When Love Breaks by jack

"I understand... I really do. How could I possibly blame you?"

I poured a glass of warm water, carefully slid a straw into it, and offered it to Cheryl, "Here, have some water."

As dusk settled and Cheryl drifted into sleep, Bryant and I finally made our way out. We planned to head home for a quick shower before coming back to keep vigil. The doctor had warned us... Cheryl could pass away at any moment.

On the way, I checked Cheryl's medical bills at the hospital. Bryant had transferred a hefty sum, running into millions. It was all spent on trying various new drugs and treatment options developed abroad, including two surgeries performed by top international specialists. Not just expensive, but it required connections too. Without these, Cheryl probably wouldn't have made it to Christmas. Yet, Bryant never mentioned any of this to me.

Sitting in the backseat, I turned to look at him, "Bryant, thank you for everything you've done for Cheryl. About the money... I'll transfer it to you now."

The proceeds from the sale of the house had been deposited, enough to cover the expenses.

His eyes fixed on me, "We don't need to settle accounts between us like this." "But we should."

After all, we were divorced. I had no right to keep spending his money.

Bryant sighed, "Are you just trying to put more distance between us now?" "Yes."

I was about to open my banking app when my phone rang. It was Gregory's call.

Bryant glanced at the caller ID, a touch of anger in his eyes, "He's calling already, just after an afternoon apart?"

"Bryant, I'm grateful for what you've done for Cheryl, but that doesn't give you the right to interfere in my personal life!"

I spoke firmly, "Don't make me remind you again, we're divorced."

He snatched the phone away, ended the call, and leaned over, pinning me against the leather seat, his voice cold, "If you insist on bringing up the divorce, then I won't hesitate to tell you..."

Another urgent ring interrupted him. This time, it was the hospital. He didn't stop me this time. My heart sank as I answered, only to hear, "Mrs. Ferguson, Ms. Webster... has passed away."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

My mind went blank. Despite being mentally prepared, it felt too sudden. Like being hit squarely by a punch. I was stunned, struggling to process the news. Even after unraveling the truth about our relationship, discovering Cheryl and I had no blood relation, and learning who my real family was, I couldn't easily shift my feelings. In my heart, Cheryl remained my only family.

Bryant took the phone from my hand, responded to the nurse, and then instructed the driver, "Turn back to the hospital."

With Bryant and Christine's help, we managed to take care of all the arrangements for Cheryl. The last time I was at the funeral home was for Grandpa. This time, it was for Cheryl. In just six months, it felt like I was constantly losing. Losing over and over again.

Thankfully, there was enough to keep me busy. Janedream had just restarted after the holidays, and we were slammed with work. Worried about distracting Gregory, I hadn't told him about Cheryl's passing, focusing instead on wrapping things up so I could return to Vista Town.

A spring collection launched right before the holidays sold out out om immediately after a popular influencer wore it on a reality show, boosting sales across the

board. Janedream was on a roll.

The night before my return to Vista Town, I was packing when someone knocked on the doox Opening it to see a man in a loose hoodie and casual pants, I instinctively thought it was Gregory, "How did you..."

But then I looked up, meeting Bryant's sharply defined features. I clutched the

17-40

doorknob tighter, a mix of emotions swirling within, "Bryant you didn't have to do this."