Chapter 24

Chase was momentarily caught off guard, his face paling. "Amanda? Where is she?"

"Isn't she still in Cloudville? Are you alright?"

Still dazed, Chase mumbled, "So it was just a dream."

"You must have been thinking about her all day; it seeped into your dreams. You really miss her, huh? I have the flowers and gifts ready for when you're ready. But you look a bit rough. Should we stop at the hospital first?"

Chase hesitated, his expression a mixture of emotions. No one knew the content of last night's dream.

"It's okay. Let's just go to the airport. Get my clothes ready."

Chase went to the bathroom with a dark look, while his assistant selected a beige suit and waited by the door. After a quick freshen-up, Chase was about to grab the suit but stopped. "Get me a different one," he frowned, adding, "Never mind, I'll find something myself."

He opened the wardrobe, finding it filled with light-colored suits. He realized it had been ages since he'd worn darker shades. It had been a year since he'd bought new clothes.

Not just the wardrobe, but everything in the master bedroom echoed with memories of Nicole. And I was slowly drifting away from him.

After searching through the closets, Chase finally found a black suit, neglected at the back. It was pristine, neatly packed, and dust-free. He had worn it when we got engaged. Back then, his eyes were full of love, and he was so nervous he couldn't even tie his bow tie. I, in a white dress, had stepped in to help. Our eyes met, filled with tenderness.

I smiled. "Chase, you look so handsome in a suit. It's almost criminal."

I stood on tiptoe and kissed him softly. At eighteen, love felt as gentle as a spring breeze, full of wonder.

Chase chose this suit, likely hoping to mend things. The man in the mirror was no longer the nervous, innocent boy. He appeared mature, yet somber. But like time, how could love ever return to what it once was?

"Let's go to the airport," Chase commanded.

"There's still some time. Perhaps you'd like breakfast first? Your wife mentioned your stomach condition and that you must eat regularly."

Chase paused. His assistant, fearing she would be seen as nagging, quickly added, "If you're not hungry, no worries. The plane will have food."

"No, let's eat here. Something light."

Chase finished his meal, clearly distracted, then stood. "Get the car. Let's go to the airport."

Despite having ample time before the flight, he seemed flustered. Just as he was about to leave, a voice from upstairs called, "Sir, it's bad. Nicole has fainted!"

In an instant, Chase rushed past me, upstairs, carrying Nicole hurriedly to the car.

The assistant carefully asked, "Do we go to the airport?"

Chase responded, "To the hospital."

No one was surprised. For two years, Chase had always chosen Nicole without hesitation whenever she and I were in a difficult situation. And once again, it was no different. I had grown numb, feeling no pain.

Standing by the car, I glanced up at the second floor, where two figures were visible—one seated in a wheelchair, the other standing. Derek, in the wheelchair, watched with detached amusement, a mocking smile on his lips.