Even though she was shocked, Bianca’s arms tightened around him. “I don’t believe it!” she said, her eyes scanning his face for any sign he was lying. “And why…” she looked at his wrist, “why are you still wearing the bracelet I gave you if you don’t love me?”
Dave raised his wrist. The moonlight cast a sad glow on the rosewood bracelet, a reminder of their fading love.
With a heavy heart, he took it off, his fingers breaking the delicate string, and the beads fell to the ground at Bianca’s feet.
“Do you believe it now?” Dave’s voice came from the shadows, cold and empty, as he turned away, hiding his face from her.
Bianca’s eyes fell on the beads scattered on the ground, each one representing her prayers, hopes, and love for Dave.
For a month, she had gone to the church, asking God to bless the bracelet, protect Dave, and make their future together happy.
Now, seeing it destroyed and thrown away by him, she felt numb, as if the pain had made her unable to feel anything anymore.
She watched the beads, once carefully placed together, roll away and disappear into the grass.
Bianca’s smile was bitter as she slowly let go. “I see,” she whispered, her voice carrying a loneliness that seemed to hang in the air.
With a soft, almost sad laugh, she continued, “I… I now let you go.”
Let him go?
Dave’s heart skipped a beat at her words.
Eyes shut tight, he stood still, his hand that had broken the bracelet trembling slightly in the quiet air.
He couldn’t turn around. Fear gripped him, afraid that if he saw her sad, disappointed face, he would break down under the weight of his guilt. He couldn’t bear the thought that all he had caused her was pain.
So, with a heavy heart, Dave left without saying another word.
Bianca stayed frozen, her body like a statue, as she pinched her fingers until they stung.
When Dave disappeared from view, she collapsed against the pavilion pillar, her strength fading under the weight of her sorrow.
The scattered beads on the ground seemed to mock her; each one was a painful reminder of her broken dreams.
Unable to hold back her pain any longer, she shook with sobs, tears streaming down her face and falling to the ground like drops of sorrow.
The moon, once a symbol of peace, now seemed dimmed by the sadness that filled the air.
Dave moved back to his seat, his heart weighed down by the guilt of his actions. Each step reminded him of the hurt he had caused.
Skylar looked over her shoulder, expecting to see Bianca, but her absence only strengthened the coldness on Dave’s face.
“What happened, Dave?” Skylar asked, her voice filled with concern, matching the tension in the air.
Dave glanced at his watch and spoke in a low voice, “I have something at the company to take care of. If you’re done with dinner, let’s go. I’ll drive you home.”
Skylar exchanged a look with Reece, then glanced toward the bathroom. “But Miss Scott hasn’t come back yet…”
“Does it matter?” Dave’s words were sharp and cold as he looked into Skylar’s eyes.
Reece quickly interrupted. “If that’s the case, you can go ahead. I’ll wait for her here.”
Seeing the impatience and irritation on Dave’s face, Skylar wisely chose not to ask further. Something felt off, but she kept quiet, afraid to provoke him.
Skylar forced a smile as she stood up.
“Okay, let’s go,” she said, hiding her discomfort as she got ready to leave.
Skylar and Dave walked out of the restaurant, both lost in their own thoughts.
Reece checked his phone, leaning back in his seat, his eyes focused on the screen as he waited for Bianca to return.
When he looked up, his heart sank.
Bianca stood in front of him with a pale face and swollen eyes from crying alone.
Reece, slightly surprised, asked, “Miss Scott, are you okay?”
Bianca shook her head weakly, her eyes empty. She glanced at the empty seat beside Reece and sat down across from him.
“Dave and Skylar just left. They asked me to tell you,” Reece said.
Bianca nodded, then looked up and asked, “Mr. Barton, have you made a decision about what we discussed earlier?”
Reece’s heart skipped a beat. Bianca’s question reminded him of Skylar’s words.
Reece grabbed the glass of water before him and took a sip, needing a moment to think. Finally, he said, “I can help you.”
“That’s great. I feel better knowing you’re helping,” Bianca said, trying to smile, but it came out more like a grimace.
Avoiding her eyes, Reece cleared his throat and said, “It’s getting late. Let’s call it a day. You can send me the details when you’re ready.”
“Okay.” Bianca stood up, then hesitated. “About the legal fees…”
“Don’t worry about that now. We’ll talk about it later.”
Reece put on his coat, and Bianca did the same. They walked out together.
Reece kept looking at Bianca. Her face was pale, and she stayed quiet. He had always thought well of her. Could she really be the manipulative person Skylar had described?
When they reached the entrance, Bianca suddenly felt weak and nearly fell.
Reece quickly caught her.
“Are you okay?”
Bianca felt a sharp headache hit her. Her vision blurred, and she felt herself slipping.
“Take me to… the hospital…” she murmured.
Before she could finish, she collapsed into Reece’s arms.
When Bianca woke up, she found herself in a hospital bed, under observation.
She glanced to the side and saw Reece leaning against the bedside table, his head resting in his hand, eyes closed in a light sleep.
Bianca quickly sat up and gently tapped Reece on the arm.
Reece slowly opened his eyes, relieved to see she was awake. He stood up and said, “I’m glad you’re awake. The doctor said you’re fine, just need more rest.”
Bianca paused, realizing her fainting must have been from the aftermath of the car accident and her emotions catching up with her.
“Thank you.” She checked the time on her phone and saw it was already late. “I’m fine. You don’t need to stay. Please, go home.”
Reece looked her over, tilting his head. “Are you sure you’re okay alone?”
With a reassuring smile, Bianca replied, “Even if something were wrong, the doctors and nurses here will take care of me.”
Reece frowned slightly. Given Skylar’s description of her as manipulative, he wondered if Bianca had intentionally fainted to get his attention.
“Did something happen between you and Dave?” Reece asked gently, noticing her red and swollen eyes.