Chapter 3 Such a Two–Faced Bitch
After a while, Hugh finally realized I was awake.
He quickly locked his phone and grabbed my sleeve, tears welling in his
eyes.
“Eleanor, you’re finally awake!
“You have no idea how worried I’ve been. We just got married, so I couldn’t bear to lose you!”
He looked like a man deeply in love.
He pressed the emergency button, and soon, the nurses rushed in.
One of the young nurses smiled warmly.
“You’re really lucky to have such a devoted husband. He never left your
side.
“All these bags and packages are for you.
Yes, so “lucky” that right when my health improved, someone made sure I ended up back in a hospital bed.
For eight years, Hugh had perfected the image of a caring husband.
To outsiders, I was the woman blessed with a man who never abandoned me, but in the quiet corners, his heart was ice cold.
I used to think he acted this way just to maintain appearances. Now I know, everything was part of the plan.
Sure enough, as soon as the doctor and nurse left, Hugh went to the sink.
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Chapter 3 Such a Two–Faced Bitch
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He carefully scrubbed his forearms and fingers, almost like he was afraid of catching something from me.
Done playing along, I asked, “How was the wedding?”
His hands froze mid–wash, and his voice softened unusually.
“Eleanor, you’ve been in a coma since the accident, but the invitations had already been sent.
“There really was no other choice, so I asked Gwen to attend in your place.
“We should really thank her for stepping up like that. It’s not easy for a young woman to do something so brave.
“When you are better, we’ll go thank her together.”
Ha. Since when does the rightful bride need to thank the woman who took her place?
“I think you two make a great pair. Honestly, you look more like husband and wife than we ever did.
“How about I step aside and let you two get officially married? That way, you won’t have to explain yourselves later when people realize your wife’s been swapped.”
Hugh froze. A flicker of panic crossed his face.
Then he snapped, “Eleanor, what are you trying to pull?
“You’ve been acting off ever since you woke up.
“Haven’t I done enough for you these past eight years?
“It’s just a wedding–can’t you give that to her?”
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Suddenly, I felt ridiculous.
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Eight years… and aside from footing my medical bills, Hugh had never shown me a single moment of affection.
I used to console myself, saying he was just emotionally distant.
But now, I understood–he had never loved me.
Right then, a knock came at the door and Gwendolyn appeared.
She glanced at the tension in the room and said gently, “Hugh, am I interrupting?
“Hi, Eleanor. Good to see you again. I’m your attending physician.”
She reached out her hand to greet me. Her smile was flawless as ever, but it sent a chill down my spine.
Just as I raised my hand to shake hers, Hugh smacked it away.
“Don’t touch her!”
He sprang up and pulled Gwendolyn protectively into his arms.
“She has AIDS. You could catch it!”
It felt like someone had reached into my chest and squeezed my heart. Immediately, I felt a lump in my throat.
Over the years, other patients avoided me like I carried death.
Even the caregivers Hugh hired often talked behind my back.
Turns out, he was no different.
Gwendolyn shrank slightly as if embarrassed.
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Chapter 3 Such a Two–Faced Bitch
“Hugh, don’t be like this. Eleanor’s still here…”
Watching them so close, for a second, I almost felt like I was the third wheel.
Then Hugh seemed to remember I was in the room. He let go of her hand and offered me a half–hearted explanation. “Eleanor, this is Gwendolyn Accetta. We grew up together, so we’ve always been close. Don’t overthink it.”
I just gave him a cold stare and did not say a word.
At that moment, she chimed in softly, “Hugh, Eleanor’s still recovering. Maybe you should give her some space.
“Visiting hours are almost up, so let me stay and talk to her.”
He turned to her, all tenderness and warmth. Then, he took her hand gently and said, “Women like you are the ones people fall for. You are so thoughtful and gentle.
“Unlike some people–no matter how much effort you put in, you still can’t get through to them.”
He threw one last sharp look my way, then walked out and shut the door.
Yet, his last line stuck with me. Who, exactly, is the one he thinks he could never get through to?
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