’s been discharged” Aaron said darkly. He had always taken care of my problems and stood up for me. Upon hearing his solemn promise, I happily let him handle matters on my behalf. Upon returning home, I burrowed under the covers and slept through the night. I wouldn’t have bothered getting up the next morning for my bridal make–up and styling had my parents not dragged me out of bed.
The wedding venue had been set up exactly as I had envisioned. Even the wedding dress had been tailor–made by a high–end fashion designer from abroad.
Aaron had promised to give me the best when we first started dating. He wanted to make up for all the hurt I went through in my last relationship, and he had proven himself over the years.
Unfortunately, Simon showed up, suited and wheelchair–bound, just before Aaron and I could exchange our wedding vows.
He held a bouquet of fresh flowers as he stared at me and said, “Olive, I won’t let you marry anyone else! You were my wife in both lives. You will only marry me!”
The audience burst into an uproar while Aaron glowered at Simon, his hand tightening around mine. I patted his hand gently and picked up my dress as I walked off the stage.
Simon’s eyes glittered with glee. He seemed to think that I was choosing him. I stopped before him and lowered my head to meet his gaze. Snorting, I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face without hesitation.
I seethed, “My wedding was perfect until you ruined it, Simon! How dare you show up before me again! And what
1/2
** +25 BONUS
