Ribbons Unbound: My Fiancé's Lingering Regret novel Chapter 86

I spent a restless night, tossing and turning, my skin clammy with fever sweat on the sheets.

At dawn, Castro tried to coax me out of bed. When I mumbled protests and pushed him away, he leaned in with an amused smile to kiss me.

For the first time in seven years, his kiss made me flinch. My hand instinctively rose to slap him but I caught myself. Thankfully, it was just a brief peck.

"Awake yet, sleeping beauty?" he teased.

I turned away, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "It's Saturday. Why can't you let me sleep?"

His expression softened with concern. "You were running a fever last night. Come on, we need to get you to the hospital."

Though I felt better, his insistence won out and I reluctantly got dressed.

In the hospital corridor, we ran into Oriana. She was hobbling along alone, clearly having injured her ankle.

Castro's gentle demeanor vanished instantly. His brow furrowed with worry as he rushed to her side, steadying her with his hands.

"What happened to you?"

Oriana gave him a warm smile, then glanced meaningfully at me. "Just twisted my ankle. What a coincidence seeing you both here."

Castro tensed, throwing me a quick, guilty look.

"Ah yes, my friend's sister wasn't feeling well. Brought her in to check her fever."

I was long used to this charade.

From the moment Castro decided to keep our relationship secret, he'd introduced me to all his friends as his best friend's sister who he'd promised to look after.

Only his innermost circle knew the truth about us.

"You're such a good guardian to the poor girl." Oriana nodded sympathetically. Well, don't let me keep you - my appointment's down that way."

She gestured toward a clinic door further down the hall.

When she started to hop again, Castro didn't hesitate. He swept her up into his arms bridal-style.

"Let me take you there." he said eagerly, "Aveline, wait here for me, alright?"

Watching them, something inside me crumbled. My fever seemed to return full force, leaving me weak and dizzy.

I leaned against the cold hospital wall, not bothering to respond. The stark white corridor suddenly felt endless and empty, much like my future without him.

Despite his rushed attempt to muffle the phone, I heard every word.

"It's fine. I can handle on my own!" I said, as much to convince myself as him.

Before I could hang up, he called out, "Aveline, go home first. I'll explain everything later."

What was there to explain? Just another lie to add to his collection.

I ended the call and ordered an Uber home.

Castro didn't return that night.

Unable to sleep through the New Year's fireworks outside, I worked on some jewelry designs for my clients on my iPad.

Accidentally touching the messaging app icon, I saw Oriana's social media post from an hour ago - a stunning photo of fireworks lighting up the night sky, captioned:

"After years of wandering, I've come home to you. The fireworks welcome me back, just as brilliant as your love. Worth every moment of waiting."

I stared at the screen for a long moment before realizing I was logged into Castro's account on my iPad.

I had no interest in reading their intimate messages. I logged out immediately, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest.