Chapter 1

"Daniel, my heart hurts a little. Can you take me to the hospital?" I clutched my chest, speaking weakly into the phone.

"Jenny, I still have a few clients to deal with at the company. Could you go on your own for now? I'll come find you when I'm done," Daniel's tired voice came from the other end of the line.

"Alright, just don't overwork yourself," I replied softly, trying to suppress the pain radiating from my heart.

"Okay."

I hailed a cab to the hospital.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't hurt, but thinking that Daniel was only this busy because he was helping me manage the company made it easier to bear.

Sitting in the back of the cab, I leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur past, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside me.

Though the pain in my heart persisted, what weighed more was my understanding of and sympathy for Daniel.

After getting my test results, I found a seat and waited for my number to be called.

Suddenly, I spotted a familiar figure. I was just about to walk over when the doctor called my number.

When I stepped out of the exam room, I saw that familiar figure again. This time, I was sure I wasn't mistaken—it was Daniel.

But didn't Daniel just say he was busy with work at the company?

Was he too worried about me and came to find me after all?

A warmth filled my heart, and I stepped forward to call him.

Then I saw Daniel with his arm wrapped around a stunning girl.

The tenderness and affection radiated from Daniel's eyes when he looked at her were directed toward me.

I froze in place, a flood of questions rushing through my mind.

Who was that girl? Why was Daniel so gentle with her? I had never heard Daniel mention having a sister.

My body reacted faster than my mind—I strode over to Daniel.

"Daniel, who is she?" I stared at him and demanded.

"Jenny, what are you doing here?" Daniel frowned, his voice cold.

"Daniel, I forgot to mention I told you my heart wasn't feeling well, and that I'd be coming to the hospital. Didn't you say you were busy with work? What, done already?" I suppressed the bitterness inside and spoke calmly.

"I just finished. Katherine wasn't feeling well, so I brought her here," Daniel said, his brow slightly furrowed, betraying a hint of impatience.

"Who is she?"

"Kate? You're calling her by such a familiar name. Your ex-girlfriend?"

"Jenny, no, I'm Katherine. Dan and I grew up together," Katherine quickly waved her hand, trying to clarify.

She looked fragile, the kind of girl that would easily trigger anyone's protective instincts, but I caught the fleeting look of resentment in her eyes when she glanced at me.

"Is that so? I thought it was just a childhood friend pretending to be close," I said, staring at Katherine.

"Jennifer, is there really a need to speak like that over something so small? I told you, Kate wasn't feeling well, and that's why I brought her," Daniel's face darkened immediately.

"She's not feeling well? What about me? Did it ever cross your mind that I might not feel well either?" A self-mocking smile tugged at my lips.

"You've always been strong, but Kate is different from you. She's been weak since she was a child," Daniel's eyes shifted evasively.

"And what is she to you, that you'd favor her so much?" I asked, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.

As if suddenly realizing something, an unnatural flicker passed through his eyes.

"Jenny, I only brought Kate here so I could see you too. Don't overthink it."

Oh, so I was just an afterthought. The bitterness in my heart rose uncontrollably.

Listening to Daniel's explanation, the coldness within me spread like a winter chill, piercing and deep.

I suddenly smiled, but that smile was filled with bitterness and disappointment.

"Daniel, am I really that insignificant to you?"

My voice trembled slightly, each word forced through clenched teeth.

"Jenny, don't be angry. It's my fault you and Dan are fighting. Dan, you should go and be with Jenny. I'll be fine on my own," Katherine said softly.

Daniel's expression grew even more complicated. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but a lump in his throat stopped him.

He glanced at Katherine, a flash of hesitation crossing his eyes, but in the end, he turned to me, trying to soothe me with a gentle look.

"Jenny, you know that's not what I meant. I just... I just..." He stammered, unable to find the right words to explain himself."