Chapter 3 My phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor. Cracks spread across the screen in an instant. He was willing to throw away his pride just to beg for her forgiveness. five I didn't sleep a wink that night, replaying every moment from the past years in my mind. When the cherry blossoms fell, we embraced under a shower of petals. He said he wished time could stand still forev- On the first snowfall, he changed his flight to the earliest one available, so when I got home, a steaming pot of fondue was waiting for me. All those happy memories were now shattered beyond repair. Early the next morning, the wedding planner called. "Ms. Crawford, Mr. Garcia booked our photography and makeup services yesterday. May I confirm, is your wedding still scheduled for next Wednesday morning?" I stared blankly out the window. "I'm sorry, we won't need them." The caller sounded confused. "But Mr. Garcia just made the reservation yesterday..." "It's been canceled." I couldn't figure Kenneth out-he'd sacrificed his dignity for Nicole, yet still wanted to marry me. What did he think I was? Some convenient cover he could call on whenever he needed? Just as I left the inpatient wing, I ran straight into Kenneth in the ER. His clothes were disheveled, dried blood stained his cuffs, and thick bandages wrapped around his arm. When he saw me, his brow furrowed. "What are you, a bloodhound? You tracked me down this fast? This has nothing to do with you-stay out of it." I took a deep breath. "I'm not here for you. He grew agitated and blocked my way. "Don't go after Nikki. My injuries have nothing to do with her." Nicole, perfectly unharmed, stood behind Kenneth with her arms crossed, looking utterly indifferent. 0.0 % 12:02 "That's right, it's got nothing to do with me. He started the fight himself." Two police officers motioned for Kenneth and Nicole to come in for questioning. Kenneth hung his head and fol- lowed them. As they passed me, Nicole shot me a taunting look. "He'd risk his life for me. Would he do the same for you?" I froze, rooted to the spot. Nicole's smile widened in triumph. They hadn't gone far when my phone rang urgently. "Ms. Crawford, there's a video circulating online of Mr. Garcia assaulting Isaac Norwood. I can't get through to him..." My colleague from PR sounded frantic, her voice pitched high with worry. "Isaac?" "Yes, Ms. Kelton's boyfriend from overseas-the one she's been seeing for years." The explanation made my knees weak. Kenneth had always been steady, never reckless. But now, out of jealousy, he'd gotten into a fight and ended up in police custody. So, for her, he was willing to throw everything away. "Ms. Crawford? What should we do? The company's negotiations are at a critical stage-any trouble right now could ruin everything..." My head was pounding. "If you can't reach Kenneth, call his father. Someone from the Garcia family will have to step in." I hung up, the ringing in my ears growing louder until I felt like I was drowning in it. I turned and walked to the OB/GYN department to schedule a medical abortion. 56.1 % 12:02 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!